About Us - Inspired Floral Designs NYC
Hello and Welcome to Inspired Floral Designs NYC!
Thank YOU for visiting our website! I love creating art - whether it’s through dance, painting, photography, arranging flowers, or designing scarves and greeting cards from my floral photography and watercolor paintings. During the pandemic here in NYC, I began photographing flowers on my walks to and from work to help ease the difficulties of dealing with Covid while working in senior living. I self-published a book - “Beauty in the Midst of Chaos: A Pandemic Flower Journal" (available online at Blurb Books) and started my own small business, INSPIRED FLORAL DESIGNS NYC LLC. Making art shareable and wearable is what I enjoy most! I feel that approaching my creativity with spontaneity and an open heart and mind is exciting, as one never knows what might be discovered. On my walks around NYC or wherever I may be, I am always ready to capture beauty through my camera.
As a child growing up on the grounds of my family-owned senior living community in N.C., I have indelible memories of observing, touching, and smelling the stunning flowers grown by my grandmother. Flowers have always been an integral part of my life.
My extensive background in dance has had a profound effect on my work in the visual arts. When I'm photographing flowers, I see them as I see a dance, whether it's a single flower or a solo, a duo, a trio, or a group performance. There is magic happening - the magic of growth, rebirth, love, and eternal change. The flowers are living and vibrant creatures, almost ready to speak. Within stillness there is movement. Flowers are the embodiment of beauty without limits. And the movement within them is limitless as well - petals opening, petals closing, petals falling off, the process of wilting, or a ballet with a bee or a bird. These are all delicate and exquisite conversations - true beauty, and the beauty I love to capture. As a flower grows and blooms to its fullest self, then wilts and returns to the earth, there is a dance happening within. We are here to witness just that if we pay close attention…if we are open, spontaneous, and in the present moment. All that is asked of us is to open our eyes and hearts to the beauty that surrounds us in the wondrous world of flowers. Flowers are MAGIC!
Meet Barbara... Co-Founder of Inspired Floral Designs NYC
Age knows no limits when it comes to true friendship. It was a serendipitous meeting over three and half years ago that marked the beginning of a beautiful relationship. I’m 45 and Barbara is 96, and in one instant it seemed that we had shared a lifetime of loyalty, trust, collaboration, and love.
From the start, Barbara passionately supported my idea of creating a book of my floral photography during the pandemic here in NYC. From the book came the greeting cards and then the scarves.
Barbara opened my eyes and guided me to do things I didn’t know were possible. A former model and business executive, her vast experience in the fashion industry has given her a great wealth of knowledge. She is an incredible inspiration and I am forever grateful for our extraordinary bond. We are delighted to share with you our exquisite, original and ethically made scarves and more!
Barbara's background in Fashion and how it all started!
At 96½ years young, Barbara continues to inspire with her creativity and passion as co-founder of Inspired Floral Designs NYC. Her journey began in the summer of 1949 when she started as a showroom model just before graduating college here in NYC. She quickly rose to prominence, modeling for prestigious wedding and junior fashion companies throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Barbara’s career evolved further in the 1970s and 1980s as a commercial print ad model, showcasing her timeless elegance, even gracing the cover of 50 Plus Magazine. Beyond modeling, Barbara was a formidable businesswoman, successfully running four fashion companies specializing in sweaters and silk dresses over a remarkable 40-year span.
Barbara also began painting in 1950, but a loved one’s negative comments crushed her spirit and silenced her artistic voice for decades. Thanks to Whitney’s encouragement and inspiration, Barbara picked up her paintbrush again and reignited her passion for creating. Now, she channels her talent into designing stunning scarves and other creations for Inspired Floral Designs NYC, proving that it’s never too late to embrace your creativity.
Together with Whitney, her 45-year-old co-founder and best friend, Barbara brings her impeccable eye for design and enduring elegance to every creation, leaving a lasting impression of beauty and inspiration.
Barbara's comp card in the 1980's for commercial print ad modeling
Our Scarves
Our exquisite collection of one-of-a-kind scarves are individually crafted with passion and are not just accessories; they are wearable works of art.
Every piece is thoughtfully designed in NYC, and ethically printed, cut and hand made in London ensuring that no two scarves are alike. The artisanal touch brings out the distinct character and charm, making each scarf a unique expression of style and personality.
All silk fabrics are of high quality and are ethically sourced ensuring a tactile experience that is as delightful as it is distinctive. The attention to detail extends to the vibrant colors and subtle textures that adorn our scarves, creating a visual feast for the senses.
Wearing one of our one-of-a-kind scarves is not just about accessorizing; it's about making a statement. It's about embracing individuality and celebrating the uniqueness that sets you apart. Our scarves are more than just fabric; they are a reflection of style, original art, personality, and the appreciation for the extraordinary.
Elevate your wardrobe with a touch of exclusivity, wrapped in the beauty of our one-of-a-kind ethically made and original designed scarves. Embrace the artistry, embrace the uniqueness, and make a bold statement with a piece that is truly yours.
Be sure to check out our beautiful greeting cards, watercolor totes, candles, organic lip balm, coffee mugs and coasters as well.
Thank you for visiting Inspired Floral Designs NYC-bringing beauty, nature, hope and inspiration together.
Respectfully,
Whitney & Barbara
