Dream Business Blossoms for Elk Grove Resident

Name: Julie Quattrin

Age: 54

Occupation: Owner of floral and gift shop Flowers by Fairytales, located at 9120 Elk Grove Blvd. 

How did you decide to open Flowers by Fairytales?  

When I retired four years ago I wanted to do something artistic so I started making jewelry, but you really can’t make a living off selling jewelry because materials are too expensive. I needed to get a job so I started working for a flower shop down the road and I fell in love with the business, but I was only making minimum wage, so I decided to open my own shop.

I am also one of the original founders of the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center and on the board of trustees as secretary of the Old Town Elk Grove Foundation. I wanted something that appealed to my artistic side and I knew I wanted to work in the heart of Old Town Elk Grove. 

How did you come up with your shop’s name?

I loved reading fairytales to my daughter when she was growing up so I decided to call the shop Flowers by Fairytales.

What are your favorite flowers to use in arrangements?

My favorite flowers are peonies. They are pricier than roses because the bush only blooms once a year. They come in such lush, gorgeous colors. I love vibrant colors and exotic flowers.

How is your flower shop different than others?

I am the fourth florist on Elk Grove. I make sure to meet the customers, interface with deliveries and approve everything before it goes out. I try to offer more of an intimate relationship with customers without being pushy. I don’t want to compete with the other florists I just want to be happy and make people happy.

Do you have future plans for the shop?

My shop just opened about five weeks ago so I will be holding a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 16 with food and live music. I plan on stocking the store with holiday bouquets and adding figurines of fairies to arrangements. My daughter is also moving here from Berkeley and will sell vintage clothing and purses at my shop.

Anything else you would like to say?

I spent 29 years in a job I didn’t like and now I wake up happy – not grumbling. There are some non-fun things like budgeting, bookkeeping, and insurance stuff, but I still feel accomplished when I get through them. It’s easy to work hard and long hours when you love what you do.