German Chino, Eugenia Jara and their team are celebrating their fifteenth Valentine's Day, spreading love and joy to residents in Westchester County with their exquisite floral arrangements.
The story of this husband-and-wife duo began more than 15 years ago in a Manhattan flower shop, where they developed a strong bond as co-workers united by their passion for plants and flowers. Their love blossomed, and in 2009, they decided to take over the Scarsdale Flower Boutique, officially reopening it just a week before Valentine's Day.
"We call it our baby,” said Chino. “This is one of our babies."
Located in the heart of the village, Scarsdale Flower Boutique offers a wide variety of flowers and plants from all over the world, ensuring there's a perfect option for every customer.
“We bring all different types of flowers…like [ones] from Holland, from South America [and] from Mexico,” said Chino.
As first-generation Americans, the task of opening the store was daunting, but their love for each other and their passion for plants shone through, endearing them to the community.
"I’ve known people for a long time here in Scarsdale…[some] since they went to high school,” said Chino. “So, I [would] do their prom corsage, and then I’d do the wedding flowers, and then I see them with a kiddo too. That's kind of amazing for me to see...the love is blooming."
After 15 years of spreading love, joy and camaraderie in the community, Chino and Jara’s “American Dream” was more than they could have hoped for.
“When you dream something, the dreams come true,” said Jara. “I came when I [was] 17 years old. I never thought I [would] have a family…and this flower shop. I'm so thankful [for] this country, and [for] all our customers.”
If you're still in need of a last-minute bouquet,
Scarsdale Flower Boutique is still taking Valentine's Day orders. The shop also caters to a range of events, including birthdays, weddings, and even another holiday coming up – Mother's Day.