A Blossoming Business: From Speaking No English to Becoming Iowa City’s Prized Florist

Benito Ocampo, owner of downtown Iowa City’s Beno’s Flowers and Gifts, has had a journey unusual to that of an everyday person. Ocampo originally came from Tilzapotla, a small town in southern Mexico with a population just shy of 5,000 people. When talking about his home, Ocampo said: 

“It is different from here. My dad had owned a farm when he was alive so we would work on the farm. It is not as safe as here, but the weather is amazing…. I think sometime when I retire, I will go back.” 

When Ocampo turned 20 years old, he moved to the United States. Finding his way around the large city of Chicago without knowing how to speak any English, he managed to attend school where he studied gastronomy and hospitality while also working at a cardboard factory. 

After living in Chicago for almost five years, Ocampo moved to Iowa City with his partner who originally worked at the University of Iowa. After adjusting to the area Benito said he had fallen in love with the city.  

“One of the things I love most about Iowa city is how friendly everyone is and how welcome they make you feel…It reminds me a lot about my hometown, too. It was small and a lot of people know each other…The other thing I like is I felt like Iowa City has a lot of diversity…like last year, with students coming from all over the world, that’s something that I really enjoy to see.” 

Ocampo started working at the Marriot Hotel as a bellman, where he began to pick up more English. He soon moved to working the front desk, and shortly after became a banquet supervisor. After gaining this experience, Ocampo, with the help of his partner, opened up Beno’s in downtown Iowa City. 

Beno’s opened a little over a year ago, and people all over Iowa City have been very happy with his business. Emily Mark and Becca Luckett who are both sophomores at the University of Iowa, have been frequent customers at Beno’s. Mark and Luckett have bought anything from stickers to plants when shopping in his store. Mark said: 

“Every time I go there, he makes me feel super welcome and is always in a good mood. Plus, shopping there and knowing I’m supporting a small business makes me happy.” 

Luckett who is also an avid shopper at Beno’s store said: 

“I think it’s so cool how he has had such a simple impact on so many people. Like, all my friends love Beno’s and seeing his dog Maxwell. It seems like everyone leaves his store happier. 

Ocampo is aware and grateful of the support Iowa City locals have for him and his business. He even had one local post about how great his flower arrangements are which brought him several new clients. However, when Coronavirus plagued the area, he noticed his numbers took a hit.  

“The pandemic made things difficult because most of my clients were students, and all of the events and weddings that I was arranging were cancelled” 

Even so, Ocampo remained positive, and as the school year continued business got much better. If you’re out shopping in the Iowa City area, shop small and visit Beno’s.