Scarborough Affair's Grand Opening: A Journey from Garage Dreams to Floral Reality
What a journey it has been! I’m excited to share the grand opening of Scarborough Affair’s first brick-and-mortar shop in San Luis Obispo. This milestone represents not just a new chapter but the culmination of years of dedicated effort, hard-earned lessons, and a vision that’s been driving me for a long time. Every challenge and every achievement along the way has led to this point, and I’m eager to bring my passion for floral design to the Central Coast. Thank you for being part of this journey—I look forward to welcoming you to the shop and continuing to create beauty together.
For a deeper dive into everything that has happened up to this point, be sure to check out my blog below. It’s been quite a ride, and I’m excited to share the story with you!
My journey with flowers began in a small flower shop in San Francisco, where I took my first job while attending SF State full-time. From the moment I walked into that shop, I felt a connection. The vibrant colors, the variety of blooms, and the creativity involved in crafting arrangements captivated me. I dedicated myself to learning everything I could about the floral industry, working long hours and absorbing knowledge at every opportunity.
Those early years in San Francisco were formative. I was young and driven, determined to create beauty and bring joy through flowers. This commitment laid the foundation for everything that followed.
After a few solid years of learning and growing, I decided to take the plunge and open Scarborough Affair. I set up shop in my landlady’s garage in North Beach, San Francisco—with her permission, of course! That garage became my creative haven, a place where I could experiment, create, and build my brand from the ground up.
Not long after opening, I got a call that seemed too good to be true—a casting agent from the HBO show Full Bloom wanted me to join the cast. I couldn’t believe it! But when the time came for the interview with one of the producers, nerves got the best of me. I completely blew it. I was so nervous, and my confidence was shaky—I had just been someone’s employee a few weeks before and didn’t really know what I was or what I wanted to be yet.
But even though I didn’t make it on the show, the experience was a sign that I was on the right path. It was a reminder that I had something special, even if I didn’t fully see it yet.
Then, just as things were starting to pick up, the pandemic hit, and everything came to a grinding halt. The flower market shut down, and like so many others, I found myself at a crossroads. My husband Marc and I decided to leave San Francisco in search of greener pastures, and we landed in Dallas, Texas.
Dallas was a fresh start, but it wasn’t easy. Business was slow, and there were days when I wondered if I should throw in the towel and pursue something else. But then, just when I was feeling the weight of doubt, I received a call that changed everything—one of the top interior design teams in the country wanted my help on a project. It was a dream come true.
That project turned into a two-month contract, which led to more opportunities, more connections, and eventually, a huge account at the world-famous Carbone restaurant. My work was published in prestigious design magazines, and I started to believe in myself and my abilities in a way I hadn’t before. It was a magical time, working in some of the most stunning and prestigious homes in the country, all while operating out of a garage in the intense Texas heat—without the luxury of a floral fridge. It was tough, but grit and determination fueled every step of the way
These opportunities have pushed me beyond my limits, guiding me to become the best floral designer and stylist I can be. They’ve opened my eyes to a world where beauty isn’t just an accent but the very essence of every space.
Throughout this journey, I’ve come to realize that true artistry lies in the details—where each choice, every placement, is made with intention. To me, floral design is more than arranging flowers; it’s about creating a living, breathing space within a vase. Beauty isn’t just something you see; it’s something you feel, often in the most unexpected places. These experiences have refined my vision and deepened my understanding of what it means to create with purpose.
Life has a way of guiding us to where we’re meant to be. After some unexpected changes, we made the difficult decision to sell our home in Dallas. While it was a challenge, it felt like a gentle nudge back to California—a place that has always held a special place in my heart. Although I was on the verge of opening a shop in Dallas, I realized that the deeper my roots grew there, the harder it would be to leave.
Despite the success I found in Dallas, I missed California’s unique charm, its vibrant energy, and, most importantly, being close to my family. As I prepared for my move to San Luis Obispo, I reached out to agencies to maintain my styling work with clients in San Francisco and Los Angeles. I connected with an agency that shared my vision, but the process demands patience. With my Dallas accounts behind me, I rekindled a dream that had long been in my heart: opening a flower shop in California, where I could be near my family.
With my proceeds from our house sale and the unwavering support of my family, I found the perfect spot in San Luis Obispo to bring Scarborough Affair to life as a brick-and-mortar shop. This shop is more than just a business to me—it’s a reflection of everything I’ve worked for, every challenge I’ve overcome, and every dream I’ve held onto, even when the road was tough.
Every detail in this shop has been meticulously planned and designed from my heart. It’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever imagined, and when I walk through the doors, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and joy. It’s a dream come true, and I’m so excited to share it with all of you. The shop I’ve designed is a tribute to the time I spent working in these extraordinary spaces alongside incredibly talented and gifted individuals. It reflects the inspiration I’ve drawn from each experience, a celebration of the artistry and creativity that has shaped my journey. Every corner of this shop tells a story—of the places I’ve been and the people who have influenced me—capturing the essence of beauty and intentional design that I’ve come to cherish.
I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to flower the Central Coast, to continue my styling and design work, and to bring beauty and joy into the lives of those around me. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey—my family, my friends, my clients, and every person who has believed in Scarborough Affair. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
