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What experiences led to your interest in the floral Industry?

I grew up a dancer with many, many performances as a seasoned professional. I was the recipient of all kinds of flowers when greeting my guests afterwards, which later on piqued my interest in the art of arranging them! From then on, there was never a doubt in my mind that I would eventually transition from life as a performing artist to creating art with flowers!

What contributed most to your design education?

Floral design books and learning on the job were my humble beginnings in retail. I have my floral bestie of almost two decades, Shelly Huynh AIFD, to thank for opening up my eyes to a floral art world that went “beyond the vase”. After moving back to Vancouver from Salt Lake City, I found mentorship in THE Hitomi Gilliam! I wouldn’t be the designer or educator I am today without her guidance, support and friendship.

You have had success in many competitions. What intrigues you about the competition process?

Besides being onstage again (once a performer, always a performer), the draw to competition is the opportunity to push myself outside my comfort zone and be amongst and learn from my fellow competitors. I have profound respect for those who study their craft and continue to push themselves and inspire so many. Also, I grew up competing in the dance world, so perhaps discovering this aspect of floral design has awoken my competitive spirit!

Your career has taken you on quite the journey. Was there one or more moments that changed your path to lead you to where you are today?

My first industry mentor encouraged and facilitated my PFDE after we took an unexpected trip to experience our first AIFD National Symposium in Palm Desert. Achieving accreditation was the first step, but it wasn’t until five years later that I became actively involved, which led to leadership roles as an AIFD member and a greater dedication to education.

Understanding floral design at the highest of level, what do you predict to be the greatest constant and the greatest change?

Flowers will always connect people emotionally, as they have done in almost every culture — if not all cultures — since the beginning of mankind. The greatest change will have to be finding more ways to apply methods of sustainability within the industry so we can honor this long-standing tradition and keep the culture (and our Mother Earth) alive for future generations.

How does floral design as an art expand today’s floral industry?

Artists of the world take every type of art form and develop new techniques, blending various media and experimenting to evolve ways of expressing human emotion. Floral and botanical art is no different! With breeders and growers supplying us with infinite choices in materials, paired with easy accessibility to share and discover creations, making statements with botanical art finds the masses. Those who get a glimpse of this type of art will find themselves seeking out more, as its ephemeral nature is truly a thing to be appreciated.

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

I just wish to continue igniting sparks of inspiration to other passionate floral creatives so the artistic side of floral design can be discovered and appreciated and, hopefully, bring about engaging dialogue person to person.

Please share additional information that will offer a glimpse Beyond the Bio!

I’m so grateful for the travel opportunities outside of my home country that my passion has provided me! From the Hawaiian Islands, coast to coast in the United States and on to South America. I have yet to get myself overseas for floristry, which I hope to do eventually! Otherwise, being back home with my family, including a son and daughter, keeps life interesting and fulfilling, to say the least!