Antioch family florist blossoms with new generation of owners

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Name of Business: Paula's Family Florist

Type of business: Florist

Owners: Christopher Trotta and Paula Franchetto-Trotta

Founded: March 2006

Address: 1412 A St., Antioch. The business is located in the "little, yellow house" on the corner of A and 15th streets.

Phone number: 925-756-6000

Website: www.paulasfamilyflorist.com

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday

Number of employees: family-owned and operated

Products and services: Paula's Family Florist features custom floral arrangements and plants for all occasions. The company specializes in wedding and sympathy work.

How did you get into the business?: The couple is the third generation in the florist business. It started with Paula's grandparents. "We are in the same building that my parents had their florist for over 30 years," Franchetto-Trotta said. "Combined, we have over 50 years in business."

Best part about the business: "Interacting with customers and creating floral designs that meet their visions," Franchetto-Trotta said.

Worst part about the business: Like many self-employed people, Paula Franchetto-Trotta says long hours are the worst part to a business.

Key to success: "Quality products, affordable pricing and superior customer service," she said.

Biggest misperception about the business: "People think that because the flowers are coming from a florist that they are too expensive. That is why a lot of people buy flowers from the grocery store," she said. "Really, that isn't true. We work hard to keep our prices competitive and economical."

Future plans: Fresh seasonal flowers come to the store on a regular basis. On Fridays, Paula's Family Florist sells a special bouquet of seasonal flowers for just $5 each.

-- Roni Gehlke