The warm glow of the afternoon sun filters through the windows of Garden Florists in Via Colinas, casting a soft light over the vibrant array of blooms that fill the cozy shop. Settled inside the workshop are buckets brimming with lush peonies, delicate lilies, and fragrant roses line the wooden shelves, their petals gently swaying as Chantal moves skillfully between them, tending to each stem with the care of a seasoned artist.
For the past 35 years, Chantal has poured her heart and soul into this flower business, transforming her passion for floristry into a thriving enterprise. From
humble beginnings working at a shop in Hollywood to now owning her own beloved establishment, Chantal’s journey has been one of perseverance, creativity, and an unwavering love for her craft.
“I just stumbled into it, but I fell in love with it,” Chantal recalls, her eyes sparkling with the same enthusiasm she felt all those years ago when she first discovered her calling as a florist.
Her days now start early, with Chantal making the drive from her home in Ojai, California to source the freshest blooms from local farms and wholesale suppliers. Back at the shop, the real work begins – cleaning, arranging, and preparing the flowers for the day’s orders and events.
While the physical labor of being a florist is something Chantal embraces, she notes that the job requires far more than just delicately handling the flowers.
“There’s the paperwork, the wedding quotes, the event quotes that you need to do,” she explains. “It’s not just the buying and selling of flowers.” Chantal takes pride in her ability to blend the practical and creative aspects of running a flower shop, using her keen eye for design to bring her clients’ visions to life.
But Chantal’s story is not without its challenges. As a small business owner in California, she has weathered one storm after another, from the legalization of marijuana impacting local agriculture to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The cost of product right now compared to five years ago, it’s five times higher,” Chantal laments. “Can’t charge five times more. The mathematics of becoming a florist, I mean, there’s nobody I would recommend to become a florist. Nobody.”
Despite the financial pressures, and the damage the recent fires have caused, Chantal finds joy in her work through her connections with the local community and her ability to use flowers as a means of communication.
“Flowers are a way of communication,” Chantal explains. “You want to make sure that you’re conveying what you’re trying to say.”
Whether it’s creating the perfect sympathy arrangement or a vibrant birthday bouquet, Chantal takes pride in understanding her clients’ needs and preferences.
Yet, even in the face of such adversity, Chantal remains steadfast in her commitment to her community and her craft. She speaks of the strength and resilience of the local businesses and residents, who have banded together to support one another through the challenges.
“I think for the core of Malibu and Westlake, I think it is [a strong community],” Chantal says. “I think we do watch out for each other and help each other.”
Beyond the financial and environmental challenges, Chantal acknowledges the emotional aspect of her work. Flowers play a crucial role in some of life’s most significant moments—weddings, funerals, celebrations, and heartfelt apologies.
“I see a lot of emotion in this shop,” she reflects. “There are days when someone walks in with tears in their eyes, looking for the right flowers to say what words can’t.”
This deep emotional connection fuels Chantal’s passion despite the difficulties. She finds fulfillment in knowing that her work contributes to people’s lives in meaningful ways, bringing solace in times of grief and joy in moments of celebration. With every carefully wrapped bouquet that leaves her shop, she sends a piece of her artistry and care into the world, reaffirming her belief in the beauty of her craft.
As Chantal navigates the uncertain future, she continues to find solace in the beauty and joy that flowers bring to people’s lives.
“I love what they do to people and the happiness that they bring,” she says.
Whether she is crafting an intricate wedding arrangement or a simple bouquet for a regular customer, Chantal remains devoted to her lifelong passion, ensuring that the spirit of Chantal’s Flowers endures for years to come.
The impact of Chantal’s Flowers extends beyond just the customers who walk through the door. Over the years, Chantal has mentored aspiring florists, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation.
“If someone really wants to do it, I’ll help them,” she says. “I’ll teach them what I know, but they have to be ready for the reality of the business.”
She emphasizes that the work is physically demanding and unpredictable, but for those with true passion, it can be incredibly fulfilling.
She also takes pride in the relationships she has built within the local flower industry. Working closely with growers, wholesalers, and event planners, she has established a network of trusted collaborators who share her commitment to quality and artistry.
“It’s a small world in the flower business,” she notes. “You have to build relationships, treat people well, and respect the craft.”
As she looks to the future, Chantal hopes to continue evolving her shop while maintaining the personal touch that has made it a community staple. Whether through expanding her event services or offering workshops to teach floral design, she remains open to new opportunities that allow her to share her love for flowers with others.
“I don’t know what’s next exactly, but I do know one thing—I’ll always be working with flowers in some way,” she says with a smile.
