Whiz Biz: Moonlight Farm

Whiz Biz: Moonlight Farm

Address: 22202 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, 92688

Phone: 949-267-8235

Website: moonlightfarmrsm.com

Employees: 3-4

What’s Nearby: , ,

What Makes It So Awesome: It may be the smallest store in town, but Moonlight Farm is a one-stop shop for every occasion, offering a beautiful selection of flowers and unique gifts for birthdays, holidays, special events and everyday fun.

What’s The Scoop:  It all began as a little flower kiosk called Rosebud on the corner of El Paseo and El Portal. Barbi Baca enjoyed putting her expertise as an interior designer to use making beautiful flower arrangements, and business on the bustling corner was surprisingly good. She eventually closed her shop but reopened last fall as Moonlight Farm, a floral shop “with a little more.”

“My original idea was to have a place where busy moms could stop in and purchase things on the go,” said Baca, who resides in nearby Coto De Caza.

The name Moonlight Farm seemed reminiscent of a countryside stand in which people could purchase unique goods. She decided to stick with the flowers, but her husband, a contractor, helped expand the shop to include room for unique gift items as well. Business flourished in no time as she headed straight into the holiday season, and she has been busy ever since.

“We get all sorts of clientele in here,” Baca explained. “We get women dining at Hanna’s stopping in for a special last minute birthday gift, husbands shopping for wives, and even kids from the local middle school popping in for a piece of candy at the counter.”

Baca’s day begins at 5:30 a.m., when she gets up to prep fresh floral arrangements and fill orders for the store, and her day ends late into the evening when she closes down.“For such a little store, you wouldn’t think it would be so much work, but it really is," she said with a smile. "We have fun here, though."

Each week, she makes a trip to the Carlsbad Flower Mart, where she purchases most of the flowers. “I try to stock flowers that are unique, ones you wouldn’t find at the grocery store,” Baca said. “Nosegays are especially popular, and so are our topiaries.”

Baca enjoys the regulars who stop by each week to refresh their flower vase at home. She greets them by name as they step inside, and it’s clear to see this is more than just a little flower shop: It’s a piece of the community that comes together on the corner, taking a few moments out of its busy life for something special.

What’s Unique: It’s so small you could blink and miss it, but once you’ve walked through the doors of Moonlight Farms, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Floral arrangements in all shapes, colors and sizes line the walls, while shabby chic type shelves hold unique little gifts for all tastes. Included in these gifts are brightly printed cloth aprons, handmade note cards, inspiring books, jewelry and wooden plaques bearing clever sayings. Near the register sits a variety of candies, especially popular with kids who stop by after school to enjoy a treat and a drink from the cooler.

“Flowers are not a necessity like food and gas, but even in these tough times, people still enjoy treating themselves to a little something and being able to give something small to someone they love,” Baca said. She reminisced about an article she’d read in which women during the World War II bombings still ventured out every week to buy fresh food and flowers.

Valentine’s Day was especially busy, as was Easter, and Baca anticipates Mother’s Day will be one of the busiest times of the year. “Not everyone has a Valentine, but most everyone buys something for a mother in their life,” she  acknowledged.

Baca has put her creativity to use beyond her traditional sales as well. Just recently, a woman from a local MOMS club approached her about doing a flower arranging event for the children. Baca expected only a few children to show, but over two dozen arrived for the event. She served cupcakes and cookies and let each child make their own unique flower arrangement to take home. The mothers later raved that it was their favorite group event and have since become loyal customers. Baca is now considering doing flower arrangement birthday parties for children as well.

Though Baca is in the process of turning over ownership to someone else so she can pursue other creative ventures, she plans to continue helping with flower arrangements for special events. “My mind is always going,” she said with a laugh. “I’m always dreaming up new ideas and encouraging others to do the same.”

Moonlight Farm is just one example of those dreams; the little shop on the corner that holds some of Rancho Santa Margarita’s finest treasures between its tiny walls.