Join us on a captivating journey through the history of the floral industry, as seen through the eyes of some esteemed Southern Chapter members. We asked Russ Barley AIFD, Dr. Jim DelPrince AIFD, Tim Lawling AIFD, Sharon McGukin AIFD, and Michael Trogdon AIFD a series of questions, and their answers provide a rich tapestry of our shared history.
Inception in the Floral Industry:
- Michael: “I embarked on my floral journey by earning an associate degree in floriculture right out of high school in 1977. I started by delivering flowers for Burge Flower Shop in 1978, and this month marks 45 years of working here, now as the owner.”
- Tim: “I launched my floral business in 1998, starting in my basement and garage. After leaving my previous career in music, I became involved with weddings as a ceremony director.”
- Jim: “I registered for a sales tax number in my Ohio hometown in 1979, although I started in the floral industry before that, at the young age of 16.”
- Sharon: “My journey in the floral industry began in 1973.”
- Russ: “In 1973, I ordered a correspondence course but found it unnecessary, as everything came naturally to me. I became self-taught and relied on my God-given talent.”
Biggest Trends When They Started:
- Russ: “Pot Mums, Prayer Plants, and Wandering Jew Baskets were all the rage. Design techniques included lace collars for bridal bouquets, and Dried Arrangements, especially those with dried Baby’s Breath, were very popular.”
- Michael: “In the late ’70s, dried materials like pampas grass and dyed flowers, especially the blue ones, were the biggest trends. Interestingly, we’ve come full circle.”
- Tim: “The introduction of the internet, websites, and POS systems marked a significant shift in the industry. It took some convincing to embrace this new technology, but I eventually adapted, and it’s incredible to see how much has changed in 25 years.”
Floral Bucket List and Greatest Success:
- Tim: “My floral bucket list was to embrace technology, and I did just that. My greatest success has been learning and evolving with the times.”
- Sharon: “My greatest success is teaching others to celebrate life with flowers.”
- Jim: “Three significant successes stand out. First, thanks to my parents’ support, I earned degrees from The Ohio State University and Mississippi State University. Second, I achieved promotion to full professor with tenure. Third, I co-authored the 3rd edition of the world’s most comprehensive floral design textbook, ‘Principles of Floral Design.'”
One Must-Have Floral Product (Hardgoods):
- Sharon: “Bind wire.”
- Russ: “Floral wire in different gauges, as it’s versatile for various design needs, from assisting flowers to creating grids or holding elements together.”
- Tim: “OASIS FLORAL GLUE!!! Best invention since I entered the industry.”
Best Invention in the Industry:
- Michael: “The various floral adhesives used daily are the best inventions, saving countless labor hours.”
- Sharon: “Midnight floral foam (black).”
Flowers and Greenery at the Beginning of Their Careers:
- Tim: “In 1978, flowers available for daily use included gladioli, carnations, cushion and daisy mums, snapdragons, roses, statice, gypsophila, and football mums. For greens, we used leatherleaf, plumosus, jade, and emerald. We also sourced galax and leucothoe from the North Carolina mountains for funeral work.”
Establishing a Unique Floral Style:
- Russ: “I learned basic design and continued to enhance my skills through conventions, shows, and symposiums. I also read floral publications to keep my work neat and structured.”
- Sharon: “My personal garden style evolved naturally from working with the garden flowers I grew up with in the South.”
- Tim: “Education was key to developing my unique style. I engaged with local and state associations, attended design programs with wholesalers, and participated in AIFD National Symposiums and Regional programs. These experiences expanded my design techniques and styles, challenging me to step outside the box and be different.”
- Michael: “I realized early on that my customers loved the same natural, garden-like style that I enjoyed. Aligning our tastes was a win-win situation.”
As we reflect on the rich history of our industry and the journeys of these remarkable individuals, we’re reminded that our passion for flowers and creativity has always been at the core of what we do. Each story is a testament to the enduring love for floral design and the ability to adapt to change. Let’s continue to embrace the ever-evolving world of floristry with open hearts and open minds, knowing that the future holds even more exciting developments and challenges.
