This week, we’re taking a break from Flower Discoveries for an extended conversation with the amazing Hitomi Gilliam! Hitomi is a champion for those who are entering into the floral industry—always open and sharing her knowledge and experience with anyone who asks. She has a passion for beginner florists because they are the future of the floral industry!

In this episode, Hitomi is sharing the story of how she came from a path that was moving toward science to then moving toward plants, and then ending in flowers—all while overcoming family obstacles. She was extremely shy and essentially taught herself how to design. In that, she’s delving into self-doubt and just how detrimental it is to your creativity.

Finally, you’ll hear practical tips in multiple facets of the floral industry. From methods of teaching to color combinations, she has so much to share! You’ll be encouraged to always work towards what’s “right” in sustainability. Work towards learning how to be in 100%, and even enabling your clients to be environmentally conscience.

Hitomi works in partnership with her son, Colin Gilliam. Their business, DESIGN358, is a floral education entity and content creator. They host virtual floristry training workshops at DesigningForExcellence.com and ElementsOfInspiration.com. And she's currently getting ready for a virtual workshop in partnership with Gregor Lersch to design 100% organic toward Sustainable Floristry.

Hitomi has travelled around the world teaching creative floristry. She is an innovative teacher with a wellspring of inspiration, especially when it comes to methods, mechanics, and techniques for flower creatives who want to distinguish themselves from others.

She is serving as the Symposium Program coordinator for American Institute of Floral Designers for 2022. Hitomi is all about sharing her knowledge to allow ideas and methods to evolve into something that’s always better for the future! Ask her a question on Instagram @hitomigilliam or visit her website at hitomigilliam.com.

You’ll also hear from Kelly about Accent Decor’s new Fall/Winter Trend Book! Accent Decor is constantly working to bring innovation and art to the floral industry by searching high and low for the best quality inventory. You’ll find vases and vessels, pots and planters, outdoor decor, home accents, and so much more!