'Enjoy Something Beautiful' at Graceful Lily Floral Design

Three things are of utmost importance at Graceful Lily Floral Design, and those are beautiful bouquets, outstanding customer service, and the grace of God. Customers walking into the shop on South Waterman Drive on the border of San Bernardino and Loma Linda, across the way from nearby Montecito Memorial Park, are instantly welcomed by the scent of fresh flowers and enveloped in a cozy, brightly-colored showroom that exudes warmth and welcome. Graceful Lily opened with great success in June this year, celebrating the occasion with local residents, fellow Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce members, and dignitaries including representatives from the offices of Congressman Pete Aguilar, State Senator Mike Morrell, Assemblyman Marc Steinorth and Southeastern California Conference Vice President Mario Perez. The flower shop also received recognition as an outstanding new business. "I think what makes us special is our heart of service," said owner Lily Alonso. She and her husband, Ernesto, combined forces with business partner Gracie Villegas, a longtime friend and floral designer, to open the shop. "We enjoy making people happy and comforting them. It's not just about flowers. It's about service." With Montecito Memorial Park so close by, both Alonso and Villegas explained they see many people come in to purchase flowers to memorialize their loved ones. They also help their customers celebrate graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and they help families memorialize their loved ones who have passed away. "We celebrate our customers' good times and we empathize with them in sorrow," said Villegas, who has been in the business of floral design for over 20 years. Said Alonso, "The human element has been really exciting. We've had people come in and cry of joy, because their kids are graduating, and they're so overwhelmed with these emotions. For me, it makes it that much more special. We understand what this moment means for them and how these flowers are a part of that. It's a good feeling." Alonso said it was her love of flowers that got her started in the floral design business. She began making arrangements for her church, Campus Hill Church, and would contact Villegas for help on some occasions. "When the opportunity came to venture out into business, my husband and I naturally thought of Gracie," said Alonso. "We asked her to be a part of this." Working daily with their best friend is what both Alonso and Villegas said makes their days so special. "When we walk through the door, every day is different, from the people we interact with to the designs we create," said Villegas. "But I think the definite highlight is when we can get together for worship in the morning." Their friendship and their spiritual relationship with God exemplifies itself in every detail of their work, they explained - down to their name. "Our name, Graceful Lily, is meaningful to us not only because it combines the name of two dear, lifetime friends...but especially because it reminds us daily that our place of business was a blessing made possible only by God's amazing love and grace in our lives. Our partnership with Him allows us to enjoy serving our customers and caring for their specific needs. We want them to 'Enjoy Something Beautiful' every day." Graceful Lily offers pre-arranged or custom-ordered bouquets and provides delivery services as well. They are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are located at 2619 South Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino.