Name of business: The Floral Babe

Type of business: Florist

Location: Central Valley

Contact: jjordan0891@gmail.com or @the_floralbabe on Instagram

Specialty: Rustic floral weddings

History of business:

In 2013, Turlock resident Jessica McGuire was a student at Modesto Junior College, working her way toward eventually becoming a high school agriculture teacher. Though she was taking floriculture classes at the time, she had no idea her life would change that year when she was asked to handle all things floral at a friend’s wedding.

“I was so inspired by the art of floral design that I decided to start my own business,” McGuire said.

The Floral Babe was born, and McGuire took her talents to the Lone Star State while attending Texas A&M University. She worked in a flower shop while continuing her education, growing in her skills as a florist before ultimately returning to California to teach at Johansen High School. When she isn’t busy teaching students the ins and outs of ag, McGuire oversees floral decorations at 10 to 15 weddings per year and provides flowers for other special events as well. She also routinely hosts workshops, where attendees can learn how to put together their own floral arrangements in a fun group setting.

“I love to serve my customers, whether it’s a workshop for a birthday party, a baby shower or a wedding,” McGuire said. “Ultimately, those people are wanting to spend a certain amount of time to invest in making their event memorable. It can be emotional and it’s important to them.”

Current floral trends revolve around all things rustic, McGuire has noticed, as well a bohemian and bespoke-style bouquets that feature plenty of greenery — all popular trends on social media sites often used to help brides and grooms plan their special day, like Pinterest and Instagram. Brides often pull up photos of what’s inspired them during the planning process, McGuire added, and she tries to help their desire and vision come to life.

“The greatest joy I have is making their joy complete,” she said. “My favorite part is seeing the bride’s face when I give her the bouquet and she gets to experience her vision coming to life.”

The Floral Babe travels throughout the Central Valley to cater to her customers, and asks that community members interested in floral services call at least three months prior to their event. McGuire said she typically handles larger events, as she is considered a specialty florist and recently received her certification for the California Florist Association. Her goal is to see five of her students complete their own certification process next year, she said.

“I hope that they can take that knowledge and apply it to their future,” she said.