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Plant Talk

Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Adult Education Alum of the Month: Nancy White

Posted in Adult Education on April 10 2013, by Ann Rafalko

NancyWhiteFBClassThis month we take a moment to get to know Floral Design Certificate-holder Nancy White, the owner of The Flower Bar in Larchmont, N.Y.

White, a former advertising executive, and founder of Showhouse magazine was looking for a new career path in 2009. “I came to a career night and thought floral design would suit me well.  I’ve always loved arranging flowers, but was a total novice.”

After completing her Certificate in April 2010, White served as an intern at The Flower Bar and was soon hired full-time. A little over two years ago, she purchased the business from its former owners and has since run it successfully as a place where customers can engage in the creative process. “I came to the Floral Design program because I was looking for a new career where I could combine my creative talents with my business skills–I am one of those rare individuals who have both a left and right brain!”

Her designers work in an open studio and The Flower Bar offers its own classes. “One of the biggest (challenges) is finding the time to do marketing/sales and still design on a daily basis.” White has met these challenges head on, and is succeeding, “our revenues have grown over 25% since we purchased the business and we have developed a terrific reputation for beautiful, stylish design with long-lasting flowers.” White and her colleagues are proud to count Neiman Marcus and several other stylish businesses among The Flower Bar’s clientele.

White frequently returns to the Garden’s Adult Ed program, but now as an instructor. Those who would like to learn further from White’s expertise should consider enrolling in her upcoming course, “Think Pink,” which will focus on creating stunning arrangements in this most flattering shade.

Are you a Garden Adult Education alum? We are convinced that our graduates can offer a wealth of wisdom to current and future NYBG students! People currently enrolled in the Floral Design Certificate program are encouraged to email FDNcoordinator@nybg.org and learn more about the NYBG Floral Design Alumni Facebook Group.