All About Us
Photo by Stephanie Parsley
Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio
1726 Elm Springs Rd, Springdale, AR 72762
Tel. 479-973-0588
E. althea@roseofsharonar.com
Planning a wedding (or event) doesn’t have to be that hard.
For over 20 years, Rose of Sharon has been known for listening to our clients, for exceeding expectations, and making the whole process easier. Our clients consistently say that we are the one vendor that made the planning process less stressful and that our flowers were even more beautiful than they expected.
We can do the same for you.
The Rose of Sharon Team
ALTHEA WILES, Owner/Head Designer
AMF, PCF
Hi, I’m Althea. I’ve been a florist for 30 years, designing amazing arrangements, creating beautiful bouquets and working with wonderful flowers; I can’t imagine doing anything else! My goal is to make your wedding day just a little bit easier and a LOT more beautiful. I LOVE the big events. The planning, the details, the coordination that it takes to transform a bland space into a wonderland--that amazes me and my soul sings to be a part of that. I LOVE being a part of your love story. To help you say 'I love you' to that person who makes YOUR soul sing--that completes me.
I can't remember a time when flowers weren't a part of my life. Starting with my name--'Rose of Sharon' is the common name for the Althea, a flowering shrub. (My favorite Rose of Sharon variety is the pure white 'Diana' but our logo is based on the 'Aphrodite' lavender Rose of Sharon.)
Growing up, my parents owned a wholesale nursery and they grew quite a few of the plants themselves. During the summers, I would raid the day lily beds. Of course, day lilies really do only last one day, so I had to make a new arrangement every day. One of the things I love about fresh flowers, is that they are both constantly changing as the blooms mature and they are perishable, making room for a new beautiful thing.
In my college years, 1994 to be exact, I volunteered at a local shop in during Spring Break. After Spring Break was over, I was offered a part time job. (I guess 40 free hours of work really does show dedication!) After receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Hendrix College, I then earned my Arkansas Master Florist Certification in 1996, and then returned home to Fayetteville. Four years of work in traditional floral shops made me realize that I really enjoyed event work most of all. The local shops were all general florists, with gifts, houseplants, daily delivery and the like. I decided to start my own business where I could focus on weddings and other events. In April of 1998, the Rose of Sharon, Event Florist opened. I designed four weddings that year. Now, we average between 75 and 100 weddings and events each year.
I believe that floral design should enhance the beauty of nature, not change it or force it into submission. That's why every design is an original.
VICTORIA, Social Media Assistant
Victoria handles all things social. She’s our resident extrovert and works tirelessly to get the rest of us out and about. Victoria’s positive energy makes social everything—from Instagram to deliveries—more fun!
OLIVIA, Shop assistant
Olivia is our all-around support person. Whether it’s processing flowers, creating something in Canva, or running deliveries, Olivia keeps things running smoothly for both Rose of Sharon Floral Designs & J Althea Creative.
WHIPPY, Shop Puppy!
Whippy is a little bit shy but she loves a good cuddle with the rest of the team.
SAM, Shop Puppy!
Sam loves children, pickled ginger and assisting with consultations. He also enjoys belly rubs and isn't shy about asking for one!