Nina Guiglotto Lotus Funeral Services - Business Insider

Palm Coast Local Seventeenth Business Insider Edition Features Nina Guiglotto, a local who leaped over hurdles and found her calling in the funeral service industry.

Lotus Funeral Services: Guiding Palm Coast Families Through Life’s Most Difficult Moments

Some stories don’t begin loudly — they begin quietly, with sincerity and heart. For Nina Guiglotto, owner of Lotus Funeral Services, her story is one of compassion, resilience, and deep commitment to the Palm Coast community. What began as a professional calling has become a personal mission: to guide families through loss with empathy, clarity, and genuine care.

A Calling Shaped by Experience and Community

Before opening Lotus Funeral Services, Nina spent years working in the funeral industry under companies that often limited how fully she could support families. Despite her dedication, she encountered challenges within leadership that made it difficult to provide the level of care she believed people deserved.

Her experiences shaped her vision for something better. Lotus Funeral Services became her answer — a place where trust, transparency, and healing are at the forefront of every interaction.

Opening a funeral home is no small task. It requires extensive legal compliance, state approvals, and rigorous inspections — a process that demands not only knowledge but determination and faith. Through perseverance and unwavering focus, Nina brought her vision to life, establishing Lotus Funeral Services as the only independently owned and woman-led funeral service in Flagler County. Her achievement represents more than business ownership — it’s a breakthrough for women in an industry often dominated by larger corporate entities, and a testament to what can be accomplished through integrity and heart.

Having lived in Palm Coast for over seven years, Nina has become a familiar name in the community. And as with many journeys of growth, there have been moments of misunderstanding. The opening of Lotus stands as her quiet affirmation — built on truth, consistency, and her belief that helping others with care and honesty always prevails. That same belief continues to guide her work every day.

A Sanctuary for Healing and Thoughtful Support

Nina often shares, “Others might say they’re in the death business, but I’m in the living business.” For her, each service is centered on honoring life, supporting families, and creating space for comfort and understanding.

At Lotus Funeral Services, she blends professionalism with heartfelt guidance. Whether assisting with pre-planning, organizing services, or helping families navigate decisions during difficult times, she approaches every conversation with patience and sincerity.

Getting Your Ducks in a Row — Pre-Planning with Peace of Mind

One of the most meaningful gifts a person can give their family is preparation. Nina calls it “Getting Your Ducks In A Row,” a compassionate approach to advance planning that helps individuals make clear, confident decisions about their final wishes.

Making these decisions early relieves loved ones from emotional and logistical stress later. And when no plans are in place, Nina guides families with steady support — helping them understand options, organize arrangements, and feel supported throughout the process.

Serving Those Who Served — Honoring Veterans and Their Families

Lotus Funeral Services is deeply committed to Veterans and their families, honoring the unique traditions, benefits, and ceremonial needs associated with military service.

Funeral Director Stephen Barreto oversees all Veteran-related arrangements, including coordinating honors, working with national cemeteries, and ensuring each service reflects the respect and gratitude our Veterans deserve.

Coping With Colors and the Memorial Gardens

Beyond traditional services, Nina created Coping With Colors, a healing initiative that uses creativity, color, and reflection to help individuals and families process grief in a gentle, expressive way. Participants explore emotions through painting and mindfulness, transforming heaviness into connection, understanding, and peace.

Her Memorial Gardens offer a quiet, natural sanctuary for remembrance — a place where beauty, reflection, and healing come together in harmony.

A Celebration of Heart and Community

On October 10, 2025, Lotus Funeral Services opened its doors with a warm and heartfelt celebration. Friends, colleagues, and local residents gathered to support a woman who has spent years supporting others.

Nina lives in Palm Coast with her husband and two daughters and is actively involved in several community initiatives — including one of her most passionate commitments, the Palm Coast Lions Club, where she works alongside fellow members to uplift families throughout the county.

In her downtime, Nina and her family enjoy visiting Palm Coast Lanes for Music Bingo — a place, she says, “where we can just be a family and have fun.” Their favorite local spots to eat include Next Door Beach Bistro, Loopers Par & Grille, and The Anchor, with The Waffle Cone being a beloved stop for enjoying a “sweet” moment together. They also love spending time in the many beautiful community parks throughout Palm Coast.

Through Lotus Funeral Services, Nina has created something far beyond a business. She has built a place of comfort, reassurance, and renewal for families experiencing some of life’s hardest moments with a welcoming space for the community to gather, learn, and connect. Her doors are open not only for those navigating grief, but also for collaborations in health and wellness, senior services, support groups, and casual coffee meet-ups. By bringing people and resources together, Nina hopes to create meaningful experiences that enhance the way individuals and families feel supported throughout every stage of life.

In moments when words fall short, compassion speaks most clearly. Nina Guiglotto’s story shows that strength often grows quietly — through service, integrity, and the unwavering desire to uplift others with grace and heart.

You can find Lotus Funeral Service Business Listing and contact details on palmcoastlocal.com along with their events and workshops.