The Beginnings.... its been long beautiful road
Over the years I have had the wonderful opportunity to work along side many of the best in the industry and learn their mastery. I have immense gratitude and respect for each of them and am very thankful to them for sharing their artistic wisdom.
Rookie~Many years ago I started my very first job... at Youngs Florist in Enumclaw, WA!
Although I was the rookie grunt worker, ie: I washed buckets, made deliveries, tied endless bows, spray painted baskets, cleaned countless flowers and continuously prepped for the designers. It gave me the invaluable "start at the bottom & learn the basics" experience! (still today, Thank you to Arlene & Carrie).
I was bit by the bug! I enrolled in Career in Floral Design Institute. I bounded from the traditional "basket of flowers" style to the "Art Deco" styles of the 90's. Its always a bit humorous looking back, but at that time floral arranging was becoming floral design- it was becoming artistic!
Master Florist~ I went on to work along side Master Florist Aaron Diamond. The most valuable and fun teachings of my career. Wide eyed, I watched as he took floral design to the level of prop work. Suddenly hammers, ladders, and paint became my tools as we constructed floral wonders. We built floral backdrops for the Seattle Paramount Theater, decorated Christmas trees for historic Seattle mansions, constructed the (then new) hanging floral chandelier, & built huge breathtaking displays for many upscale weddings.
Many Faucets of the Floral Industry~ That era was interrupted with starting my family. I was a stay-home mom so I searched out Holiday work for local florists. This was not glamorous, but again, invaluable experience! I perfected the fast pace, business side, backbreaking late nights of holiday production work.
In following years I learned and enjoyed working for a Filipino florist learning Ikebana, a Russian florist learning their intriguing tricks of the trade, and a grocery store learning the large purchase & marketing side of the industry.
I also very much enjoyed years of managing Monroe Floral. Learning the everyday business operations, design, and the buying & selling of a small town florist. My love and thanks to my dear & talented senior colleague, the awesome owners, and fun-loving staff.
Then off to Atlanta, GA! I had the privilege of working at Le Jardins Français, a french flower studio. To this day I find her work no less than amazing. Google them- you will be swept away! I learned a whole new style of design doing work for movie sets, Atlantas finest 5 star hotels, and A list celebrities. High level clientele required massive & high dollar designs, confidentiality, on-site creating, & impeccable work. Here I learned multi vessel design, orchid care, and contract installation floristry. Experience of a lifetime!
Building a Passion~ We relocated to Memphis, TN where I was employed by East Memphis Florist. Among the many operations of the three shop business, it was here I was introduced to the concept of working closely with the funeral homes. I grew an interest and passion to work closely with the funeral directors to conduct a flawless, comforting and honoring memorial.
Presently~ I am blessed to pursue that passion with my own studio here in Boise, Idaho. My forte' and mission is to be a part of creating that flawless, comforting and honoring memorial.
However, I do love and enjoy offering my skills from the many experiences to also create the perfect corporate image and/or wedding visions.
This will be... A long beautiful road