From Italy To Ohio: Floral Family Shares Its Secret To Success

When the De Santis brothers immigrated to America from Italy nearly 100 years ago, they couldn't have imagined that the little flower shop they founded in 1927 would still be in the family and going strong a century later.

Current owner Nick De Santis inherited the family’s Columbus, Ohio, shop, De Santis Florist, from his father in the late 1970s and has been operating it with his own family ever since. This year, the De Santis family is also celebrating its 75th anniversary as a valued partner of FTD Flowers.

While De Santis Florist prides itself on attention to service, quality, freshness and creativity, one of the biggest contributing factors to this local business’s success is family. The store’s tagline is: “When you want them to remember ... you remembered them.” This kind reminder highlights the importance of generosity and expressing your love — and as a family business, De Santis Florist believes there is no greater importance than that of remembering your family.

Patch recently interviewed Nick De Santis about the decades of experience he and his family have had serving Franklin County, and what it means to be a part of their local community and the FTD family. Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: Tell us about the history of your flower shop in the Columbus area.

De Santis: De Santis Florist was started in 1927 by three brothers, immigrants from Italy. The brothers split and started their own businesses. My father sold De Santis Florist to my brother Pat and me in 1977.

Since Pat passed away, his son Matthew and I have operated the shop. Over the years, many family members have worked in the business. At this time, my wife, Michelle, and two of Matt's children, Connor and Caroline, are working here with our loyal associates.

Patch: De Santis Florist is celebrating 75 years with FTD. What do you enjoy most about being part of the FTD family?

De Santis: We have been a member of FTD for 75 years. A lot has changed, especially over the last year, but I feel we have gotten closer with FTD due to the increased use of the internet to contact our members and service team.

Patch: What is your experience like being part of the Columbus, Ohio, community?

De Santis: Columbus is a wonderful, vibrant, growing city, but it still retains its Midwest values and charm. Of course, Ohio State sports are a very big part of our lives here, too. Go Buckeyes!

Patch: How did you get started in the floral industry, and what’s changed the most since you began your career?

De Santis: Obviously, I started in the industry at birth, but I also attended Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in horticulture. I minored in business to help me to contribute to the business in a more professional way.

I was involved in the Central Ohio Allied Florists Association, serving on the board and as president. Later, I served on the board of directors of the Ohio Florists Association.

Patch: Are there any community events that your shop plays a role in? Can you tell us about them?

De Santis: We are involved in two Catholic parishes and contribute to local charities and schools.

Patch: If you had to pick one flower to represent the people of Columbus, what would it be and why?

De Santis: I couldn't pick one flower to represent Columbus. I would need at least three: the red carnation, the state flower of Ohio; a white Dendrobium orchid for our diversity; and a blue delphinium. The combination would show how truly American we are!

Patch: What would you say has been the secret to De Santis Florist’s success?

De Santis: Our secret to success has been keeping our ear close to our customers because, after all, they are why we are here!

Learn more about De Santis Florist and its partnership with FTD Flowers.