08/04/2026
My first floral design job was at Rick Orr Florist, while I was studying horticulture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During the four years I worked there, I learned so much from Rick and his business partner, Geraldine. That experience sent me on the (somewhat circuitous) entrepreneurial path to starting Pollen and then Rooted Living.
Rick was ahead of the floral design trends, using clear glass vases while most florists were still arranging in smiley face mugs. His perspective shaped the direction my own floral design would take, leading me toward a more naturalistic style.
l'm headed down to Champaign to pay my respects to Rick and reconnect with folks from my time there.
I'll be back in the shop on Thursday. See you then!
