Immigration raid fears cast a shadow on L.A. Flower District shop

Los Angeles, CA — For Jehily Fentanas, the future of her family’s flower shop is as much about passion as it is about resilience. At 21, she is already looking ahead, preparing to take over the flower business her mother founded just three years ago in the heart of Los Angeles’ bustling Flower District.

The Floral Factory, owned by Sylvia Lozano, the mother of Fentanas, is located in Unit 130 on the right side of the entrance to the California Flower Mall, just off San Julian Street. Vibrant bouquets spill out onto the sidewalk, their rich, fragrant scents greeting passersby and inviting them into the lively atmosphere of this floral haven.

"I've been working here for three years. My mom's young, but when she does get older, I will take over," Fentanas shared, reflecting on the shop’s roots and her eventual role as its leader.

Her mother, an immigrant from Pachuca, Mexico, has lived in Los Angeles for over 22 years. Fentanas, who has been in the United States since the age of one, grew up watching her mother work in the flower business for more than a decade. In 2022, Lozano decided to venture out on her own. "She used to work for someone around the corner," Fentenas recalls. "She fell in love with the idea of creating things and thought, 'I can do this too.'" The result was a thriving business nestled in the heart of L.A.'s iconic Flower District.

The Flower District in Los Angeles has a rich history, shaped significantly by Latino immigrants, particularly from Mexico and Central America. As Los Angeles grew in the early 20th century, the city became a key center for the floral industry due to its favorable climate. Latino workers, many of whom had agricultural backgrounds, played a pivotal role in developing this industry.

By the mid-1900s, a large portion of the flower market workforce was Mexican, with many laborers transitioning from flower-growing areas to work in the market. Over time, Latino immigrants not only worked in the district but also opened businesses, becoming key figures in the wholesale flower trade.

Latino entrepreneurs, alongside their labor contributions, helped to shape the Flower District into a commercial hub, serving as a key part of Los Angeles' economy and floral culture. Their influence can still be seen today in the district’s businesses and cultural celebrations, particularly those reflecting Mexican heritage.

The Flower District, however, has seen significant changes, particularly under the second Trump administration with the rise in ICE raids. For many Latino immigrant florists, the increasing fear of deportation has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and stress. "Right now, with how everything's doing, it is a little bit stressful, because we are immigrants as well. So it's uncertain. People are scared," Fentanas shared. This climate has led to fewer customers, as many Latino immigrants in the community are avoiding public spaces to protect themselves.

The florist noted that she no longer sees as many of her regular customers, many of whom have expressed disbelief that so many flower shops continue to operate amid the current political climate. 'We still have the bills due, and it’s difficult, it’s sad, but people are scared, and we’re not as busy as before," said Fentanas. 

Trump's policies, which have created a climate of fear and uncertainty, have taken a toll on immigrant-owned businesses like hers. The combination of economic pressures and the fear driven by immigration policies has taken a toll on Latino-owned businesses in the district, making it harder for them to thrive as they once did.

Despite the uncertainty, the Flower District remains an attractive hub for anyone seeking fresh flowers, especially during holidays like the upcoming Valentine's and Mother’s Day. "When people Google, 'Where can I get flowers?' Trader Joe’s pops up, but here, it’s more niche. You can find everything," she said.

Among the most popular offerings at the shop is the rose-centric "ramo buchones" bouquets, which Fentanas describes as the current floral trend. “The all-rose ones are super popular now,” she notes. However, she confesses that her personal favorite flower is the orchid, especially the Cymbidium variety. “They last forever, well, they die eventually, but they last a long time, and they’re beautiful.”

Though deeply passionate about expanding her family’s business, Fentanas admits, "I don’t like flowers." However, the young entrepreneur has come to appreciate their artistry. "I fell in love with it, and I enjoy selling them," she explains. "I see the art in them."

Yet even with the passion for her work, The Floral Factory has not been immune to the challenges that have affected so many small businesses. As many neighboring businesses close their doors, The Floral Factory staff continue to push to make ends meet. “People are scared," Fentanas says. “And it’s sad. We’re not as busy as before. It should be way more.” 

The rising costs of flowers are also another strain on the business. Her shop sources fresh blooms directly from Ecuador, but shipping costs have surged. "Now they're charging more to get it here," Fentanas says, explaining that some shipments now need to go through Miami before reaching L.A., driving prices even higher.

“Small things in the business, like shipping, affect everything now,” she continues. “It’s harder for us to get roses, and they cost more."

For Fentanas, the Flower District isn’t just a place—it’s a legacy, and one she’s determined to nurture. “It’s difficult, but we’re here, and we’ll keep going. It's what we do.”

In an industry that thrives on beauty and creativity, it’s clear that, for Fentanas, it’s more than just about selling flowers—it’s about sustaining a family tradition and, above all, blooming in the face of adversity.