Sean Tao
After 13 years of professional photography, digital restoration and archival work, Sean is no stranger to meticulous work that produces beautiful results. But by 2021, it was time to cut out the grinding commute and spend more time with her favorite person: her son Eli. Meeting Juan by chance opened the door to the incredible world of floral design, and she never looked back. Sean is so honored that Juan has trusted her with his 37-year legacy. Sean’s family moved from Taiwan to Ohio when she was a young girl, and it was in her family’s small-town restaurant that she learned to love being part of a closely-knit community. She found that sense of extended family again after moving to Mt. Baldy several years ago, where she also serves as a volunteer firefighter. You can support the Mt. Baldy Fire Department by clicking their logo below! Sean loves working with her hands, creating new friendships, expressing emotions through flowers, and making her customers’ visions come to life—whether it’s a birthday, wedding, anniversary, graduation, celebration of life or funeral service. Fun fact: Sean’s favorites are all California native wildflowers—but if she had to pick something else, it would be peonies!
404 W. Foothill Blvd.
Claremont
CA
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8 AM - 2 PM
About Sherwood Florist
Sherwood’s roots go almost as deep as the city of Claremont itself. Our iconic stone structure with its red tile roof was built in 1923 for the Sterling Oil Spray Company, which served Claremont’s endless citrus orchards. Though we’re located along Route 66, our building is actually older than America’s most famous highway by three years!Fun fact: The river stones that comprise the exterior are affectionately called “Claremont potatoes.” Sherwood’s unique facade is a reminder of the rocky soil farmers had to overcome in the late 1800s and early 1900s to develop southern California’s legendary citrus groves.
When the area’s citrus industry declined, the building became Spiers Garage. In 1985, local entrepreneur Juan DeLira purchased the location and founded Claremont’s finest floral shop, Sherwood Florist, and a beloved cornerstone of the community was born. Local resident Sean Tao began training with Juan in September 2021, and acquired the business in August 2022 and maintains close ties with the DeLira family while carrying their long tradition of floral artistry forward.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR SHERWOOD?
Preserving the community that has blossomed around Sherwood through the decades is the most important thing for Sean and the DeLira family. There might be some changes on the periphery, but at its heart, Sherwood will be the same as it always was.
Some of the new additions will include a gift boutique and small photography studio, so we can share even more of that beloved Sherwood taste and class. And speaking of “class,” we hope to soon offer floral design classes for folks of all ages!
Do you have memories or photos of Sherwood Florist you want to share? We’d love to hear from you! We want to keep collecting stories from current and former Claremontians about their experiences with this amazing business through the decades.
