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What is your first memory of flowers?  

My granny’s flower and vegetable gardens in Kentucky were surely heaven on earth for me as a child! I would save seeds from flowers as we stopped during our travels to and from Kentucky and Florida each summer, drying them and planting everything!

What experiences led to your interest in the floral Industry?

My grandfather passed away, so I went with my mother to order the flowers for his service at a flower shop.  My mother declared, “Honey this is right up your alley”.  I wasn’t even aware I had an alley!

What contributed most to your design education?

My husband, Gus, saw a talent in me and would give me suggestions to slightly change a design for the better. He taught me the business end very well! He would enter me in monthly floral competitions — without my knowledge! He wouldn’t tell me until the day of the competition, so I was winging it, but it worked. I either won or placed second in a couple! After all, creativity is spontaneous. I never expected to win or even place, but it was certainly fun!

What has been your favorite job in the floral industry?

I always loved doing floral photo shoots and for numerous companies in the industry.  Now my love is simply being in my flower shop, creating designs for my clients, no matter how big or small. I just love selling flowers!  Everyone leaves with a big smile, or if a sad occasion, they get hugs along with flowers.

Where have you received your greatest industry support?

Florida State Florists’ Association International (FSFAI) and every state association for which I have ever presented! The American Institute of Floral Designers and Society of American Florists have also been very supportive!

You have competed and judged at a World Cup level. What intrigues you about the competition process? 

I love everything about it — even though it scares me to death! The stress level is crazy, because you want to be the very best you can be on that given day! That part is not so fun. The prop planning process is always difficult for me. I would much rather have all surprise designs with no previous planning at all.  I love the judging process. I know how every competitor feels and what it took for them to get to where they are. I want to give as many points as possible to the very best design. As a judge, I know how important my job is and want to get the results to the most deserving competitor.

What is your thought process that leads to a winning design? 

My thought process includes choosing a color that will command a judge’s attention, very clean design, excellent professional mechanics, amazing line, the element of surprise and wonder.

How did your understanding of elements and principles contribute to these experiences?

I’m not sure I should admit this … yikes! Prior to competing, I never formally learned the elements and principles … I simply placed the flowers where they belonged. I heard Frankie Shelton in a crowd saying, “Everyone should know and learn the principles and elements of floral design.” I think I hid behind someone in the crowd. I thought that if I learned them, it would change my designs or style, and I was winning!

That all changed when I was asked to teach the principles and elements in Canada for a franchise. I was in absolute panic and beside myself! I was trying to create rhymes to help me remember, then I typed index cards to help me study. It turns out that I was using the elements and principles all along! I just never knew what they were called or that you needed any guidelines.

Now, I can definitely see why designers need a sound understanding of the elements and principles in order to create visually appealing designs.