March marks Women’s History Month, an important moment to commemorate the efforts and accomplishments of trailblazing women of the past while amplifying the voices of women today. On this International Woman’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on a talented and dynamic group of Accent Decor partners and friends who’ve dedicated their lives to design, floristry and philanthropy. We asked the group to share the ways women have impacted both their lives and business approach. Read on for touching examples of female empowerment and resilient strength.

Meet Amber Guyton, Founder of Blessed Little Bungalow

 Photography by Gamble Photography, @meccagamble

Amber Guyton is the powerhouse creator, blogger and interior designer behind Blessed Little Bungalow. Guyton, a South Carolina native turned Georgian, spearheads an impressive business spanning content creation, e-design and traditional design services—all anchored by her social media presence. Her design work and expertise has been featured in HGTV Magazine, House Beautiful, Forbes, Architectural Digest, and many more. Follow her transparent and creative happenings on Instagram @blessedlittlebungalow.

How has a woman impacted your life and the way you approach business?

My mother is the reason Blessed Little Bungalow exists. She always encouraged me to be myself and explore every facet of my creativity as a child. Years later, while building a marketing career in corporate America and tech, my Mom witnessed my interior design talents in my new home. She encouraged me to “do this for real” and my hobby and creative outlet quickly transformed from a side hustle to my full-time career. I’m so grateful to my mother and the tribe of women around me, clients and followers included, that continuously encourage me to pursue my dreams and who give me courage to never give up as a creative and entrepreneur.

What is the most valuable piece of advice a woman has given you?

She didn’t give me this advice personally, but I’ve watched and loved Oprah my entire life. She speaks a lot about gratitude, which I try to ground my life in daily. There’s a quote she shared once which is, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” I have big dreams, but I know that the path I’m on will lead me to where I need to be. In this age of influencers and social media, it’s easy to look at everyone as competition and everything as a reminder of what you haven’t accomplished. I try to remember to be present in the moment, be proud of how far I’ve come, and grateful for the opportunity to keep pushing forward. Oprah’s quote helps reinforce this.

Meet Noel Craft, Founder of The Crafted Company 

Atlanta-based Noel Craft founded The Crafted Company in 2019 as a floral inspired design house which operates as a female-empowered, enthusiastically self-started, and inclusive creative space. Raised in a home where gatherings large and small were honored with thoughtful details and endless creativity, Craft set out to establish a business where her knack for artful florals could integrate into everything from elevated interiors to lavish weddings. Nearly a decade later she is partners with prominent designers, event pros and brands alongside a growing client base while moving through different mediums and creative spaces. Keep up with Noel on Instagram @thecraftedcompany.

How have the influence of women impacted your business?

I have been lucky to work for some pretty amazing women throughout my career, all in small businesses ranging from brick-and-mortar markets, interiors design firms and, of course, floral designers of various backgrounds! My favorite part of working in the world of small businesses is that you can connect on a more intimate basis where the walls can come down and it gives way to have genuine interactions- from that alone I think it manifests into learning any trade more quickly but also more in depth. A lesson I’ve learned from women is the importance of intention – a word that drives my business. It’s critical to know your communication intention, design intention and the intention driving relationship building. The relationships I have been able to foster, through the good and bad times (this is business we are talking about- it is never perfect), is what I think has been a driving force to becoming successful. No matter the project I am working on, I have learned how to walk forward with intentionality to create the best possible experience for others to have with me and my business. With the hope that I will always have the chance to work with my clients, again and again! 

What is the most valuable piece of advice a woman has given you?

Knowing your audience is bigger than knowing your market. Know who you’re speaking to – understand their communication style, inquire on their vision before pitching yours, understand how they operate, navigate ways to be flexible with them while holding your own boundaries. When you can understand people at a personal level, you have a higher likelihood of working with them at a consumer level. However, always remember to lead with the intention of creating long lasting relationships that feed both of your needs. There is no better feeling than knowing you can serve your client with a job well done, because they are able to trust you with their projects now and forever. 

Meet Lauren Ashley, Founder & CEO of Lauren Ashley Experiences

Lauren is the dynamic driving force behind Lauren Ashley Experiences, based in Houston with clientele spanning Texas and the country. After wrapping a merchandise internship at Walt Disney World and earning an Interior Design degree from the Art Institute of Houston, Lauren set out to curate unforgettable spaces and experiences, including weddings, for growing base of clientele. For Lauren, events and interiors are two sides of the creative coin. Seven years later, her company stands as a testament to her unwavering determination and dedication to her craft. Follow @laurenashleyexperiences on Instagram for a peek at design reveals, experiential events and High Point Market happenings.

