By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
ASHTABULA — Growing up in Pierpont Township, Gary Chabola, loved working in the family vegetable and flower gardens, but never imagined himself becoming a florist.
Chabola, who owns Bloomers Florist, 4136 Main Ave., believes life’s circumstances took him in the right direction. After all, his full service floral shop has been successful for 24 years.
“After high school, I graduated from Kent State University Ashtabula and moved to Columbus, but I returned to Ashtabula to be near family,” Chabola said. “During that time, we were in a recession period and jobs were hard to find, a friend got me a job at an area floral shop and they trained me in floral design.”
Chabola found that he had a natural talent for floral design and in 1987 decided to take the plunge and bloom on his own.
“It is very scary opening a new business,” he said. “I initially opened in the Harbor area and stayed in that location for 18 years.” “The people there were very helpful, supportive and encouraging,” he said.
About five years ago, Chabola made an economic decision based on the utilities of his Harbor building to move to the present Main Avenue location.
“I have always seen Ashtabula as one town and my customers have been very loyal over the years,” he said.
One of the secrets to Chabola’s success is the wonderful example of former floral shop owner Bill Vendetti.
“He had been in business for more than 40 years and he had high standards. I always viewed him as a mentor and inspiration,” he said.
Chabola’s attitude and ability to relate to his customers is another key to the success of his floral design business.
“This business involves very happy times and very sad times, a lot of highs and lows emotionally,” he said. “I lost my parents at a fairly young age, so I can relate to my customers when they have to choose flowers at a very difficult time.”
Chabola also finds particular joy in creating floral arrangements for the arrival of newborn babies.
“A new baby is such a wonderful gift and affirmation of life and hope for the future,” he said.
Besides flowers for all occasions, Bloomers Florist shop also has available balloons, stuffed toys, plants and gifts to brighten somebody’s day.
“I have always believed you can make such a difference in someone’s life by just giving them a single flower,” Chabola said.
A good product at a fair price has also kept Bloomers Florist blooming over the years, as well as his excellent team.
Liz Didonato and John Digiacomo have been employed at Bloomers Florist for 18 years.
“Liz works really well with the customers,” Chabola said. “There is a lot of behind the scenes work in the floral business that people do not realize and Liz and John do an excellent job.”
Bloomers Florist has delivery available locally in Ashtabula, and also to the Conneaut, Jefferson and Geneva areas.
“We are a personal touch florist. We listen to our customers and I offer what they want,” he said.
Now after 24 years, Chabola is in his second generation of wedding flowers and bridal floral arrangements.
“This is a fun job, we all need to stop and smell the roses once in a while,” Chabola said.
Bloomers Florist hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. Call for more information at 440-964-8484.
