Each month, LivRio features an interview with one of the industry’s hottest floral designers, to find out what inspires their creativity and learn about new trends. This month, we interviewed Donny Johnson, AIFD, CFD, TCF

A bit of background…

Donny Johnson is a floral artist known for his passion, creativity, and determination to strengthen the floral industry. He began his career in the floral arts over 20 years ago, when he was a delivery driver while in high school. After attending Baylor University, Donny discovered that his passion for flowers had not diminished. Setting his degree aside, he began an unpaid apprenticeship at a Texas floral shop, where he spent the next year developing his design skills.

Donny has garnered numerous awards over his career, and he is an accredited member of AIFD. He serves as President of the Tennessee State Florist’s Association, President of Teleflora (Tennessee Unit), Director of the CTPFA board, and Director on the Southern Chapter of AIFD.

Recently, at the age of 39, Donny received the Central Tennessee Professional Florists’ Association’s Monica Bramblett Lifetime Achievement Award for going above and beyond in service, commitment, and leadership to the floral industry.

When did you start developing these amazing flower designs and where do you get your inspiration?           

I believe your designs are a continually evolving process: As your knowledge grows, so does your skillset. One way that I find inspiration is through participating in various competitions; in doing so, I’m able to see how one objective can result in a variety of designs. I also continually study many amazing designers, attend shows, and love to utilize the arts as a springboard for my imagination.

What is your vision for the new generations when it comes to buying habits, flower trends and flower designs? 

To reach new generations, I believe we’ll need to spend more time repositioning ourselves in branding, digital marketing, and engagement. Trends will continue to change. Business paradigms continue to change. Floral art continues to change. We must meet the culture where it is, not where it was—to not do this is detrimental to any business or industry. Blockbuster Video is a perfect example of “too little, too late”.

Anything you would like to share about your relationship with Rio Roses?     

Rio Roses has a proven commitment to continually promote and strengthen our industry and local shops, by providing quality products. Their products are a staple for creating designs that will be showstoppers. The quality and care are evident from the moment they arrive.