What’s a Ukrainian with a background in data analytics doing making floral arrangements in a small shopping center near a Best Western in Los Gatos? Turns out Anhelina Baftalovska, a Los Gatos resident and mother of three, is now a member of the franchising world. She just opened the first French Florist boutique in the South Bay, a franchise that began in 1978, and now has 20 locations across the United States.
French Florist, with its classic logo and regimented approach, has a growing presence in California. Locations in the Bay Area include San Francisco West, Los Gatos and Sonoma.
Each boutique is independently owned and operated, bringing local expertise and personal service to its community while benefiting from the resources, technology and standards of the French Florist brand.
The French Florist in Los Gatos, operated by Baftalovska, is a 1,243-square-foot atelier featuring handcrafted premium arrangements, chocolates, candles and teddy bears. It officially opened Oct. 28 at 53 Los Gatos Saratoga Rd., Unit 105. A ribbon-cutting will take place on Nov. 18.
If you know where Restaurant ASA Los Gatos is, you now know where to get some well-curated floral arrangements, which you can order out of their catalog—or you can custom-design your own with the help of Anhelina and her floral designers. Each one is delivered in a sturdy box that says, “You are Loved.”
Already, people have discovered her. “I’ve been doing deliveries all over, including San Carlos and San Jose,” Baftalovska told me, as she showed off buckets of beautiful roses in shades of peach, pumpkin, magenta and pink, alongside stunning deep red-violet Calla lilies.
They look exceptional aside pure white roses in a highly popular arrangement called, “French Kiss,” which will set you back $170.
Originally born in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, Anhelina and her husband Nelson moved to the United States in 2016 and made Los Gatos their home. After building a career in sales in Ukraine, she pursued a new professional path, gaining experience in data analytics, staffing and healthcare data. Eventually, she wanted to start her own business, and that’s where French Florist came in.
“When we met the French Florist team, we immediately connected with them, because they represented everything we were looking for in a brand,” Baftalovska said.
She believes flowers have the power to transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary.
“In France, flowers are woven into everyday life,” she said. “They’re not reserved for birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions. They’re part of the home, part of the atmosphere, and part of the simple pleasure of living beautifully.”
Asked what makes French Florist different, she points to the fact it is an established luxury floral brand with access to resources and consistency.
“Our flowers are sourced directly from exceptional growers, helping us deliver fresher blooms and beautiful arrangements designed for lasting enjoyment,” says Baftalovska. “By working directly with growers rather than relying on traditional intermediaries, we can reduce the time flowers spend moving through the supply chain. That means fresher blooms, longer-lasting arrangements and exceptional quality for our clients.”
From classic roses to distinctive seasonal varieties, every flower is selected with the same intention: to bring extraordinary beauty into everyday life.
Asked to name her favorite combination of flowers, she defers to the corporate policy: Whatever makes our clients feel seen and cared for.
She says that flowers are deeply personal. “Some people are drawn to the timeless elegance of roses, others love the lush beauty of hydrangeas, the romance of peonies or the unexpected charm of seasonal blooms,” Baftalovska says. “That’s what makes floral design so special. There isn’t one perfect combination. There’s the perfect combination for you. Because the most beautiful flowers aren’t necessarily our favorites. They’re the ones that become yours.”
Michael Jacobson, CEO of French Florist, calls Los Gatos an exciting market for French Florist, saying, “The town has a strong appreciation for local businesses and high-quality experiences, which makes it a natural fit for our brand. We’re so grateful to establish roots here and grow alongside Anhelina and the Los Gatos community.”
Details French Florist’s same-day flower delivery in Los Gatos and surrounding areas: frenchflorist.com/local/ca/los-gatos or call (415) 818-8181
