Plants have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I spent countless hours in the garden with my family, especially my stepdad. I helped raise seedlings, water and maintain beds, and even till the soil to prepare for the growing season. Those early experiences gave me an appreciation for the rhythm of growth and the quiet joy of nurturing something that depended on care and consistency.
When I was 20, unsure of what direction my life should take, my uncle encouraged me to apply for a job at Louis’s Flower Power, the garden center where he worked. I walked in for the interview and instantly felt at home. For three seasonal years, I worked there and fell deeper in love with plants every day. The owner, Beau Spicer, became one of my greatest influences and mentors. He shared his knowledge generously, and his passion shaped my own. Looking back, I can honestly say that without his encouragement and example, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
At the time, I was going through one of the hardest periods of my life, and plants truly saved me. Caring for them gave me structure, peace, and purpose when I needed it most. Through plants, I learned patience and resilience. More importantly, I learned that in nurturing them, I was also learning how to nurture myself. That connection between caring for plants and caring for my own well-being became the foundation of everything I wanted to carry forward.
As the years went on, I worked in other places while continuing to build my own indoor plant oasis at home. Trial and error became my teacher. I experimented with different soils, light levels, humidity requirements, and even pests, learning which plants thrived in which conditions. I tested grow lights and discovered which ones actually worked and which were just gimmicks. Each step deepened my knowledge and my passion, and I discovered that helping plants thrive came as naturally to me as breathing.
The Flora Emporium was born out of this journey. It is more than a business to me. It is a way of sharing what plants gave me: comfort, healing, and the reminder that growth is always possible. My goal is to help people fall in love with plants the way I did, whether that means transforming an indoor living room into a lush sanctuary or turning an outdoor patio into a space for connection and rest. Plants brighten spaces, soften edges, and bring warmth and life that nothing else can.
Today, The Flora Emporium is about more than just design and installation. It is about creating environments where people feel better, breathe easier, and connect more deeply with the spaces they live and work in. My greatest joy comes from seeing clients discover that moment when a corner of their home, a business lobby, or a backyard patio suddenly feels alive in a way it didn’t before.
Looking ahead, I see The Flora Emporium continuing to grow just as the plants we care for do. My hope is to bring thoughtful, sustainable plant design into more homes and businesses, to keep learning, and to keep sharing that knowledge. Plants do not just change the look of a space, they change the way we feel, live, and connect with the world around us.
