Tammie Warner, the heart and soul behind Camellia Farm Flora, has charmed Fort Worth with her luxurious floral designs and focus on customer service. Tammie's journey into the floral industry began unexpectedly but quickly flourished. A Joshua native, Tammie grew up in the rolling prairies and natural beauty only found in rural Texas; fine inspiration for any artist but particularly one with flowers for a medium. And, as any small-town girl will tell you, growing up in one becomes a big part of your story. Firstly, you won't get away with much. Everyone knows each other and manners must be minded. That neighborly attitude helped shape Camellia Farm Flora and galvanized Tammie as a trusted partner in crafting arrangements for life's most meaningful moments.
Tammie's floral career began early, at 19 years old. She was waiting tables in her hometown when an unexpected offer changed everything.
"The new owner of a local flower shop came into the restaurant I was working for and offered me a job," she recalls fondly.
Tammie worked hard, learning the business and honing her design skills at the shop. Finally, in 2019, she had enough experience to confidently head out on her own, and Camellia Farm Flora was born. Her mission was deceptively simple: create beautiful flowers that bring people happiness. It turns out the recipe for success was premium flowers and customer-focused employees.
"It bloomed into everything I had dreamed of," Tammie says. "We take great pride in providing the best customer service, and that quickly became our niche."
That doesn't mean Camellia Farm Flora's arrangements aren't setting them apart, though. The shop's florists' meticulous attention to detail elevates each design above the ordinary— it's art. And true to her original vision, the arrangements move people.
"We don't really sell flowers; we sell emotions," Tammie explains. "When someone cries, laughs, gasps, etc., my job is done, and my heart is happy. Those reactions are like oxygen to me. They are the reason I do this."
And she needs something to keep her going because running Camellia Farm Flora is no small feat. As the lead designer, Creative Director, and CEO, Tammie wears many hats. Her days often stretch into double-digit hours filled with prototyping for weddings, events, and now, television sets as Fort Worth enjoys its status as a film-friendly city. When you're in HD, every element must be perfect. Tammie sets that standard with mood boards covering everything from flowers and linens to architectural installations like champagne walls and bar fronts.
"We are the whole party package," she says. "We offer all-inclusive wedding and event design. We also offer rentals, including custom builds, as we have an on-staff carpenter and day of coordination services."
But, ever client-focused, the same low, lush, luxury floral collections Tammie designs for Hollywood are available for everyday occasions and the shop's loyal customer base online and in-store.
Often, the elaborate movie sets inspire Tammie, but the eclectic backdrop of Fort Worth remains her heaviest influence. The city's vibrant culture, architecture, and people provide a deep well to draw from, replenishing her creativity and keeping Tammie's collections fresh.
So, it's no small wonder she would jump at the opportunity to give back to the city, partnering with organizations like Justin's Place, Mercy House, and Jewel Charity, to name a few.
"We are proud to be a part of Fort Worth's huge spirit for giving," Tammie says. "The people and organizations here are dedicated to helping others; we love being able to continue that any way we can."
The saying goes, "Givers receive more than they give," and Camellia Farm Flora's success is a testament to the adage. Now a respected name in the industry after a mere 6 years, Tammie has big plans for the future. But first, she'll have to make room, so expanding their event operations into a larger warehouse is a top priority.
"We have been crazy busy!" she says excitedly. "We have outgrown the space we are in. We need a production space to accommodate all the large projects coming up in 2025."
Beyond that, Tammie envisions more community engagement through hands-on floral classes and events like a cut flower show.
"I very much enjoy teaching processing and basic floral skills to anyone who will listen," she shares. "And I'd like anything that allows me to connect with the Fort Worth community on an even deeper level."
For now, Tammie is content with what she's accomplished, and why not? Camellia Farm Flora delivers in every way. With its easily identifiable designs, exceptional service, and deep community ties, it's no wonder this floral studio has become a staple of Fort Worth.
"I am proud of our hard work," she concludes thoughtfully. "Just look at one of our huge weddings; you can see the endless hours put in by so many people. I couldn't do it alone. I get to work with great vendors, and, at the end of the day, we come together to make 'it' happen."
It's a humble ending to a conversation that began with manners, and Tammie proves it pays to always remember them.