How has a woman impacted your business in a meaningful way?

For the past couple of years, I’ve partnered with an amazing business coach, Kim Kuhteubl, also of Me By Design. She has left an indelible impact on my life and business. In fact, Kim encouraged me to plant the seeds of partnership with Accent Decor and from that, a beautiful friendship blossomed! Through Kim, I’ve learned the importance of championing women. She helped give me the encouragement to embark on the 2022 ASID Show House which helped land a spot in Modern Luxe Magazine as “Best in Design Newcomer” – a poignant moment in my business journey.  Women are stronger together and we help push each other to levels we desperately want to achieve, however, we let fear and all the noise hold us back. I’m forever grateful I decided to push my fear aside and seek guidance and expertise that helped propel me forward.  

What is the most valuable piece of advice a woman has given you?

Through my relationship with Kim Kuhteubl, she taught me how to focus on my vision. When life starts life’n – pull out the vision board, remind yourself of your focus and your vision. Everything will work itself out.  

Meet Christina Yan, Founder & CEO of Bellevue Floral Co.

The owner of two distinct floral businesses, Christina is a mover and shaker in the design industry. Particularly known for her playful floristry style and knack for blending unique colors and textures, Christina’s design philosophy is rooted in much more than just traditional floral technique. While blending California cool with a modern aesthetic, Christina operates Bellevue Floral Co., a floral design and event styling studio with a home base in both Napa and San Francisco, and Camino, a curated boutique in Napa. Give Christina a follow @bellevuefloralco for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her life and business along with helpful how-tos over on TikTok at @christina_yan_.

How has a woman impacted your business in a meaningful way?

Many of my clients and followers have come to know and love my mom, Mei, who’s been my right hand throughout my floral journey. My mom has always been a pillar of support for me. I would mainly describe her as my production assistant, but Mei would proudly tell you she’s also my janitor, personal photographer, on-call chef, breakdown crew, and free dog-sitter. Jokes aside, moms really can do everything… and a busy entrepreneur like me can also do everything, but only with a super mom by her side!

My mom is also a creative herself, and a true inspiration for how to live resourcefully. I was so lucky to grow up in a household that embraced the arts, where I was always encouraged to explore new mediums and challenge myself to grow. 

What’s a philosophy or example to live by that your Mom provided you?

A philosophy that my mom lives by is to absorb as much knowledge as one can in a lifetime. In my childhood, we would often spend weekends at the library where I would get lost in art books and craft magazines. She also scoured newspapers and community ads for art workshops and evening classes I could take. She instilled in me a self-starter approach to life, which is something I still carry with me today and now get to share with others through my Mise en Fleur educational workshops.

Meet renowned Floral Artist, Instructor and Author, Sue McLeary

Sue McLeary, aka Passionflower Sue, is an award-winning floral designer known for her unique, boundary-pushing floral art. She is the founder and creative director of a floral design company that offers online and in-person instruction for beginner and professional florists and destination workshops around the world. Her work has been featured by Martha Stewart Weddings, Florists’ Review, The Knot, Refinery29, SELF, My Modern Met, BuzzFeed, and Flower Magazine. She also authored a stunning and informative book, ‘The Art of Wearable Flowers.’ Follow Sue’s endless creativity and expertise on Instagram @passionflowersue.

How have the influence of women impacted your career?

In my work, two women stand out as being early (and continual) influences: Françoise Weeks and Hitomi Gilliam. I found Françoise’s work early on in my career, while searching blogs for inspiration. Her hyper-natural, emotive, woodland inspired work stood out in a sea of hydrangea and rose wedding images. She was the first example (that I had encountered) of a florist truly expressing themselves as an artist with a singular point of view. Her work showed me that we as artists can (and should) focus on delivering a unique offering to the world- instead of the world dictating our offerings. This shift in thinking gave me the courage to explore the work I wanted to make, instead of replicating popular styles or trying to anticipate what people would respond to. This shift also led to my current activities as a full-time teacher and writer. Her example gave me the permission I needed to pursue this creative life that I’m so grateful to have. 

Hitomi is a constant inspiration to me, and over the years, has given me countless pieces of valuable advice. Rather than share one, I’ll share a concept that I live by that I constantly see her exhibiting: “creative catch and release.” Instead of holding onto ideas and trying to defend innovations as her own, she readily and constantly releases information and techniques to others. This deliberate practice of “catch and release” benefits the flower world and benefits her as it makes space in her for new ideas and innovations to form. I believe this is how one turns on their creative tap, and truly participates as an educator. Also, with all her years of experience, she still has a willingness to shift and question processes, convention, and the status quo. Her approach is flexible, curious, and enthusiastic. I think about her often as I navigate my work and role as a teacher. Her positive influence makes her relevant and endlessly inspiring. 

