Santa Rosa, CA – Ana Prado’s journey from grief to growth has led her to a new chapter for her plant business, Blooming Coast, which is setting down roots in downtown Santa Rosa. What began as a therapeutic way to cope with the loss of her grandmother has evolved into a successful business that blends nature, culture, and community.
Prado grew up in a multigenerational household where her grandmother cared for a vibrant collection of plants. When her grandmother passed away in 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19 lockdown, Prado found herself searching for ways to deal with the overwhelming grief and isolation. She found solace in tending to the plants her grandmother had once nurtured.
“It’s literally like a living piece of her,” Prado shared. “I would see this little plant of hers and I was like ‘wait, I can’t let this plant die.’” Caring for the plants became a form of therapy, and soon, her love for them bloomed into a social media presence called Blooming Coast, where Prado shared tips and advice on plant care.
What started as an online passion project eventually grew into a business. Prado began selling plants at pop-up markets around the Bay Area, gaining a loyal following. Four years later, Blooming Coast has found a permanent home in Santa Rosa, joining other local businesses in a revitalizing downtown area.
The new plant shop, located alongside Espressioso’s coffee and Buck Lucky Collective, offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor plants, including starter kits, along with products from Prado’s La Mesa brand, a curated collection of floral-inspired Mexican artwork. In keeping with her heritage, Prado works with artisans in Mexico to sell handcrafted jewelry, tapestries, clay bowls, and cookware, bringing a unique cultural touch to her offerings.
“Blooming Coast has become an extension of myself,” Prado said. “It’s really nice to feel like I’m sharing who I am, my life, and my family’s story with people.”
Prado’s community-focused spirit is evident not only in her business but also in her relationships with other local entrepreneurs. Michael and Nora Specioso, the owners of Espressioso’s coffee shop, met Prado through a veterans’ networking event. Both Michael and Nora are Air Force veterans, while Prado is a former Marine, and the three share a strong sense of camaraderie.
“She is very enthusiastic about her work,” Michael Specioso said. “She cares about working with local people and smaller businesses. She’s very community-oriented in the way she thinks, and she has a beautiful aesthetic.”
The Speciosos, along with Lena Claypool, the owner of Buck Lucky Collective, are excited about the dynamic energy Prado is bringing to the downtown area. The trio of businesses is working together to revive the neighborhood’s spirit and offer a lively, community-driven space for locals to enjoy.
“I think it’s going to be perfect,” Claypool said. “We just have the same values as businesses, and we’re all just trying to do something cool in Santa Rosa.”
In addition to selling plants and artwork, Prado and Claypool are already brainstorming ideas for community events. They’re planning open mic nights, jewelry-making workshops, and crafting sessions to create a space where people can come together, share their creativity, and make connections.
As Blooming Coast prepares to open its doors by early April, Prado reflects on her path from a grieving granddaughter to a thriving entrepreneur. She encourages other aspiring business owners to take the leap, despite the fears and doubts that might come with it.
“I think just having that support of people who want to see you win, that are sharing information and are willing to help, is so important,” Prado said. “We really just want to see everyone grow and form these new centers of community.”
With Blooming Coast’s opening, Prado is not just planting the seeds for her own success but for the flourishing of a vibrant, tight-knit community in downtown Santa Rosa.