Thursday, September 8, 2011

Robyn Story Designs and Horse Shows??

Blogs can be about anything we choose, right?  So I'm taking a few minutes to brag about another member of my staff.  Scotty, has been with me for many years and is an incredibly talented Floral Designer and one of my Painters Extraordinaire, but his talent is far beyond these two things!



Scott has been through all of Robyn Story Designs transitions.  I started my business ten years ago in my garage.  I grew out of that garage and decided to work in a rented space and sold to the trade only.  My inventory and clientele grew and I converted that warehouse space to my retail store.  Slowly it has evolved into this magical space Robyn Story Designs, tucked away in Tampa.  

Scott moved to Florida from Cleveland, Ohio after working 21 years in fresh florals and moved onto Silk Florals.  He came into my store to buy stems since he was in the trade and we just hit it off. I knew that Scott and I would have a great time working together.  He was and still is an incredible floral designer.  Scott was instrumental from the beginning.  Always there for support and an opinion.  Customers love him, my staff loves him and he's just an all around terrific person.

One of our agreements from the beginning is that he would still have the ability to partake in his other profession.  Scott has held the much respected job of dressing equestrian events.  We've all seen horse shows and all of those gorgeous jumps that the horses leap over so gracefully.  Well, somebody actually orchestrates the production of those jumps and all the florals at these events.  One of those talented individuals is our Scott.

Scotty assisting with the Annie Sloan Workshop

He has designed shows in nine states and the District of Columbia and has done over 85 shows in his 28 year career! His repertoire includes Equestrian Shows in Traverse City, Michigan, The Vermont Summer Festival, The Capital Challenge in Upper Marlborough, Maryland,  and Washington International Horse Show as well as designing/ordering/building the florals for the The Senior Open Golf Tournament in Traverse City and Cleveland, Ohio.  His most notable accomplishments are Five World Cup events in Las Vegas, Olympic Trials in San Juan Capistrano and San Deigo, as well as the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Whew!!!  He's been around!  We are so proud of him.  He just returned from Michigan and Vermont and brought home some great pictures that I thought I'd share.

Here's the product just ready for 'beautification'!
Getting Organized and Ready for their debut!
So many gorgeous flowers in luscious colors!
Organized and moving outside to their gate
One AMAZING example of all the planning, organizing and incredibly long days to make these events beautiful. 



Keep checking back for the final details of the "So You Think You Can Create" contest!
Click HERE to check out the post and see what its all about!







21 comments:

  1. Wow! What a talented man (ofcourse, he's from Ohio lol) His love of florals and of the horses can be seen in his eyes and his smile!!! Beautiful pics Robyn~Thanks so much for sharing! Also, thank you for yet, another wonderful visit with you and Deb today!!! Sure put a smile on my face and jitters in my hands from your scrumpious lattes!!! Hugs!

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  2. Never thought about a person being behind the scenes that creates this wonderful jumps. He sounds quite talented indeed.

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  3. Scotty is an amazingly talented guy and I am so glad he is on your staff! Robyn it also so great getting to know you!

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  4. Gosh! Those events look like an incredible amount of work. Scotty is a very talented person! Thanks for sharing his story with us.

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  5. Wow! Scotty helped me put together a tree topper last Christmas... what would have taken me 2 hours took him 2 minutes! He is amazingly talented and I'm so glad that you shared this story with us. Your store is amazing, but it is the people you have working with you that makes it the best.

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  6. Scotty is the nicest person I know! So talented. Robyn you are one lucky gal! Looking forward to your Open House in October!

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  7. Wow! Scott is super talented and a super nice guy to boot. The photos are impressive.

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  8. We think he's great too. (his family)

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  9. Thanks for sharing these pictures!! I was scrolling through my blogs and slowed down when I saw the horse jumps...I know those, I grew up riding horses, doing horse shows and it's nice to see them in my blog reading:)) Brings back a lot of good memories. Amazing work!!!

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  10. Who knew? Good for him...and good for you for seeing the value he brings to your life and your work! He just looks like he has a wicked sense of humor (I can see it in his eyes) so I know I would like him...and if I EVAH get to Tampa again I am popping in to see the whole bunch of you! And you better have lunch waiting!...I'll bring the cheese- Good Wisconsin cheddar, of course.

    I ordered some more paint today and understand it has already shipped. You kids are ON IT! Hope your weekend is wonderful! xo Diana

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  11. New to your blog, coming from Kim's and so glad I did, just love what Scotty can do, I LOVE horse shows, we have a huge one at Rebecca Farms every year here in Kalispell, MT and it is just beautiful. My Dad just bought a home in St Pete, FL and I am going down in a couple of weeks to help him decorate, now I know where I can shop...can't wait to meet you! See you soon!!

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  12. Wow! I've never thought about the fact that someone could specialize in this kind of decore. what lovely work.

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  13. This is Alexandra (Alex) Rheinheimer - the owner of Horse Shows by the Bay in Traverse City, MI. Thank you for continuing to give Scott the ability to play horse show w/ us "up north" each year. Besides being THE BEST at what he does, he's also an amazing friend. Scott's seen me through my wedding (did my flowers!) and through many more of my various exciting life experiences, so besides creating super yummy jump decorations he's also been a terrific person in my life. You are very lucky to have him as a member of your team, Robyn! Good luck w/ your Fall and Holiday Season and of course have a blast with the bestest person on the plantet...go SCOTTY!

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  14. Hi...the flowers are beautiful..such a great job!! I want to thank you for your so very prompt delivery of my first ASCP. I am in chalk paint heaven!! I got 2 brushes going at once...lol! It turns you into a mad person, really...I love it..I will be ordering from you again. Wonderful service!!! Thanks, Linda

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  15. I KNEW it!!! I have seen Scott before and perhaps even MET? him. I worked(med.team) (humans only) ;) at the Int'l Horsepark during the Atlanta Olympics '96 (as well as the 1995 "practice") I have dozens AND dozens of the photos of the events'equestrian jumps. I actually found myself trying to capture the "perfect jump" as the horse and rider went through their paces to enclude all of the fine art/arrangements of each jump. Please tell Scotty "hello" and I have admired him "from afar" ;-) {and now I can put a name to the credits of his fine work!}

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  16. HI, I've known about Scott's talents his whole life! I'm so happy he's with people who appreciate the great person he is. Also jealous, since I miss him so much!

    September 13, 2011

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  17. hey, just wondering if you have the new colors yet! thanks.

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  18. How talented you guys are. I just added a link from my blogger page to yours and look forward to your posts : )

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  19. Wow, the horses are gorgeous. I just love them :P They look like a famous watches commercial I know. I have a real passion for horse shows :)

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  20. Wow! workshop sounds fun..I read there is no sanding or priming with this chalk paint?!

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  21. Scott,
    Good job!!! I'm very proud. (of course I'm crying) I read all your comments. Does this surprise you???
    Love your Mom

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