There's a new florist in town. Meet Katherine “Kat” Desko, the smiling owner of Lula Mae Flowers; Little Italy's newest floral shop. Opened a mere week before Mother's Day 2011, Lula Mae Flowers is making a strong impact on the San Diegans' world of floral design, providing unique offerings that surpass what one might find at their typical florist.

Flowers have been an integral part of Kat Desko's life from childhood. This would-be entrepreneur was always surrounded by the colorful flowers her mother, grandmother and aunts displayed throughout their homes. This early influence, which included helping her mother with floral arrangements and visiting local parks to look for flowers, seeded Desko's mind with an early interest that would one day lead to the opening of her own floral boutique: Lula Mae Flowers.

Lula Mae Flowers is a step above the rest when it comes to being unique. Desko is a fan of using unexpected accents and oddities in her bouquets - from exotic succulents to colorful feathers - and every finished piece has an air of its own. The vases of Lula Mae Flowers are also a keepsake you won't want to hide under the kitchen sink. Instead, Desko prides herself on using unlikely vessels, and in her free time, can often be found antiquing for unusual containers . Her vintage cigar and tea box arrangements are a perfect example of the store's unique flavor; they aren't something we bet you've pictured as your next centerpiece, but Lula Mae Flowers makes it suddenly possible. Another testament to Desko's creativity? Check out the hand-crafted chandelier wreath that graces the store's ceiling.

Another unique component of Lula Mae Flowers is Desko's Flower Happy Hour, a play on the popular activity usually reserved for bars. But worry not, this is a happy hour all ages can enjoy! Occurring every Friday between 5 and 6p.m., Lula Mae Flowers' visitors are able to purchase fresh-cut flowers at half price, and may enjoy complimentary vegan cupcakes and a variety of beverages. While buyers are welcome to take their Flower Happy Hour purchases home to arrange, Desko has no problem offering up arrangement tips for those who could use a few pointers. It is her unwavering attitude of enjoying and educating her guests that keeps enthusiasts returning to Lula Mae Flowers for every purchase.

While Lula Mae Flowers isn't a store where you'll find teddy bears and balloons, it is home to top-quality blooms hand-picked each morning from Carlsbad's Floral Trade Center. Flowers ordered over the Internet? No way! Desko stocks the cozy space with an assortment of her favorites, such as classic Ecuadorian roses and a range of exotics that always surprise the eye. All of these blooms are unabashedly used to create spectacular arrangements for graduations, business events, and of course, the ever-popular wedding (that said, Desko has single-handedly designed and arranged for weddings boasting upwards of 500 guests).

How does she deliver such quality and customer service? Perhaps it's Desko's perfectionist personality, or her willingness to rise at 1a.m. simply to ensure that everything is done on time. Lula Mae Flowers leaves no room for error, and it is apparent through the store's online reviews that customers and clients are consistently charmed by such stellar service. Stop in for a Friday Flower Happy Hour and get your own taste of why Little Italy's own Lula Mae Flowers is sure to blossom as your number-one choice in florists.

Alternative Strategies is proud to represent and handle all public relations efforts for Lula Mae Flowers. Lula Mae Flowers may be viewed online at www.LulaMaeFlowers.com.