10 Questions with Our Floral Manager, Sarah — Cedar Mill

Meet Sarah, our Floral Manager, whose journey with flowers began with a simple moment of curiosity—and grew into something truly meaningful. What started in 2015 as passing glances at a vibrant floral department soon became a daily source of inspiration, leading her to learn everything she could about plants, color and design. After joining Market of Choice on the Kitchen team, Sarah found her way to floral during a time of change, stepping into a role that allowed her creativity to take root and flourish.

Today, Sarah brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to every arrangement, drawing inspiration from Oregon’s natural beauty, from neighborhood blooms to sunset skies. Whether she’s crafting a last-minute corsage, caring for the living elements in her department or designing something deeply personal for a customer, her work is grounded in both skill and heart. We sat down with Sarah to learn more about her path, her process and the meaningful moments that make her work so special.

1. Can you tell us the story of how you first fell in love with working with flowers?

In 2015, I would pass by the floral department on my way to work. I was amazed by the abundance of color and freshness. I didn’t know much about plants yet, but seeing them every day piqued my interest. I began learning everything I could about plants and floral arranging.

2. What brought you to Market of Choice, and what made you want to be part of this team?

Fresh out of high school, I worked two jobs and was looking for something better. Then, I learned about this family owned grocer which appealed to me. I liked the idea of working for a local company that supports Oregon. I applied and got a job first on the Kitchen team.

3. Was there a moment in your career when you realized floral design was truly your passion?

After working in the Kitchen for about five years, I became interested in doing something beyond food service. A management position opened in the floral department, and that seemed like a great fit given my new interest in plants and flowers. It was the height of the pandemic, so I had time to learn about color theory, the plant cycles, and the intricacies of floral design.

4. Walk us through a day in your world—what are the moments people might not expect?

Aside from the daily maintenance of the plants and department, I am ready to pivot on a dime, too. A customer might come in with a vision of an arrangement or corsage, and I’ll help them build out that vision. There’s also a lot of dirty work at this job. We work with organic materials, buckets of soil —a lot of getting hands dirty.

5. Can you share a favorite arrangement you’ve created and the story behind it?

Not long ago, my co-worker, Carol passed away and I was able to design the flowers for her Celebration of Life. I had a lot of knowledge about Carol— her interests, talents and favorite colors, so I was able to create a piece that truly reflected who she was. It was an honor.

6. Tell us about a time when flowers you designed made a meaningful impact on someone’s day.

I received a call from a customer who needed a quick replacement for a wrist corsage that fell apart just before her prom! I made her a fresh design with flowers we had available. It turned out perfectly, and the customer came back later to show me her pictures from the dance.

7. How do the seasons in Oregon inspire your work and the way you design?

I often walk my dog through the neighborhood, and on these walks I’ll take notice of the flowers and plants in the yards. I’ll then order the varietals that stood out to me on that walk.

8. Where do you find inspiration when you’re creating something new or trying something different?

I’m inspired by the natural world around me. While hiking in the woods, or walking the block near my house, I’ll come across a natural element that inspires me. I’m also inspired by the colors in Oregon sunsets.

9. What’s something customers might not realize about the care and creativity that goes into your department?

In our department we’re always aware of how everything we work with is alive and needs care just like any other living being. From watering plants, to culling greenery, there is a lot of up-keep to stay on top of.

10. When you step back and look at your work, what makes you most proud?

I’m always amazed to see how far I’ve come as a designer these past years. I love to watch and notice the customers who gravitate toward my designs.