Meet the rose of Sharon Team
ALTHEA WILES
Founder & head florist
Hello! I’m Althea Wiles, founder, creative director and head floral designer of Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio.
From the very beginning, flowers have been woven into my life, starting with my name. Althea is the botanical name for the Rose of Sharon, a lovely flowering shrub found growing across much of the United States.
Growing up at my parents' wholesale nursery, I spent summer days creating arrangements from their day lily beds. Since day lilies truly last just one day, I learned early to embrace the ephemeral nature of fresh flowers and to love how they constantly evolve as blooms mature, making way for something new and beautiful each day.
Today, my work encompasses floral delivery services, corporate floral subscription services, interior and exterior floral design for homes and businesses, seasonal and holiday installations, faux botanical design, and mentorship for emerging floral designers through my consulting platform, J Althea Creative.
With a Bachelor of Arts from Hendrix College and an Arkansas Master Florist Certification, my work has been featured in Martha Stewart, Glamour, Homes & Gardens, and Southern Living. I source local blooms whenever possible while drawing from premium global flower markets to create designs layered with texture, movement, and seasonality. I am also a regular contributor to the prestigious Art in Bloom exhibition at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
While I now work selectively on event projects for longstanding clients and select signature commissions, the foundation of Rose of Sharon remains rooted in everyday beauty: florals designed not only to elevate a space aesthetically, but to meaningfully enhance the experience of living within it. My design philosophy is grounded in enhancing nature's inherent beauty rather than forcing it into submission. Every arrangement is an original, reflecting both the natural character of the flowers and the story of each occasion. And underlying all of it is something increasingly supported by research: that flowers in daily environments measurably reduce stress, elevate mood, and contribute to a greater sense of wellbeing.
DIANNE, Lead Designer
Arkansas Master Florist, Dianne began her floral career in 1995 and she never fails to create stunning designs. From centerpieces to roses, Dianne brings a creative flair to everything she touches! Dianne is never afraid to take on any design challenge…and she always succeeds in creating something beautiful.
OLIVIA, Shop Manager
Olivia is our all-around support person and designer in training. Whether it’s processing flowers, preparing for an event, or running deliveries, Olivia keeps things running smoothly for both Rose of Sharon Floral Designs & J Althea Creative Consulting. Originally hired as office support but quickly moved to the design floor and hasn’t looked back yet. Olivia loves to design contemporary arrangements that are bright and bold.
RYLEE, Shop Assistant
Rylee came to us via the Intro to Floral Design class taught by Althea at the University of Arkansas. Majoring in Psychology, but introduced to the world of flowers by her florist grandmother, Rylee has an eye for finding the beauty around us. Always cheerful, Rylee keeps us upbeat while she helps keep things moving at Rose of Sharon.
KATIE, Shop Puppy!
Our newest helper Katie is an absolute sweetheart! She enjoys being around people, adores cuddling, and manages to cause chaos while looking innocent.
SAM, Shop Puppy!
Sam loves children, pickled ginger and assisting with consultations. He also enjoys belly rubs and isn't shy about asking for one! (One of his favorite duties is to help pick out plants at the nursery.)