For Rachelle, owner of The Flower Garage Gilbert, flowers are about much more than beautiful arrangements. They're a way to celebrate life's moments, brighten everyday spaces, and bring people together through creativity.
After years as a wedding planner in Arizona, Rachelle knew she was ready for something of her own.
"I have been so blessed in my career," she says. "I've had the chance to raise my girls while working as a wedding planner, but I've always desired to build something on my own where I could use my love for creativity, beauty, and people."
She admired founder Dani Christakos and The Flower Garage from afar, drawn to both the stunning floral designs and the sense of community the business had created. When the opportunity to franchise became available, she knew it was the perfect fit.
"When I heard she decided to franchise, I immediately reached out," Rachelle says. "It has been an amazing journey, and I feel like I am right where I'm supposed to be."
As fall arrives, Rachelle looks forward to incorporating the season's rich colors into her arrangements. Growing up in the Midwest, autumn has always been her favorite time of year.
"The richness in the warmer toned flowers is so beautiful," she says. "Fall to me is linked to thankfulness and change."
One of the shop's signature seasonal favorites is its handcrafted succulent pumpkins, combining natural textures with timeless fall style.
Beyond their beauty, Rachelle loves helping customers discover the meaning behind different blooms.
"A rose is a symbol of love, lavender represents grace, and sunflowers bring joy," she says. "At The Flower Garage, we believe all flowers bring joy and meaning. Our motto is Gather, Create, Bloom."
She also encourages people to enjoy flowers in their homes, not just for special occasions. When selecting an arrangement, she recommends first thinking about where it will live.
"If it's going on a coffee table or dining table, you don't want it to be too tall," she says. "If it's in an entryway, you want your flowers to create beauty from the side people will see first."
Rachelle enjoys teaching simple floral techniques during workshops, including gently spinning roses to help them bloom naturally and opening carnations to create a softer, more elegant appearance.
Keeping flowers fresh also starts with the basics.
"You always want to start with a clean vase, fresh warm water, and flower food," she says. "Remove the leaves below the water line and always cut your stems on an angle."
She notes that leaving leaves in the water is one of the most common mistakes people make because they create bacteria that shorten the life of an arrangement.
Rather than chasing trends, Rachelle prefers timeless designs featuring magnolia leaves, natural branches, wooden boxes, and rich seasonal blooms. She also recommends carrying a consistent color palette throughout the home to create warmth and continuity.
"You don't need a special occasion to buy, gift, or enjoy flowers," Rachelle says. "Give yourself or others a reason to smile just because. 'The earth laughs in flowers,' and so should you."