Beyond the Bio: Cheryl Vaughan

What is your first memory of flowers?

One of my first memories of flowers is helping — or maybe getting in the way — at my grandmother’s feet in her flower garden. She had beautiful lilies that I have transplanted into my yard and enjoy to this day. Also, the fragrance of the beautiful honeysuckle that she had growing on her arbor going into her front yard stands out, and every time I smell honeysuckle, it takes me back to that memory. She and my mom taught me a love of flowers.

What experiences led to your interest in the floral Industry?

That’s easy! My sister, Laurie, had a flower shop — Flowers by Laurie in Lytle — and I would come help her out. I mostly answered the phone and waited on customers during the busy holidays. I didn’t initially think I had the ability to design.

What contributed most to your design education?

My sister encouraged me to just take a class and to see if I was interested. I thought maybe I could learn to just put together a vase of flowers for my house. My first class was two semesters at Austin Community College (ACC) in Austin with Kathy Thomas AIFD as instructor, and she introduced me to TSFA, where I met Pat Shirley Becker AIFD, TMFA, who became my mentor.

What has been your favorite job in the floral industry?

For years, I would have said weddings and events are my passion, but in the past five or more years, I have developed a different perspective. I would say teaching is my favorite job in this wonderful industry!

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?

There are many people who have inspired me in different areas of my career. Pat Shirley Becker was the first one to bring me into TSFA. She believed in me and gave me a desire to learn more. Then, there was Lynn Lary McLean, AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, TMF, who inspired me to step outside my comfort zone. She mentored me as a leader and encouraged me to serve in key chair positions.

What led you to the idea for the hands-on workshop or the spotlight you will share during the Texas Floral Expo?

This workshop is based on real-life experiences over the past few years. More brides are desiring flowers that can be used for more than a 15-minute ceremony. They want more for their money and to feel like they are being responsible. Sustainability is playing into their requests, as well.

What are the key takeaways that you hope will be gleaned from this class?

The key takeaway would be designing with intention. If we are repurposing, we need to design with that intent — being especially thoughtful with our mechanics, as well as our creativity.

What do you love about teaching at the TSFA School of Floral Design?

I love teaching at the TSFA School of Floral Design, and I especially love that light bulb moment when students truly “get it!”

What do you predict to be the greatest constant and the greatest change in floral design as our industry moves forward?

I feel customer service is the constant — but it is also the change, because that is the only thing that sets us apart many times. The change has to be that customer service becomes one of our top priorities to
keep us growing and thriving.

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

I plan to continue teaching any opportunity I get. The elements and principles of design are the basis for every design created, and unless new designers understand those, they can’t succeed. So, my mission is
to stress them in everything I teach!

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

One of my favorite classes was an Ikebana class in Japan, where my instructor knew very little English. It was also so exciting to see orchids growing in their natural habitat on the Island of Okinawa, Japan.