Diedra Ryan & Joann Johnson fit together perfectly.

It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. When Diedra started at Fino’s, her family’s Italian deli and grocery, she was looking for a part-time job. When she turned 18, she came on full-time. “Now she can run the place,” says mom Joann (maiden name: Finocchiaro). Diedra agrees, “I don’t know what I’d do if I left here.” Both are great with customers, though their personalities couldn’t be more different.

“We’re completely opposite,” says Diedra. “I’m laid back and quiet, she’s very hyper.” There’s no doubt Mom’s the boss: “She doesn’t get any special treatment,” says Joann. Still, their connection is undeniable, as their longtime customers, many of whom are also friends, can attest.

“You’re part of me, and I’m part of you,” says Joann, looking at her daughter. Diedra, who’s pregnant with her second daughter, shakes her head. “Yeah … it’s kind of scary.”