Sherry Grimes-Jenkins of EMY Custom Flowers in Mahopac, New York, displays her designs. She likes to use colors that brighten moods and provide tranquility. Photo courtesy of Grimes-Jenkins.
The Society of American Florists’ membership includes all segments of the industry — and that community is the heart of SAF. This bi-weekly feature will spotlight SAF members sharing inspirational stories, professional insights, and the opportunity to form new industry connections.
Sherry Grimes-Jenkins started gardening at a young age with her grandmother and neighbors in Barbados. She developed an immediate love for flowers and plants and decided to study agriculture at secondary school. She moved to America in 1987 and opened EMY Custom Flowers in Mahopac, New York, in 1999 with the guidance of her uncle and father, while also continuing her floral design studies at the New York Botanical Garden.
Key to success. Her love for flowers and support from her family continue to be the keys to her success. Grimes-Jenkins is especially motivated by seeing the smiles on her customers faces.
How she relaxes and unwinds. Grimes-Jenkins was introduced to yoga at an early age and continues to practice. She especially enjoys the meditation aspect of yoga and says that floral design gives her a similar sense of peace. She also studies African Dance and enjoys watching comedies.
Trend she is most excited about. Grimes-Jenkins is excited about Ikebana floral designs, which are based on the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging. She also likes the shift toward mood enhancing flowers and colors. “Being a yogi, I always like to include beautiful colors that brighten the mood of others and provide tranquility,” she says.
Favorite Flowers. Anthurium and Birds of Paradise are her favorite flowers because they remind her of her childhood in Barbados.
Why SAF? Grimes-Jenkins felt that there was a lack of support in the industry as a minority florist. She joined SAF because it gives her a way to feel connected in the industry by learning industry news and receiving educational tools. She also enjoys attending the events and meeting other florists and vendors in the industry. “SAF gives me some of the additional support I need and makes it less of a lonely road as a minority ,” Grimes-Jenkins says.
Grimes-Jenkins was also featured on SAF’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Do you know a member who should have a chance in the spotlight? Email Stephanie Brady, communications and event coordinator for SAF.
Stephanie Brady is the communications and event coordinator for the Society of American Florists.
