eGundo.com’s mission is to explore the good in Gundo and a big part of the good in Gundo is the people that live here. We recently had the opportunity to talk with Marisa Scarda from Natural Simplicity in El Segundo to learn more about who she is and why she is a shining example of the good in Gundo.
1. Can you give us an overview of your journey in life?
I was born in Argentina and moved to California when I was 10 (many moons ago). Graduated from Leuzinger and went to El Camino College. Met Alex, the love of my life in a chat room back in 1998 (yes! When it was all new and very creepy). He is also from Argentina but lived in New Jersey, after about 9 months of chatting and phone calls I made up 2 suitcases and moved to New Jersey to meet him face to face. I figured if it did not work out I could always come back to California. We have been married for almost 15 years and have 2 handsome boys, ages 10 and almost 12, I’m happy to say it did work out!! The most important thing in my life is family, and that is one of the biggest reasons I love El Segundo, it’s very family oriented.
2. Can you give us a brief overview of your work history?
I worked for over 15 years processing mortgage loans I was off work 3 months on maternity leave, when I was ready to go back, the market crashed and the company was closing their doors. My husband used to work at Bipro Computers on Saturday’s and found out they were subleasing some space. He told me that since there were no more loans to process I should start something on my own. I thought about it for a couple of days and I called Mario, we looked at the space and figured a flower studio would be great. Mario is my partner and our designer, originally from Mexico, he moved to California in 1987, we have been friends since then.
3. Can you tell us more about Natural Simplicity and your company’s mission?
We wanted our flower studio to be something different, upscale but affordable, something with a modern flair and good old fashion customer service. Whatever you imagine Mario can make, and then some!!
So here we are almost 10 years later, happy to be a part of this great community and the many families we’ve served and gotten to know through the years. We’ve been part of many birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, births, proms, graduations and even memorials. We have been taken in by the community with open arms, a few ladies care about us so much that they always bake us brownies, and cookies and bring us food on our busiest days like Valentine’s and Mother’s Day.
4. You’ve provided flowers for weddings, holidays, and more but you’ve also donated flowers for several events – can you share some stories?
We opened our doors on April 12th, 2008, the week before we walked up and down Main Street, Grand, Richmond, and Franklin, passing out invitations to our “Grand Opening”. Needless to say, only 3 people showed up. The following week Samantha Hedding strolled into the shop to introduce herself and ask for a donation for the annual fundraiser for the Co-Op. We said yes! thought this was a great opportunity to introduce ourselves to the community since only 3 people had come to meet us on opening day. We’ve been donating to the Co-Op ever since. We also donate to most of the El Segundo schools and churches for their different fundraisers. We donate a year of flowers to the Ed! Gala. We have specials for Coronation and Prom for the corsages and boutonnieres so all the kids can get one.
5. Can you share something about you that people might not know?
I’m shy!! LOL
6. What does El Segundo look like 20 years from now?
Very busy, lots of big corporations but it will still have that caring small town feel to it.
Quick Q&A With Marisa Scarda
1. What do you love most about El Segundo?
I love that it’s so family oriented. Everything the community does is for Families. I love the fact that kids still walk everywhere and play outside with each other. Feels like our good old days.
2. What’s your favorite food in Gundo?
Wow, that’s a tough one…Cuban Coffee – Havana, Lunch – Chef Hannes, Second City Bistro or Sausal, Afternoon Coffee – Havana, Dinner – Deluca Trattoria.
3. What’s your favorite event in Gundo?
My favorite event in El Segundo is movie night in the park.
4. Can you share an example of the “Good” in Gundo?
4th of July! People come out from all over to celebrate 4th of July in El Segundo.
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