When Blake Lane was studying psychology and anthropology in college, he didn’t anticipate a future cutting stems or delivering bouquets. His mom opened Bella Florist and Gifts during the early 2000s, but Lane took the lead on business operations in 2012.
“Creativity has always been in my life, and the arts have always been in my life,” Lane told the Sun. “I play the cello and the violin and the piano, so I’ve always had some kind of artistic something in my life.”
Late July will mark the first anniversary of Bella Florist moving into its new spot on I Street in Lompoc. The storefront now offers easier parking access for shoppers and is located near two restaurants, drawing attention from diners waiting for their take-out orders.
The gift shop sells candles, reed diffusers, jewelry, cards, and baby accessories, but its main business is flowers.
In the city of arts and flowers
Bella Florist and Gifts is located at 133 N. I St. in Lompoc. It’s open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (805) 740-2900 any day of the week to place an order. See arrangements on Instagram @bellafloristlompoc.
After learning the basics of floral arrangement from his mom, Lane has grown his own style over the years. He’s inspired by Dutch still life paintings and sometimes works with traditional techniques. But when styling modern bouquets, the curator likes to add texture and flair. Lane wants his work to have movement and to feel organic.
“You’re never going to get something from me that’s going to look exactly the same. It’s going to be a little bit different all the time,” Lane said.
Consultations with customers give Lane an idea of the occasion and color palette that he’s working with. Clients familiar with his work often set him free to create whatever he thinks will look best. Lane creates for a wide spectrum of events, from funerals to elopements to baby showers.
“They have full trust in my abilities, so that’s definitely been nice,” Lane said.
Just like his clients have faith in him, Lane places his trust in the growers. He said he feels blessed to have local family farms that supply the shop and offer their best blooms each season. Lane rotates through cuts from The Starter Farm in Santa Ynez, Ballard Canyon Farms in Solvang, Lopez Flower Farms in Lompoc, and Campesina Flowers in Arroyo Grande.
“They just always deliver beautiful blooms. They know the flowers that I like to use, like dahlias and snapdragons and zinnias,” Lane said. “We have a really good working relationship.”
Running a small operation himself, Lane wants to order from other family-run businesses. When they thrive, he thrives. Plus, living in Lompoc for most of his life means that supporting a tight community is second nature.
Everyone knows everyone, Lane explained, and he recognizes his customers all around town. He feels wonderful when they take time to compliment one of his deliveries.
With only him and his mom on staff, Lane assumes the responsibility of driving orders to their destinations.
“It’s nice to see the look on the recipient’s face whenever they get flowers and they weren’t expecting it,” he said. “It’s like that good feeling.”
Lane’s come to understand that because they don’t last too long, flowers are a reminder to embrace the present.
“They are perishable, and they’re not going to last,” Lane said. “They grab your attention, and they bring you into the moment, so that’s how I look at it.”
After celebrating one year in the new storefront, the curator is already planning goals for the next 12 months to help the business grow, including getting a walk-in cooler built.
“That’s one of my biggest goals,” Lane said. “But for right now we only have a small cooler, so everything that I get is all fresh all the time.”
Highlights
• The Santa Maria Public Library is hosting multiple events for teenagers this summer in the Altrusa Theater. On July 15 community members are invited to a cooking experience to learn about food preparation and canning techniques. The program starts at 1:30 p.m. and registration begins July 8. Gamers and interested viewers are welcome to an evening of video gaming on July 17 at 4 p.m. A teen anime club meeting will be held on July 24 at 4 p.m. with activities and Japanese snacks. Call the front desk with questions: (805) 925-0994.
• Interested individuals are invited to apply to the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “Serving on the board is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact, collaborate with fellow community leaders, and help guide the chamber’s mission and initiatives,” the chamber announced. To request an application or more information, email chamber@lompoc.com.
Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in July 9 – July 16, 2026.