Meet Mikayla Santos, Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator, FCS Ministries Atlanta

Focused Community Strategies (FCS) Ministries is an Atlanta-based organization that partners with under-served neighborhoods for innovative and holistic community development. FCS helps community development by way of mixed income housing, economic development, neighborhood engagement and consulting. Accent Decor has long partnered with FCS Ministries as we honor the city we both love and operate in.

Brazil-native Mikayla Santos actively supports FCS programs, forges partnerships, and fosters essential community connections. Her journey reflects the fusion of her cultural heritage and commitment to meaningful progress. Her unwavering passion for her hometown and her love for big cities intersect in her role at FCS, where she finds inspiration in place-based work. Follow the good work of FCS on Instagram @fcsministries.

How has a woman / women impacted your life and the way you approach business?

With over forty years of community development work, FCS has seen that women are essential to making neighborhoods thrive. It’s impossible to get a holistic understanding of what’s happening and what to do without listening to women. As much as possible, we want our team to be close to the neighborhood and offer diverse perspectives. This means making sure we have women in leadership! This is one reason we love having so many women leading our core initiatives at FCS, like Pamela Stringfield our Director of Neighborhood Engagement, and Michelle Witherspoon our Youth Development Coordinator. These women (and more) foster a foundation for our work to be excellent and responsive through their leadership. Every neighborhood has women working hard to make their families and communities thrive. Women can be critical drivers of economic development. We have seen this trend in our very own neighborhood through initiatives like Start:ME Atlanta. Every year, we are proud to launch local entrepreneurs on the Southside who can unlock flourishing nearby. Start:ME reports that 72% of its ventures are lead by women. Each of these entrepreneurs are generating wealth and vitality, right where they are! At FCS, we’re focused on long-term, equitable change. We know that involving women is essential to making this possible; women have always been essential agents of change. Doing so is especially critical to building resilience in the face of crises. When that happens, women are perceived to take powerful initiative, inspire others, develop, and quickly build relationships. These tendencies are huge assets for a neighborhood navigating upheaval! We can see this come into clear focus when we consider the role women have played in Historic South Atlanta, Clark College, and across Atlanta. We see it in our board members who have deep history here like Lisa Haygood. Women have woven strength and resilience throughout our neighborhood and our city. These are just a few of the ways we see women helping neighborhoods thrive, in Historic South Atlanta and beyond!

What is the most valuable piece of advice a woman has given you?

Pamela Stringfield, my Director of Neighborhood Engagement, told me as soon as I joined the team to never stop using my voice, especially as a woman. This advice resonates deeply with me because it highlights the importance of speaking up, advocating for myself, and actively participating in shaping the world around us. As women, we often face unique challenges and barriers to being heard, so Pamela’s encouragement to continuously assert our voices is empowering. It reminds me that my opinions, perspectives, and experiences are valuable contributions to discussions, decisions, and movements. Pamela’s words serve as a constant reminder to assert myself confidently, advocate for what I believe in, and inspire others to do the same.

Meet Valerie Crisostomo, President & CEO of Black Girl Florists

The goal of Black Girl Florists is to promote and support Black women florists, our creativity, and contributions to the industry, while acting as a space for support, connection, and educational resources. In this thriving and growing community, there’s an emphasis on developing businesses and talents, all the while connecting with other Black women florists and sharing with the community.

How has a woman / women impacted your life and the way you approach business?

Being in an industry that is largely comprised of women has encouraged me to succeed in this space. Seeing other women have successful floral businesses encourages me to know that I can do it too. I have been able to develop into a fantastic designer as my colleagues have been willing to teach, lead, and assist in my growth as a florist without the notion of competition. We seriously can’t do it without each other. I am thankful for all the women florists in my life.

What is the most valuable piece of advice a woman has given you?

The most valuable piece of advice that a woman has given me is to show up 100% and to continue to be myself. She shared that my presence is needed and that I only need to be me.

To experience more Accent Decor, including our expansive assortment of wholesale decor and wholesale pots and vases, and all new and flower, plant and home products, visit accentdecor.com. Keep up-to-date on all behind the scenes happenings including our partnerships with amazing women and more on Instagram at @accentdecorinc.

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