The Designs of the Times Story
Tina's journey into the world of floristry is as vibrant and unexpected as the floral designs she's known for today. With a passion for art and a dream of becoming a syndicated cartoonist like her uncle, Tina pursued an art major in college. To fund her education, she took on multiple jobs, including creating mixed media pictures featuring dried florals at antique car shows. However, her primary income came from working as a computer operator on an experimental banking system. This job paid tuition and allowed her to save enough to pursue a new dream - owning a flower shop!
When her bid to purchase a local flower shop fell through, Tina didn't give up. Instead, she sent her resume to every florist in the area, expressing her interest in opening a store. Her background in accounting caught the attention of one of Melbourne's oldest florists, who hired her to manage the books. This role quickly transitioned into floral design, and after almost a year of learning the ropes, Tina was ready to fly the nest and open a store on her own.
On April 1, 1982, Tina sold her beloved 280Z sports car to fund the opening of Designs of the Times Florist. Ever the optimist, she quipped, "It was the perfect day to open the store. If it didn't work out, I could just say 'April Fools!'" But there was no need for that - Designs of the Times quickly blossomed into a thriving business.
Expansion and Global Influence
By the late 1980s, Tina had expanded Designs of the Times into four locations across South Brevard, with a central design hub. Her passion for floristry and innovation didn't stop at the county line. In 1990, Tina began traveling the world to teach floral design, sharing her expertise in Australia, Europe, South America, and North America. Traveling up to 26 weeks a year, Tina eventually sold three South Brevard locations, consolidating Designs of the Times into a single, focused entity.
In 2007, Tina expanded her reach into North Brevard by purchasing Merritt Island Florist. A decade later, in 2017, the company grew again with the addition of a Palm Bay location. In 2022, a new state-of-the-art store was completed in West Melbourne, serving as a testing ground for Design of the Times's innovative ideas.
A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Known for her willingness to take risks and bring her crazy ideas to life, Tina often says she has failed more than she has succeeded…but not trying isn't in her DNA. She believes that the failures make the triumphs all the sweeter. Her enthusiasm and passion for innovation have propelled Designs of the Times into the top ranks of florists in the United States. Tina's leadership extends beyond running her business - she has served as both Regional and National President of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), the most prestigious organization in the industry. Her designs have graced several U.S. Presidential Inaugurations, the iconic Rose Bowl floats for Charisma Float company, and she has served as the U.S. judge for the Interfloral World Cup competition in Australia.
An accredited member of the American Academy of Florists (AAF) and Professional Floral Commentators International (PFCI), Tina has also worked in product development for manufacturers and as a seminar presenter. Her award-winning designs have been featured in trade and shelter magazines such as Bride and Architectural Digest. As a contributing writer for the industry and a published short story author, Tina's career in floristry has spanned over 42 years.
