We are partners in crime in love and life; married for 23 years and in business together since 2015.
About Derith Mason and Patrick Higgins
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We are blessed to have 1 adult son who works with us in the business from time to time
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
We own Artistic Florals located in the Normal Heights area of San Diego. Patrick is also a lecturer in the Hospitality Department at Mesa College and SDSU. We love sharing our love of flowers with people and Patrick especially loves sharing his knowledge of the Hospitality industry with those that are up and coming in the scene.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
As a business owner, be prepared to work your tail off! Your business becomes a part of your life, its like having a child. You think about it everyday, even on your days off, not in a bad way, it just becomes an extention of who you are. To be successful, you have a hustle and be flexible with the tide..
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
5 to 10 years from now, I see us doing what we are doing now- teaching and sharing our love of flowers with our community!
Derith Mason and Patrick Higgins & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Hanna’s Gourmet is our favorite breakfast place and you can find us there every Sunday morning. We are also big fans of the coffee at Dos Palmas
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Patrick has lived in Normal Heights since 1994 and Derith since 2000.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Its hard to name one person, but I love talking to older people that have lived here all there lives. Listening to all the stories about what has changed in our neighborhood in the last 50 years is fasinating!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Ponces has been a staple in the hood for so long, its hard not think about them. I remember going there back in the 90’s, before the remodel and the kids taking over- wow!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We love the diversity of the neighborhood, and our neighbors. There was a brief time we thought about moving back in 2001, but when we really sat down and thought about our quality of life, we thought we’d be crazy to leave all the great people that we live around just for more square footage.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Not to get too political, but we’d love to sit down with the Obamas, both of them! Would love to take them to Hanna’s on a Sunday for Brunch and introduce them to her FABULOUS french toast with lemon curd. We both have a lot of respect for the two of them, and in all our adult years, felt really proud having them be our first “couple”.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
We are currently binging Outlander.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
We both love watching Instagram Reels
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Patricks perfect day is swimming in La Jolla cove, which he does about 3 days a week. He says the water and vibe in the cove cant be beat.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
We inspire one another to be better. I (Derith) know I am my best self when I’m with Patrick.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
love, acceptance, and laughter
