Six Questions for a San Marino Local: Business Owner Diana Doi

San Marino shoppers might be mistaken, but the co-owner of the popular storefront doesn't have the same last name that's implied by her store.  

"Everyone thinks my last name is Dee, but it's actually Doi," said Diana Doi. "That was actually my dad's idea when we were thinking of names for the store. He thought I should go with my name and middle name, Diana Dee."

Doi, along with her mother Jo Schmal, co-founded the Huntington Drive shop in 1985. Now approaching their 27th Christmas in San Marino, the mother-daughter duo have the store's routine down perfectly.

Doi and her mother keep the shop in tip-top shape by working full time. The two employ four part-time employees to help run the shop.

While the store has stayed true to its roots and decadent window displays, Diana Dee's has changed the way it operates throughout the years.

"We went from ordering our custom invitations to doing everything in-house," said Doi. "When we first started we didn't have computers so we've learned to adapt to new technology. As a business owner, you always have to keep up to date with technology." 

In addition to custom cards and wedding invitations, the retailer also has plenty of seasonal merchandise to choose from. Currently decorated for Halloween, Doi is already bringing out select Christmas items.

"Christmas is fun because we order everything so far in advance," said Doi. "By the time it gets to the shop several months later, it's a surprise again. It's the first time I get to see a lot of the items in person." 

Doi, a graduate, sees plenty of familiar faces at her shop.

"I still see people I went to high school with and sometimes I see their parents too," Doi said. 

The local business owner took time out of her busy schedule to take on the San Marino Six.

What do you like most about San Marino?

The safeness you get from the small community.

What is your favorite restaurant in San Marino?

. That's where I go when I don't bring my lunch to work.

What is your favorite place in San Marino to take a stroll or go for a run?

I don't go for walks around here, but if I did they would be at Lacy Park.

What is a little known fact about you?

I swam on the swim team at .

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Peanut butter and chocolate.

What is the best part about being a business owner in San Marino?

Knowing that you're surrounded by a safe and close-knit community. 

What would you like to know about Diana Doi? What is one of your favorite items at Diana Dee's Stationery? Tell us in the comment box below.