27 Jun Richmond Flower Shop Continues to Bloom

Classic red roses are among the bountiful plants packed into Mariam’s Flowers, founded by Guadalupe Lopez.

Story by Ana Tellez-Witrago | Photos by Denis Perez-Bravo

Tucked between a gas station and a used car lot on San Pablo Avenue is a little lavender building. Step inside and immediately you’re greeted with the aromatic perfumes and bright colors of the roses, lilies, orchids, tulips and other flowers that now almost surround you.

Mariam’s Flowers, a shop open since 2010, has a rich history of serving the community, helping residents celebrate holidays, everyday occasions, and special milestones with a variety of custom floral arrangements.

This family-owned business was founded by Guadalupe Lopez, mother of Mariam Lopez for whom the shop is named. The mother and daughter run the business together. Guadalupe was working in an office and disappointed with the quality of flowers available to give to her colleagues when she decided to learn the art of floristry, including traditional and Japanese techniques.

Her passion for nature and design led her to open her first flower shop in El Salvador in 1995.

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When her family moved to California, the shop came too, moving through the East Bay with locations in Walnut Creek and the Pleasant Hill area before putting down roots at 12664 San Pablo Ave. in Richmond. The decision to choose Richmond was influenced by the city’s efforts to revitalize the commercial district along San Pablo Avenue and attract diverse businesses.

With over 28 years in the flower industry, Guadalupe and Mariam have built relationships with flower growers, so they know the quality of flowers they choose for their designs, where they come from, and the people behind them. Being situated in the Bay Area gives them access to top-quality flowers and the opportunity to participate in workshops and exhibitions that keep them inspired and informed.

Mariam Lopez says what sets them apart is their commitment to personalization and customer care. “We only sell fresh-cut flowers, which means flowers are not in a vase waiting for someone to pick them up. We make it freshly and customize it for each client.”

Many of their clients have become good friends, a testament to the strong bonds they have formed within the community.

“The flower business is an emotional business,” said Lopez. “We assist clients in celebrating life’s special moments, from marriage proposals to graduations and even sad moments, like funerals.”

By creating meaningful and beautiful flower arrangements, Mariam’s Flowers witnesses the emotions on their clients’ faces as they receive the flowers, which, according to Lopez, is the most rewarding part of their work.

Lopez says she inherited her mother’s passion for flowers. She also attributes that passion to growing up surrounded by flowers, colors, and the ability to design and play — not only in her mother’s flower shop but in El Salvador, with its tropical forest, and California, with its spectacular nature. This made Lopez want to keep the family’s flower shop going.

“We hope to be around for another generation because my mother started it, and now I’m part of the business, and we hope to include the next generation with us.”

IF YOU GO: To place an order, customers can visit the shop on San Pablo Avenue, call (510) 965-0977, or visit mariamsflowersdelivery.com, which features a wide range of designs categorized by occasion. Orders may be picked up or delivered if they meet certain requirements.