At Seed Your Future, we know the world of plants touches every corner of our lives - from the spaces we design to the communities we grow. The next generation of plant professionals is eager to lead, innovate, and turn their passion into thriving businesses. And we’re here to spotlight the educators who nurture those dreams every day. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our latest Horticulture Hero is Mrs. May, Small Business Operations and Floral Instructor at Metro Tech High School!
Like many who discover their plant-passion, Mrs. May’s path was anything but linear. She didn’t begin as an educator - her first love was design:
“I went to interior design school and back in the 90s, before internet, before all of our resources that we've got now, you basically had to know somebody to get a job”
That “somebody” turned out to be a local flower shop near her home. She started by doing whatever was needed - answering phones, cleaning windows, helping customers - until one day, her design background opened a new door. When the shop needed extra design help, Mrs. May stepped in, using her interior design eye to create floral arrangements that impressed.
After years of running her own business and working in various roles across the floral industry, she felt the pull toward something new - teaching. A timely conversation with Brent Denham, General Manager at Arizona Family Florist, would change everything.
“When I told Mrs. May about the opening at Metro Tech, I knew she was the perfect fit,” said Denham. “Her creativity, business expertise, and love of flowers would inspire students and help them grow into confident future leaders. It’s a great example of how industry connecting with the classroom turns passion into purpose and strengthens the community.”
When Mrs. May arrived at Metro Tech, the program focused primarily on floral design. But she quickly saw the opportunity to give her students more – skills that would prepare them not only to create beautiful designs but also to run successful businesses.
“I teach them what I know - not just from a book. I cover business operations, logistics, and inventory management. Business is my passion, and I love floral design, so it’s wonderful to fuse the two together.”
Today, Mrs. May’s program is a model of industry and education working hand in hand. Her classroom operates like a real floral business – complete with student roles like shop manager, photographer, marketer, and bookkeeper. Students learn firsthand how to manage customer orders, price and source products, oversee operations, and collaborate as a professional team.
Student, Lizette S., shares “I was amazed to learn how much work goes into flowers – from growing and packaging them to shipping them across the world.
Her on-campus floral shop is the heartbeat of the program, giving students valuable experience in customer service, time management, and leadership. She also takes learning beyond the classroom by connecting students directly with industry professionals.
“When local industry connects with the classroom, students see how their passion for flowers can turn into a purpose-driven career,” Denham added. “They gain practical skills, real-world insight, and inspiration from professionals who model creativity and leadership”
For the past two years, her students have also created large-scale outdoor floral installations for the public event Tempe Blooms in downtown Tempe, Arizona – a showcase viewed by more than 80,000 people each January. Last year, her students even placed among the event’s top designs!
Her work has earned national attention as well. During a recent Society of American Florists tour, floral professionals from across the country visited Metro Tech High School and were inspired by what Mrs. May and her students have accomplished. At a time when attracting skilled talent is one of the floral industry’s greatest challenges, her classroom is a shining example of how education and industry together can cultivate passionate, work-ready professionals eager to grow within the field.
Brent Leech, AIFD National President Elect and Chair of the AIFD Student Membership Committee, has collaborated with Mrs. May for years and witnessed her students’ growth firsthand:
“Mrs. May has always been excellent at taking her students to local floral companies for tours and design demonstrations. It’s so important for them to see firsthand how these businesses work. The on-campus floral shop that her students run is amazing. It helps them with customer service skills, buying and pricing products, managing staff, and learning how to build and sustain a strong business. The floral industry needs students with passion and drive for success, and Mrs. May instills that in each of them. She’s preparing them for success - and it’s working!”
Her students couldn’t agree more:
“Mrs. May’s class taught me how to work as a team, as a leader, and as a coworker by providing proper hands-on training in a business setting.” – Angel C.
“The class pushes me out of my comfort zone - every day is something new, whether it’s a project or working on arrangements with classmates.” – Karla T.
“This class has influenced the career path I want to pursue. I’ve discovered how much I enjoy working with my hands – it keeps me focused and engaged. I’ve also realized how much I love flowers, and now I want to use these skills I’ve learned to work in a flower shop” – Jazmine Q.
When asked what advice she’d give to those unsure about their future in horticulture, she shared wisdom from her own journey:
“Sometimes I think, how did I end up here? My kids are in their twenties and still figuring things out, and I tell them: you have no idea what doors will open. I wanted to be an interior designer - and now I’m a teacher. Every experience along the way mattered. Little steps, open doors, meeting new people - that’s how you find where you’re meant to be.”
Mrs. May’s story reminds us that a career in horticulture can begin anywhere - and with passion, persistence, and curiosity, it can bloom into something extraordinary.
Thank you, Mrs. May, for growing the next generation of plant professionals. We’re honored to celebrate you as our Horticulture Hero!
Learn more about AIFD – American Institute of Floral Designers and the Arizona Family Florist by visiting their websites.
- Every day, the plant world is quietly led by horticulture heroes and plant champions who make an enormous impact on our lives and the future of the planet. Seed Your Future aims to share their stories, promote horticulture, and inspire more people to pursue careers working with plants. If you would like to recommend someone to be featured, submit their story!
