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What is your first memory of flowers?

My Granny Gillham had a magical green thumb and could grow just about anything. One of my earliest and most cherished memories is of her enormous Don Juan rose bush. Every time I visited, she would cut a few roses for me, carefully wrapping the stems in a wet paper towel and aluminum foil. I would bury my nose in their intoxicating fragrance the entire ride home from Hugo to Idabel. That scent still brings me comfort and nostalgia to this day.

What experiences led to your interest in the floral industry?

While pursuing my teaching degree, I worked at The French Tulip in Oklahoma City and fell in love with floral design. The pivotal moment came in 2005 when my husband’s cousin’s florist bailed on their wedding. I stepped in, and within eight hours, I had created all the bouquets and centerpieces. That moment solidified my passion for flowers. For years, I worked as a teacher but lived for weekends when I could design wedding florals. When we moved back to East Texas in 2017, I took a leap of faith, left public education and bought a flower shop — Simply Beautiful Floral Company.

What contributed most to your design education?

I was mostly self-taught in my early years, devouring every book and resource I could find. Attending floral retreats, such as Inspired Design, was a turning point where I found my “Flower Family” and learned from industry mentors. Watching and studying industry leaders shaped my approach, and I found great value in learning from incredible designers like Ken Senter, Jenny Thomason Ingrum, Verito Vasquez, and Charlie Groppetti. Their guidance and knowledge helped refine my skills and broaden my design perspective. Competitions pushed me to continually improve, while my journey to AIFD accreditation deepened my understanding of advanced design techniques. Studying under European designers like Mike Boerma at The Boerma Institute and Max Hurtaud in Belgium further expanded my appreciation for diverse floral styles, reinforcing the importance of blending tradition with innovation.

What has been your favorite job in the floral industry?

I find deep fulfillment in creating sympathy designs. Flowers have a unique way of capturing emotions and celebrating a person’s life. Being entrusted with honoring someone’s memory through floral artistry is incredibly meaningful.

Having experienced profound loss early in life — losing a best friend in fourth grade to a plane crash, my father by age 26, all four of my grandparents and six aunts and uncles — I have personally felt the deep significance of funeral flowers. I created the florals for many of my own family members, and through that experience, I came to understand that sympathy flowers are the last gift we give to a loved one before we say goodbye. That sentiment stays with me every time I help someone navigate the difficult process of laying a loved one to rest.

Beyond design, I also love my role as an educator — mentoring florists, teaching workshops and sharing my insights through my Bloom with Brandy column in TEXAS in Bloom. Whether through flowers or education, my work allows me to connect with people during their most emotional moments, and that is something I will always cherish.

You won the Texas Designer of the Year Competition in 2024. What intrigues you about the competition process?

The rush of a timed competition fuels my creativity and keeps me sharp. I thrive under pressure and love seeing the incredible artistry of other competitors. Competitions also push me out of my comfort zone, helping me refine my mechanics, creativity and storytelling. Winning the Texas Designer of the Year title in 2024 was an incredible honor and reinforced my passion for excellence in floral design.

The takeaway must be much more than the win. What do you take away from these experiences?

The true reward of competing isn’t just the win — it’s the growth, learning and connections made along the way. Every competition introduces me to new techniques and innovative designs. It’s a chance to learn from peers, form lifelong friendships and challenge myself to create at a higher level. The floral industry thrives on community, and competitions are a great way to find your “Flower Family.”

Your study of artificial intelligence (AI) has opened new opportunities for today’s designer. What led you to study this subject?

Like many small business owners with big dreams, a tiny budget and a never-ending pile of paperwork, I was desperate for anything that could help streamline operations and give me a little breathing room. I first turned to AI as a way to manage the not-so-glamorous side of
business — inventory tracking, automating emails and tackling the mountain of marketing tasks I never seemed to have time for.

But as I dug deeper, I realized AI wasn’t just a tool for efficiency — it was a game-changer for creativity. From generating color palettes and mood boards to sparking design inspiration, AI opened up a whole new world of possibilities. What started as a practical solution quickly became a creative catalyst, pushing me to explore fresh ideas and approach floral design in new ways. This journey led to my AI-focused presentations at the AIFD National Symposium and my passion for helping florists integrate technology into their businesses — not just to work smarter, but to elevate their artistry as well.

With regards to AI, what do you predict may be of most benefit to retail floristry?

AI has the potential to transform retail floristry in multiple ways. Predictive analytics can help florists manage inventory more efficiently, reducing waste and optimizing purchasing decisions. AI-generated marketing content can save time and enhance customer engagement. Additionally, AI-powered design inspiration tools can help florists visualize unique arrangements and explore new techniques. Ultimately, AI allows florists to work smarter, not harder, so they can focus on their craft and customers.

Your time designing for The Orchid Dinner was a significant commitment. What is your most treasured memory of this most recent experience?

Designing for The Orchid Dinner at The Plaza Hotel was a career highlight. My most treasured memory was stepping back and seeing my completed centerpiece surrounded by the work of other world-class designers. The moment was surreal — knowing that my design contributed to such a prestigious event while supporting the conservation efforts of the New York Botanical Garden made it even more special.

The New York Botanical Garden is one of the most respected institutions in the world of horticulture and conservation, and The Plaza Hotel is an icon of luxury and history. To be invited to create a centerpiece for an event of this caliber was an honor beyond words. As a girl from Texas, stepping into such a grand setting felt like something out of a dream. The sheer magnitude of the evening, the dazzling displays of orchids and the incredible company of industry leaders made it unforgettable.

What truly made the experience even more meaningful was the reaction from the event staff and attendees. Seeing their excitement over my design, hearing them rave about my table — it was a moment of validation and joy that I’ll never forget. To have my work recognized on such a grand stage reinforced that creativity knows no boundaries, and that passion and hard work can take you anywhere — even to the big time in New York City.

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

I want to continue bridging tradition with innovation. My passion is teaching florists not only design techniques, but also how to thrive as business owners. Whether through hands-on workshops, digital courses or AI-focused education, I hope to empower florists with the tools they need to succeed. I also plan to deepen my involvement in industry leadership to help shape the future of floral education.

Please share additional information that will offer a glimpse beyond the bio!

Floral design is more than just my profession — it’s my creative passion, my connection to people and my way of leaving a lasting impact. Whether competing, teaching or writing for TEXAS in Bloom, I strive to inspire others to push their creativity, embrace new innovations and build successful careers in floristry. My journey has shown me that the floral industry is not just about flowers; it’s about relationships, artistry and continuous growth. I’m honored to be part of this incredible community and excited for what the future holds.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: The only real mistake is standing still. Fear of failure, self-doubt or waiting for the “perfect” moment will only hold you back. Growth happens when you take risks, challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone. You are the only one who can decide how far you’ll go — so take the leap, push forward and chase whatever sets your heart on fire.