I can’t believe I am posting this!  Yes, that is me with my first arrangement I ever created.  Gotta love how my shirt matches it!  I was in the fourth grade, and while my arrangement looks scary now, I’d like to think I’ve come a long way!  Hope you get a laugh, I think it is pretty funny!

Most people don’t know that I started designing flowers over ten years ago when I entered high school, started judging cut flower quality and designs in FFA {Future Farmers of America}.  I participated in a Statewide competition which my team won and further participated in Nationals, placing 7th in the Nation and individually, placing 4th overall.  My agriculture teacher, Mr. Jones, now Dr. Jones was a huge influence on my career now.  Hey Dr. Jones!  He taught me one of the lessons I live by:  ” if you take what you love and make it your job, it will no longer be a job, and you won’t ever have to work.”  Isn’t that so true?

Upon graduation I went off to study to become an ag educator, and with a change in major I knew that my decision to study horticulture was the right choice.  I transferred from Fresno State to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where I learned everything horticulture. From floral design, to studying plant materials, plant physiology and cultural greenhouse and landscape practices, the “learn by doing,” philosophy taught me hands on what the horticulture and floral industry is like.  Studying under inspiring and supportive floral artists, such as Melinda Lynch, AIFD and many other industry leaders, I was lucky enough to participate in more National Competitions, even earning the title of  the countries top Floral Crop Evaluation team and individual champion.  Managing the on site floral shop on campus, working with wedding professionals on the Central Coast, and keeping industry ties all had such a positive impact on where I am today.

Here I am with Kim {left} and Pam {right}, both AIFD designers that I worked with at A Secret Garden Florist in Clovis, CA.  In this photo we are at the Rose Parade where we were contracted to work on the floral designs for the floats!  If you’ve never attended, you’ve got to, it is AMAZING!  Thanks ladies for all you’ve helped me with!

It’s easy to do something you are passionate about.  As I look back over the years of all of the events, people and wonderful things I have been a part of, I feel so lucky and blessed to be loving what I’m doing and doing what I love.  With all of my industry exposure, there is a lot to say about apprenticeship in this industry.  I have been so lucky to what seems like “meet the right people at the right time,” but I think it is more than just coincidence.  It’s passion, It’s finding what you love and living it!  I’m going to keep doing what I love and loving what I do, hopefully you’ll do the same.

What are you passionate about?  What drives you?  I want to know, what makes you get up and do what you do every day?  Is it for the money, or is it much more?