Hello, my name is Flora Contreras, and I have been blessed to be a part of our community as a parent, employee, coach, and volunteer. I have volunteered in various areas, from serving as PTO President, Team Mom for multiple sports, high school football Mom’s Huddle, and more. It’s a blessing to love where I live, work, play, and worship. I’ve been a proud member of 12Stone Church for sixteen years and attend our Buford Campus, which I helped pioneer when this campus came to our area in 2015. In addition, I enjoy serving at church as a volunteer and leading a women’s bible study.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Ray and I will be married for 34 years in June. We have three wonderful young adults aged 18 to 32 years. In addition, we have a granddog of 15 years and five amazing humans who call us grandma and grandpa. One of our family quotes is, “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am in my 25th year working for Buford City Schools. I started my career at Buford Elementary School, then moved to Buford Academy the first year it opened. In 2014, I became part of the staff at the central office. I also coached our girl’s soccer program from 2003 until 2017. I am beyond blessed to get to do what I love and enjoy serving our students, their parents, our teachers, staff members, school administration, and the community as a whole.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Bravo Mexican Grill, Rico’s, and Main Street Deli, to name a few!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
29 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
While living and working in Buford, I have met many interesting people; it’s hard to pick one among so many!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Wherever there is a coastline and I can sit on the edge of His glory and enjoy a glorious sunrise and sunset.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie of all time is Greece. It was likely a teenage thing. I did love some Olivia Newton-John, may she rest in peace and I love me some John Travolta! My current favorite TV show/series is The Chosen.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Pause and appreciate the people and world around you.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’m a simple girl who loves life and appreciates all the opportunities afforded me. Thus I don’t have a bucket list with anything I ‘have’ or ‘want’ to do. However, I have two best friends with a long list, so I tag along with them on amazing trips and help them check off places on their list, like Italy, this upcoming Fall.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love all kinds of music; anything from the 80’s gets me going. When I need a pick me up, someone like Casting Crowns, Kari Jobe, and Brandon Lake knows how to fire up my soul.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Sports Connection! Sports Connection has been around for years and served my family well during our times with all things sports that our children participated in, from baseball, basketball, football, and soccer!
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?
I’m still determining who that person is, but I would take them to Aqua Terra!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
What sets Buford apart is its life’s energy supply, which is the people and the relationships built. The connections give you a sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself, and being a small part of it all allows us to continue to leave a legacy for others to follow and enjoy for years to come.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself getting closer to retiring and enjoying a new season in life.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m pretty transparent; I don’t think there is anything people do not know about me or anything interesting.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Alaska
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is January; it’s the time of year we can reflect on the past, thank the Lord for what He’s done, look to the future, and trust the Lord for what He will do. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because I love to host and cook for those I hold dear in my heart. The calendar’s best single day is June 29; it’s my birthday, my husband’s birthday, and our anniversary.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The foot massages my husband gives me after a long day!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The humans who call me mom and grandma inspire me daily to do and be better.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Sunscreen & lavender; sunscreen reminds me of the beach, and lavender soothes my soul.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, chaos, and joy!
