Sherry Sanbo is surrounded by her 36 Golden State Floral/West Sacramento Flower Shop employees, some of whom have been with her since the business opened in 1987. Photo courtesy of Sherry Sanbo

\WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - As Valentine’s Day approaches, many start to think about floral art for their loved ones.

But Sherry Sanbo and her Golden State Floral/West Sacramento Flower Shop team, think about it every day for 38 years.

Sanbo’s busiest days are a “toss up between Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.”

“We hire twice as many people as usual and work overtime,” she said.

Although her business is open on Valentine’s Day, customers should not procrastinate in placing an order.

 Sherry Sanbo. Photo courtesy of Sherry Sanbo

“Order early because if we fill our max, we can’t take any more,” Sanbo said.

From Golden State Floral’s massive compound on Enterprise Boulevard in West Sacramento, Sanbo has built a wholesale and retail floral operation (West Sacramento Flower Shop) that rivals the largest, with 36 full- and part-time employees. That includes drivers, production specialists, team leaders, assembly line workers, office managers, operation manager Siu Wong and lead designer Eloisa Castaneda. Many of the 36 employees have been with Sanbo more than 10 years and some employees since she opened in 1987.

While it might be a formidable challenge to manage for anyone, Sanbo is 80 years old and currently uses a wheelchair with no plans to retire. Her employees “are like family and the business of bringing floral art to homes and gatherings is a joy.”

Sherry Sanbo and her 36 employees will be working overtime the next several days in preparation for Valentine’s Day. The day is one of the two busiest days of the year for Sanbo’s flower business. Photo courtesy of Sherry Sanbo

Sanbo began life in an internment camp at Tule Lake in 1944. One of her earliest memories is of having to leave her doll and buggy behind when leaving because of a rule that you could take only what you could carry. From these humble beginnings, Sanbo has acquired a zest for life that impresses everyone she meets.

Contact Golden State Floral at 916-372-4653 for wholesale purchases or individual purchases through West Sacramento Flower Shop at 916-372-8013. Visit online at www.westsacramentoflowershop.com for hundreds of gift and decorating ideas.