Who's Who: Judy Pope, Owner of D'Jour Floral

Name: Judy Pope

Age: 63

Occupation: Owner of . “ is a business partner and my partner in crime. She grew up in the industry whether she wanted to or not. Fortunately she has a very good knack for it.”

How did you get started with the flower shop? This is old El Cerrito history. I was born and raised in the area, and I attended . After school when most kids were hanging out, I was hanging out in the back of the original Sunset Florist (across the street from Pope's current shop) from time to time, sweeping floors for flowers, and learning. And that’s how I fell in love with this crazy industry. My mother wanted me to be an educator. I went to school and got my credential, (but) this is where my passion is. I’ve taught school during the years, but even when I was doing that, I freelanced as a florist.

What do you remember about El Cerrito? It was a nice town to grow up in. It was very community-based and it still is. But it was more friendly in that it was very neighborly. You knew your neighbors and people who lived down the block. When I was a kid, where we’re standing right now was the five and dime. When I was in high school just going into college, Larry Parks opened a huge salon here in this very spot. He had, I think it was 14 hairdressers, including himself. They had a line of clothing and it was the place to get your hair done.

We’ve been here five years. I’ve always dabbled in antiques; antiques and florals are my thing. My daughter’s education is in clothing construction style and merchandising.

What are your hobbies? Right now my hobby is my work. I moved home 10 years ago — my household is still in storage up in Carmichael — because my mom was in failing health, and I moved home to take care of her. We always talked about opening a store. I’ve been involved in ownership of shops over the years. When this came open, I could see my way clear in investing with some money I had pocketed away. I was taking care of mom, I had given up my teaching and I had to find something to do to make a living. You can only sell so much on eBay and maybe make some money, and you’ve really got to know what you’re doing. Five years ago I saw this place was closing as a yarn shop, and I contacted the landlord. At that time my daughter was working for someone else. It just worked out: “You want to come work for mom?” And here we are.