The Downtowner: Meet Born to Party

One year after opening on Sixth Street, a floral design shop has gone south, literally but not figuratively.

Born to Party is settling into its new store at 381 W Seventh St.

Owner Susanne Barber is a floral designer who caters to weddings, corporate events and smaller private parties in need of centerpieces for special occasions. Berber does most of her business online through www.borntoparty.net.

At the shop, she sells tasteful gifts and collectibles, plus a selection of vintage and everyday candy. For the time being, the shop is open on First Thursdays and by appointment.



Barber, her husband and two-year-old daughter are new San Pedro residents who bought a South Shores home in 2004.

Friends were initially skeptical when Barber told them she was going to open a store in downtown San Pedro, encouraging her to consider the South Bay.

“Among beach cities, San Pedro is a gem of a town,” said Barber. “It’s a jewel of the sea that hasn’t been discovered the way the other places have.

“I wanted to invest in the community. I live here. I work here. My daughter will go to school here,” said Barber.