This year marks my 30th year as a professional florist, and I still can’t quite believe it. I started doing flowers back in 1999, out of my garage on the Esplanade in Redondo Beach, with big dreams, tired hands, and a whole lot of faith.
I bloomed early. At 21 years old, I opened my first retail flower shop in Hermosa Beach. In 2003, I moved to Redondo Beach, settling into the shop at 1417 S. Pacific Coast Highway, where I still stand today. Same street. Same heart. Same love for flowers and people.
For 30 professional Valentine’s Days, I’ve designed flowers during the most intense, emotional, high-energy week of the year. Valentine’s Day is not just a holiday. It’s a full-on flower marathon. And I love it.
What I Want You to Know as You Prepare This Week
If you’ve ever wondered how to do Valentine’s Day right, here’s the truth from someone who’s been living it for three decades:
Order early. Always.
Never call the day of or even two days before. Call at least a week out. The closer you get to Valentine’s Day, the worse the service will be anywhere. That’s not personal. It’s logistics.
Avoid same-day or 24-hour online orders.
Most people don’t realize that florists can see when those orders were placed. Customers who plan ahead simply receive better service. That’s the honest truth.
Your roses should always be Ecuadorian.
If you’re buying roses, ask. Ecuadorian roses are premium. Bigger heads, stronger stems, longer life. This matters.
Fresh means truly fresh.
Most flower shops make arrangements days in advance. At Magical Blooms, our designs are created with freshwater, fresh greenery, and fresh roses, often minutes before they go out the door. Not the day before. Not sitting in a cooler.
A flower shop should feel warm.
We’re a down-to-earth, no-snob flower shop. You should never feel like you’re bothering a designer by asking questions. Designing flowers is our job, but making you feel welcome is our responsibility. When you walk into our shop, it should feel like walking into someone’s home.
Tip your designers.
This week is physically demanding. Designers’ hands are sore, backs ache, and we’re working with deep focus and care. Tipping is always appreciated and deeply felt.
Have patience with deliveries.
Valentine’s Day is not a normal day. Hundreds of orders go out. Unless you’re paying an extra fee for confirmed delivery timing, please trust the process. Your flowers are on their way, surrounded by love and music.
No photos this year, and here’s why.
For the first time in our history, we’ve chosen not to photograph every design. As much as we love sharing photos, it slows deliveries and backs up the entire team. This year, the priority is getting flowers out beautifully and on time.
This week is one big flower party.
Music is on. Designers show up early. Everyone must be in a good mood and working with excellent product. Energy matters. Flowers feel it.
Why Roses Still Matter
Valentine’s Day is one of the few moments in life where red roses still reign. Roses represent commitment and the heart of love. If someone says they don’t love roses, that’s okay. We have other options. But the Valentine’s color palette matters. Red, pink, blush. Yes, it’s classic. Yes, it’s traditional. And that’s exactly why it works.
Some holidays are meant to be timeless. Valentine’s Day is one of them.
Gratitude From My Heart
We absolutely love the South Bay. It is an honor to be the flower shop people return to year after year. We love when you call. We love when you visit. We love when you pick up flowers or trust us with delivery.
Thirty years in, I don’t take a single stem for granted.
Thank you for growing with me, trusting me, and letting Magical Blooms be part of your love stories.
With gratitude,
Jenny Barker
The Flower Doctor
Magical Blooms 🌹