Talent BY JULIE MARTENS FORNEY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Kelsey Brazelton


canvases are rare, but those are the weddings I really remember. I push for moments like that.”


What’s on my to-do list: “We have a sympathy collection we completed in December with 13 color schemes and over 140 pieces. We’re still looking for the best way to launch that. At this point we have photos and recipes in hand for each item, so next comes training all the designers. We also have to figure out how best to meet the public with this collection. This project is the result of months of planning and teamwork.”


Creative Director Tipton & Hurst Little Rock, Arkansas


> On a typical day at Tipton & Hurst, you’ll find Kelsey Brazelton doing what she loves most: designing. Serving the 140-year-old florist by creating seasonal collections has quickly become her favorite part of the job. And teaching is a close second. “Once a collection is ready, I hold a training workshop for our designers from all seven locations. I work them through each design, sharing tips and tricks to make it as easy as pos- sible,” she shares. Monthly community design work-


shops (priced at $69-$79) also allow Kelsey to flex her teaching muscles. “It’s a great way to foster community inter- action. We’ve even hired some design assistants from those classes,” she adds. Her top priority on the job is


customer service. “Our customer sat- isfaction guarantee means I’m always going above and beyond to exceed cus- tomer expectations,” she says. “We’re a fourth-generation storied brand. More than anything, people know if they’re coming here, they’re going to


leave happy. I love being a part of a business with so much compassion, care and enthusiasm for working with a fresh product. It’s an industry with so much heart.”


My floral origin story: “Ironically, I grew up in Flower Mound, Texas, with a grandmother who loved to garden. She showed me just how much you could do with flowers. I pursued a horticulture degree at the University of Arkansas, including an American Floral Endowment internship at Dr. Delphinium Designs & Events. That’s where my passion for big weddings and higher end arrangements really began. It seemed silly at first to think I would have a career in designing flowers, but by being consistent and persistent, I landed this job. I’m so honored.”


My dream customer: “Someone with a colorful palette and a blank canvas. That bride says, ‘This is the color of my dress, the table lin- ens and the bridesmaids’ dresses. Use your experience to pick the best stems and style that can be done.’ I’ve been doing this nearly 10 years, and the blank


14 FLORAL MANAGEMENT | May/June 2026 | WWW.SAFNOW.ORG


Where I find inspiration: “I look to companies that have been around a long time: Lewis Miller Design, New York [@lewismillerde- sign], and John Mark’s, Tennessee [@johnmarkenterprises]. Instagram is still a huge place to discover inspi- ration. For creating color schemes, I lean on Pinterest.”


Away from the design studio: “My partner and I have transitioned from trail running to an equestrian trail lifestyle. We have six mules at home, including Mick Jagger, Red and Petey. I’ve received a mule for Valentine’s Day, and this year we got a mini donkey named Mr. Biscuit. Mules are smarter and safer on trails than horses, but they’re harder to learn to ride.”


Advice to live by: “Don’t let one failure give you the deter- mination of ‘you can’t do this.’ Learn with every season. Learn about florals, trends and how to serve customers in different aspects of their lives. On a hard day where you feel like you’re not capable, not talented enough or not smart enough, listen to the people in your life who love you enough to remind you that this is what you were living for — this is your dream. Just push through it. Give yourself grace and have perseverance.”


Julie Martens Forney is a contributing writer for the Society of American Florists.


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