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What is your first memory of flowers?

My first memory of flowers comes from visiting my great-grandmother, "Granny", and grandmother, "Gaga", during the summer. Both were avid gardeners and taught me so much about flowers. I believe that is when the fire in me was ignited and a floral journey to expand my imagination began.

What experiences led to your interest in the floral industry?

There have been so many. When I was 10, there was a huge rose bush behind the house. In the spring, it was loaded with blooms. I would cut blooms and arrange them in small plastic cups covered with carefully placed stickers. My first deliveries were these decorated cups of roses to neighbors and teachers at school. When I was 16, I secured a job at a flower shop one summer. I was hired to do odd jobs. At the end of one week, the owner told me I was in the way and that she did not have time for me to be there. I was devastated until a couple of days later, when I received a card in the mail from the lead designer. She encouraged me to never give up on working in a flower shop. She saw a passion, desire, and talent in me that would be beneficial to the world of flowers someday. I still have that card to this day.

What contributed most to your design education?

There were those along the way who shared the same passion for flowers and contributed greatly to helping me become the best I can be. Design shows held at wholesalers, later being introduced to a local florist association, attending regional WesTexas New Mexico Florist Association Conventions, state-level Texas State Florists’ Association events and national AIFD each contributed to the education that made all the difference in my abilities.

What has been your favorite job in the floral industry?

My absolute favorite is sympathy work in a small-town flower shop. It is one of the first things you learn because it is the bread and butter of our business. There is something endearing about creating a tribute piece for a grieving family or conveying the unspoken emotions of sympathy from friends.

You won the Texas Designer of the Year Competition in 2015. What intrigues you about the competition process?

That day was the BEST day of my floral career! It took me four times to win that sucker. So, future competitors never give up! I am intrigued about what you learn about your skills in floral design and how it helps you perfect your skills the more you compete. Time management (which we all need to learn), mechanics, elements and principles and creativity are among the many takeaways.

Your understanding of retail floristry has provided numerous opportunities. What led you to this focus?

The various flower shop experiences contributed greatly. Market showroom installations, working wholesale and freelancing at flower shops across the United States all contributed to where I am today. You really have to work hard to be a successful retailer. It is not always glorious, but extremely rewarding. I absolutely love merchandising and creating an experience for customers, whether they come in or call. Assuring that the designs my shop delivers will set me apart from other shops in town is my goal every day.

Understanding retail at a high-level capacity, what do you predict to be the greatest constant and the greatest change?

The greatest constant is that flowers make people feel good, so people send flowers for all occasions. The greatest change will be when the day comes that a customer no longer has the experience of physically walking into a flower shop, experiencing the touch, the fragrance and the beauty of flowers. We live in a time that everything is NOW and done from the comforts of home via the internet. This saddens me and I feel that this is why we need to improve our phone and website experiences for our customers.

Your time designing for Accent Decor showrooms was a significant commitment. What did you learn most?

I was so very fortunate to be invited to participate, and I learned so much! One highlight above all else was recognizing how the Accent Decor creative team is so trend-forward and creating an environment where wholesalers and retailers are excited to view the collections. This was also a time for me to rejuvenate and be inspired by all that surrounded me twice a year. I always returned to the shop excited to incorporate what I learned from the creative team, detailing every inch of the showroom.

What role do you see yourself playing in the future of floral design education?

I have been so blessed by many mentors and friends in this wonderful industry we all love so much. I dedicate myself to educating people and giving back to an industry that has given me so much. I hope I can be that person who can help people on their floral journey.