In the heart of Topeka’s vibrant Westboro neighborhood stands a beacon of artistic creativity. The story of Porterfield’s Flowers intertwines with the life journey of its owner. With the rich history of his family and a mentorship that ignited his passion, David Porterfield has blossomed into a local icon, offering Topekans the chance to experience the magic of decor and fresh flowers.
“My parents recognized my creativity early on,” David recalls, reflecting on the foundation of his artistic journey.
Porterfield’s began with David’s father, who had pursued a career in fashion in post-WWII New York. David’s parents decided the bustling city was not the ideal place to raise a family. His father being from Georgia and mother from Eskridge, they decided Topeka was the place to put their roots. David’s father entered the world of floristry, working for Owen’s Shop in Lawrence. After tiring of the commute, he worked for Sach’s Florist in Topeka, then transitioned into sales, putting together a nest egg that would become the cornerstone for the birth of Porterfield’s in 1965, just as David was entering his junior year at Topeka West. This small flower shop would become a lifelong passion for David.
“I have worked here every day since, working my way through Washburn and buying the business from my folks in the early ‘80s and moving it to Westboro,” David said.
His journey into the world of holiday decorating was a turning point in his artistic career. At the age of 18, he recalls having the privilege of collaborating with the late Maxine Anton, on her colonial home on Westover Road. Maxine shared with David her wisdom and appreciation for antiques, art, and design.
He fondly remembers, “I helped her every year until her death and enjoyed every minute of it.”
David’s passion and skills flourished when he joined the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), a national organization that nurtures talented florists. Through AIFD, he became a recognized name in the floral community, delivering lectures nationwide and abroad. When the travel became overwhelming, David decided to focus on his business. He was in his early 50s and had a new wealth of knowledge to bring to Porterfield’s, transforming the shop into what it is today.
The physical store of Porterfield’s is an embodiment of David’s creativity and attention to detail. The store was inspired by the elegance of the building itself and astute observations of other retailers: from a raised ceiling inspired by a Kansas City jeweler to a sales floor inspired by images he’d seen in magazines, every element of the shop has been thoughtfully designed. The shop’s front boasts a mirrored display area with two grand iconic columns salvaged from the Ingleside Home following the 1966 tornado. The primary refrigerator was designed to store a plethora of fresh flowers and is now accompanied by another walk-in refrigerator acquired after Porterfield’s expanded into the former liquor store next door.
“The store continues to evolve as our needs change and spaces change with them,” David said.
While holiday decorating was once a cherished part of Porterfield’s services, David acknowledges the inevitable shift as he has aged. Physical demands have led to a reduced number of homes Porterfield’s can take on, but the legacy remains intact for now in the skilled hands of a design team led by Patrick Wages and his principal designer Linda Kennison.
Throughout his journey, David has remained a dedicated member of the Topeka community. He cherishes daily encounters with familiar faces, a gift he does not take for granted.
Porterfield’s journey from a family with a floral legacy to the heart of Topeka’s creative community has been marked by a relentless pursuit of passion, unwavering dedication, and an eye for design that is second to none.
David humbly says, “Mark Twain’s adage of ‘Do what you love and you will never have to work’ has proved to be my life story.”
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