Episode 396: Floral Artist Whit McClure of Los Angeles-based Whit Hazen, plus State Focus: Illinois

Whit McClure of Los Angeles-based Whit Hazen

Last week took me to Southern California and I covered a lot of ground while there, from participating early in the week at The Gathering Rose workshop produced and hosted by Danielle Hahn of Rose Story Farm and Felicia Alvarez of Menagerie Farm + Flower, both past guests of this podcast, to visiting Mayesh Wholesale Flowers (a sponsor of the Slow Flowers Podcast) and connecting with today's guest at the Los Angeles Flower District.

Whit recently wrote this on her Instagram feed @whit_hazen: "I'm building a business that provides a wonderful service to wonderful clients and is in service to my community, and hoping that it encourages you to do the same."

I was so thrilled to spend time with Whit McClure of LA-based Whit Hazen, a studio designer who is a featured speaker of the Slow Flowers Summit coming up in July. While we are "friends" via social media and have chatted on a telephone interview for a story I wrote for Florists' Review's Slow Flowers Journal last December, nothing can compare with face-to-face conversation. Whit and I enjoyed a lovely breakfast and then we recorded the interview you'll hear next.

A botanical installation for one of Whit's restaurant clients

Here's more about

Whit:  

Studio floral designer Whit McClure moved to Los Angeles three years ago and she has been designing with flowers ever since. Her introduction to flower farming and floral design is rooted in connections made through food justice and the local culinary community in Washington, D.C.

Whit spent years after college working on farms, in community gardens, and in the nonprofit world, teaching folks of all ages and walks of life how to grow their own food.  Eventually she found floral design as the perfect blend of working with plants, crafting beauty, and collaborating with others, while also pursuing her committment to social justice. Ever-inspired by nature’s abundant beauty and driven to respect and protect its resources, Whit Hazen is motivated to bring more beauty in the world for others.

“Personal is Political”

One of the images from my “Petals & Politics” series.

Orange and pink floral palette -- one of Whit's favorite combinations

Read more about Whit McClure:

Slow Flowers Summit - Speaker Q&A;

December 2018 issue of Florists' Review

Follow Whit McClure & Whit Hazen on Instagram

Had to share this cute selfie of Whit and me at the Los Angeles Flower Market last week.

Thank you so much for joining me on this Slow Flowers journey as I seek new and inspiring voices, people with passion, heart, commitment and expertise to share with you. I hope today's episode gave you at least one inspiring insight or tip to apply to your floral enterprise. What you gain will be multiplied as you pay it forward  and help someone else.

As we mentioned, Whit McClure is the Capstone Speaker at the 3rd annual Slow Flowers Summit, which takes place on July 1st & 2nd in St. Paul, Minnesota. You'll hear from Whit about her approach to floral activism as she encourages audience members to use their artistic platform for social change. I can't wait for you to join us there.

It's always wonderful to connect with floral influencers at the Slow Flowers Summit, including my friend and gardening blogger Teri Speight of Cottage in the Court.

It's time to grab your seat at The Slow Flowers Summit. More than half of the registration slots have been grabbed,