Expressions Owner Creates Rose Bowl Parade Float Designs
Since 2003, Expressions Floral Design Studio has helped Gahanna residents commemorate milestones and send cheer, a cherished act during the pandemic. Long-time business owner Jody Brown Spivey is now preparing to support the upcoming Rose Bowl, which will feature the Tournament of Roses parade followed by a college football bowl game on January 1, 2022 between The Ohio State University and the University of Utah.
“I’ve attended many Rose Bowl events since 2002. I grew up watching the games with my mom, so this event has special meaning for me. I love working with Artistic Entertainment Services to produce floats for the Tournament of Roses parade,” said Brown Spivey.
Brown Spivey has earned many accolades, including Great Lakes Designer of the Year in March 2021. In 2006, she won the Ohio State Florist Association Designer of the Year and was subsequently inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 2008. After decades of working as a florist, one of Brown Spivey’s favorite memories was attending the Rose Bowl in 2010 when Ohio State defeated the University of Oregon.
“I committed to supporting the Rose Bowl this year before I knew Ohio State would be playing in the game. I’m really looking forward to another spectacular event. The 2010 game was really special, and I have so many great photos from that day,” shared Brown Spivey.
Back in Gahanna, the team at Expressions Floral Design Studio recently grew from 5 to 6, adding Gahanna Lincoln High School alum Anna Gyde, who recently graduated from Miami University.
“While participating in the National Honor Society, I volunteered to help Expressions Floral Design Studio. After graduating from college, I returned to Gahanna this past summer and got an apartment near Creekside. As an employee at Expressions Floral, I love seeing how integrated everyone is in this community,” said Gyde.
Ongoing involvement in the local community has helped Expressions Floral Design Studio not only thrive, but ultimately survive. From the recession in 2009 to the ongoing pandemic, brand loyalty from local residents ensured this iconic flower shop could not only sustain business, but it could also take care of its employees during economic downturns.
“I sit on the Visit Gahanna Board of Directors, and I’m an active member of the Creekside District Alliance. We’ve made floats for the Gahanna Christmas Parade and centerpieces for the Taste of Gahanna. We’ve even supported photoshoots at The Gahanna Sanctuary and participated in Supporting Gahanna Together Day. I’ve made changes to how I run my business over time to stay relevant and successful,” explained Brown Spivey.
“Our clients are so amazing, and I love working for Jody,” shared Jenny Asmo, whose mother previously worked with Brown Spivey. “Workforce retainment is really high here because this shop takes care of everyone, and Jody knows how to take care of us. It’s a place filled with lots of love.”
Stop in Expressions Floral Design Studio (1247 N. Hamilton Road) https://expressionsfloraldesign.com/ .
