I used to own a flower shop in Century City, California. It was charmingly small, but moreover, it was where countless people would order flowers to pay tribute to the many milestones of their lives; and for this reason, my little flower shop has my respect.
In 1993, my friend Janet and I opened that very small, by appointment only, flower shop in an old vacated church in Santa Monica, California. We called it, “The Flower Studio.” It was perfect – we didn’t have employees, we could come and go as we pleased, we brought our children there to play on the front lawn, and we created some of the most beautiful floral arrangements you could ever imagine. Well, Janet did. I took care of the bookkeeping, but I did enjoy making the deliveries because it was truly wonderful to see the expression on people’s faces when I presented them with these stunning pieces of art. Janet was able to use almost every form of nature in her arrangements… shells, crystals, stones, moss, lichen, mushrooms, feathers, bamboo, leaves, grass, branches – you name it! And somehow she would be able to incorporate it into an arrangement that would take your breath away.
By 1997, our little business took off; so much so that we had to open a retail shop… and so we did, by moving to Century City.
More Than Just Beautiful Arrangements
We could have had our own reality show with all the crazy experiences that transpired. Between our celebrity clientele and our eclectic employees, our small but mighty shop was the talk of the town. This one evening, Janet and I we were working late in preparation for Thanksgiving. A patient from a small hospital down the street wandered into our shop with only a gown and an ID bracelet on. He was clearly off of his medicine and just collapsed on our floor! We were stunned. We made phone calls, said prayers, and tried to calm him as much as we could until the medics came. It was a good thing we were working late that night – who knows where that man would’ve wandered to! The medics were very thankful when they arrived because it was clear we helped save this man’s life. I realized then that our expression of care that night touched this man’s life in ways that I will never know. It was moments like these, where throughout all the craziness, I could step back and realize this little shop was doing more than just make beautiful arrangements.
I am grateful to have owned that little shop with Janet for over 17 years. The love, the joy, and the challenging experiences are something I will long remember… with gratitude.
Photo by Stephen O’Bryan of SOB Photos
Floral arrangement by Robin Snyder, Mulberry Row
Jean Trebek
Jean is a Professional Religious Science Practitioner, Reiki Master and Sound Healer. She grew up on Long Island, NY, and now lives in Los Angeles with her wonderful husband of 29 years, Alex, and has 2 amazing adult children, Matthew and Emily. Jean enjoys taking long walks, watching movies, and traveling. She is very grateful for her family, Willy the dog, friends and good coffee.
Connect With Us on Social Media!
RECENT FAVES
Perfect Banana Cream Pie: Reliable Recipe
Jean shares a recipe for an absolutely delicious banana cream pie. It’s smooth and tasty, just perfect for an after dinner treat!
A Friend is a Mirror to Our Soul
Our wonderful Cheryl Farrell uses iconic characters from the TV series CHEERS to personify actual friends of hers and shows how each friend reflects something about Cheryl herself.
International Medical Corps: Providing Hope Amid Dire Circumstances
Jean Trebek shares an interview with the President of the International Medical Corps who serves the world’s most vulnerable people.
love it!!
Fabulous
you should be very proud
Good work
xoxoxoxoxoxo
I love the idea of a flower shop in an old church, how very romantic and poetic.
What a lovely memory.
Thank you.
This is a wonderful new site created by one very special lady! Jean- so proud of you—- I will spread the word and share this. Blessings to you on this new venture from your second grade “best buddy”- Xoxo
I love the idea that we can serve and help others along the path in ways that may not be immediately evident.
Thank you for this Jean – and thank you for this wonderful site. I started reading, thinking one or two articles would be interesting – and couldn’t stop until I had devoured every single available word, video, and content! Now I’m late for bed – but very happy! Thank you, thank you!
What a delight to experience this! Here’s to your Life,Jean Trebek! Once again you have inspired me and reminded me that these brief special moments create a fantastic life.! You Rock, my Angel .
Jean my sweet, fabulous as always! Keep it coming.
Sam and Ed
Your impact was not just important because you were in the right place at the right time, but because your intention was to bring goodness to the world. Your intention was so strong that it transcended the job at hand — your flower gifts — and spilled into the celebration (and saving) of this man’s life. Your gifts to the world continue to inspire … celebrating the world of “InsideWink!” Bravo to you all.
Really beautiful! Well done team ????
I am so proud of you, Jean. The beautiful person you are inside ( and out) is now being shared with the world. It’s so inspiring. I love the ‘Here’s to Your Life!’
Sweetest Jean,
This website in all its glory is such a beautiful tribute to the joy and love that exists in every one of us, at all times. Thank you for sharing your radiant heart with us and for the great behind-the-scenes clips that remind us to have fun!!! It’s so easy to forget and to get caught up in the doing. I look forward to reading more of your heartwarming stories. There is so much beauty and inspiration all around, even in the wonderful clouds 🙂 I love that you take us to a simpler time, a place of inner peace, serenity and great appreciation. How amazing it is to know that we can all get back there whenever we choose to do so.
Love to all of you.
Jean!!! I’m so proud of you. You are the best big-sister ever! You inspire me to try to be the best version of myself everyday. Congratulations to you and let’s keep ‘winking’ everyday. ????❤️
OMG, Jean. So wonderful to read your article! I don’t know if you remember me, but I produced an audio program with Rahul Patel in L.A. in 2000 (when I was working at Nightingale-Conant Corp). The three of us had a delightful lunch together. In fact, for my April 2000 wedding, you sent the most radiant flower arrangement I have ever seen as a wedding gift. It was STUNNING. Too many roses to count and thin, long tree stems that gave it a very contemporary feel. It was magnificent!!! I’m actually performing my one-woman show on at the Whitefire Theater in L.A. (ironically, it’s about my spiritual-emotional journey to India of all places, especially after working with Rahul). I tried to connect with him and that led me to you and this terrific article. Anyway, so wonderful to read your remembrance of your “flowering heart”. The arrangements were truly “out of this world’!!!
Hi Jean
Love your website!!! Alex is lucky to have such a wonderful person with him on his journey of healing. I too have received the same diagnosis in November and I an on my own journey of healing, remaining positive that I can overcome this. I’m in Canada (outside of Toronto). I feel having a positive attitude is a big part of healing, as the body and mind can do remarkable things! I’m a few months ahead of Alex in my treatment plan. I would love to hear from him and to be able to provide support for one another.
Sharon