Rising Stars: Meet Heather Bryant of PEORIA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Bryant.

Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my career in the floral industry 42 years ago in California, where I worked as a designer and freelancer for some of the industry’s top professionals, including René van Rems and Steven Boyle Designs. I spent 17 years in wholesale at the San Diego International Floral Trade Center and gained invaluable experience working with respected growers such as Mellano & Company and Kendall Farms. Over the years, I’ve been involved in nearly every facet of the floral business and remain deeply passionate about the industry. After relocating to Arizona seven years ago, I served as a buyer for DWF Wholesale, H&T Wholesale, and also worked at a flower shop in Goodyear before launching Arizona International Florist in 2021.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has certainly come with a learning curve, but I’m grateful for every misstep—they’ve shaped me into a stronger designer and a more thoughtful professional. Each experience has taught me how to better serve my clients by crafting designs that truly reflect their sentiments. My goal is to help people give floral gifts that are not only memorable but also deeply personal and unique to each recipient.

Adjusting from California’s abundant floral market to Arizona’s more limited supply has come with its challenges. Flower sourcing here tends to be more costly and less diverse. But those obstacles inspired me to establish direct relationships with farms throughout California, allowing me to bring in high-quality blooms with greater consistency and selection for my clients.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
TO ANSWER THE QUESTION ABOVE, I SELECTED OTHER BECAUSE MY WORK IS ALL OF THE ABOVE. I AM A BUSINESS OWNER, A CREATIVE , AS WELL A PROFESSIONAL.

My experience includes working with a wide range of designers and event professionals in both the wedding and floral industries, along with successfully running my own businesses. This diverse background has given me a deep understanding of the industry and a lasting connection to both flowers and the people behind them.

I specialize in creating personalized floral arrangements and floral keepsakes, and I’m known for going above and beyond—ensuring every client receives more value than they expect. I’m especially proud to have designed for two Super Bowls here in Arizona and to have collaborated with some of the most creative and dedicated professionals in the floral industry.

What truly sets me apart is my passion for helping other florists access the freshest products directly from local California farms—at the fair prices flowers should actually cost, as a flower concierge sourcing flowers for their events and everyday needs.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In my view, the floral industry will continue to grow in the years ahead, with a strong shift toward localized sourcing. U.S.-grown flowers are poised to thrive like never before. As we saw during the pandemic, the demand for flowers surged—shops and designers flourished—proving once again that in difficult times, when physical closeness isn’t always possible, flowers become the next best way to express love and presence, much like during the Depression era.

Sustainability and eco-conscious practices are increasingly at the forefront of both consumer values and industry standards. I believe we’ll see a growing demand for rare, hardier blooms that can endure various climates and handling conditions. However, geopolitical factors—particularly tariffs and trade regulations—may present ongoing challenges for international sourcing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.azintfloraltradecenter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiftc1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonainternationalfloraltradecenter