about
JENNIE BOWER
Jennie Bower, founder of the company, has studied Floriculture and Event Design since 1997. She managed a floral shop in Boston and then moved to Amsterdam where she received a Masters in Dutch Floral Design. Her calling took her to the San Diego/Southern California region where she designed arrangements for weddings. While starting her own floral company in Pismo Beach, she then received an offer to assist in setting up the floral end of operations from an event company on Oahu. She assisted this fabulous company in designing exquisite events and galas while there. Jennie found herself falling in love with Mendocino and the natural beauty there. Floral design is her passion that resides deep within her soul, and her joy comes from being able to share her talents and the beauty of Mendocino for other's celebrations.
RUBY HEISTER
Born and raised in the coastal town of Albion, California, Ruby Heister has always found inspiration in the beauty of nature. Her love for plants and flowers began in her mother’s garden, where she learned to appreciate the harmony of the natural world and the importance of caring for it.
Today, Ruby is a floral designer at Golden Coast Florals, where she works alongside founder Jennie Bower. Together, Ruby and Jenny focus on using locally sourced blooms, reducing waste, and crafting eco-friendly designs that honor both the environment and the people who enjoy them.
Their friendship has deep roots, connecting their families, children, and even their dogs, and it shines through in the collaborative spirit of their work. Through her floral designs, Ruby brings a touch of the California coast’s natural beauty to every space—creating arrangements that are not only beautiful but kind to the earth.
Maria Sari
Maria Sari grew up in the small coastal town of Elk along the Mendocino Coast. Surrounded by nature, she developed an early love for art and the outdoors. Her passion for creativity—and a desire for warmer weather—led her to Oahu, Hawaii, where she earned a BA in Ceramics.
After living in Oahu for ten years, Maria and her husband returned to California to raise their two sons and put down hometown roots. Being close to family and community strengthened her creative vision. Inspired by both her time in Hawaii and the rugged beauty of Northern California, she began blending traditional Hawaiian ornamentation with natural elements from the Northern California landscape.
She now creates for Golden Coast, and also founded her own business, Elk Native Florals, where she continues to combine tradition, nature, and artistry in meaningful ways.