Andy Fiannaca started working in his grandparent’s flower shop, Spark Florist, in Sparks, Nevada, when he was 5 years old. Today, he owns and operates the shop with several of his family members.
The Society of American Florists’ membership includes all segments of the industry — and that community is the heart of SAF. This bi-weekly feature spotlights SAF members sharing inspirational stories, professional insights, and the opportunity to form new industry connections.
Andy Fiannaca’s grandparents opened Sparks Florist in in Sparks, Nevada, in 1960, when they were only 20 years old. Fiannaca’s journey in the floral industry began around age five, when his grandfather told him he was old enough to hold a broom. When his dad joined the family business in the early 1990s, he quickly decided that Fiannaca and his brother were experienced enough to be bucket washers at the shop.
Fiannaca grew up working in and out of the shop but didn’t pursue floristry as a career until after he graduated from the University of Nevada with a degree in political science. He’d been working outside of the floral industry when he decided he preferred working for himself and found his way back to Sparks.
Today Fiannaca, along with his parents, Mike and Val Fiannaca, his older brother, Tony Fiannaca, and his aunt Lori McCamant, own and operate Sparks Florist.
Fiannaca says his favorite thing about being an SAF member is the access to knowledge and resources that SAF provides its members.
Fiannaca was also featured on SAF’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Do you know a member who should have a chance in the spotlight? Email Stephanie Brady, communications and event coordinator for SAF.
Stephanie Brady is the communications and event coordinator for the Society of American Florists.
