Just a few years ago, I began this business as Raulston-Hyatt Designs, working with my long-time friend Linda Raulston, an interior designer. Having known each other for years, we realized our paths were firmly rooted in our ability to express personal style. As the child of a Naval officer, I had the opportunity to travel to several exciting places, absorbing the beauty and artistic influences of a variety of cultures and, eventually, learning to incorporate those influences into my design choices.
Linda and I began with a small shop offering a very selective assortment of items perfect for gifts or keepsakes—or much deserved personal indulgences. After extensive research for the very best silk flowers anywhere, our shop was a garden of blooms overflowing with buckets of these jewels. Our selection of the finest table linens, French flatware, pottery, glassware and other accoutrements of the table led to the creation of an eclectic, artistic style of table designs for our customers.
Every month for several years, we created a beautiful new tablescape for entertaining, along with an article for Knoxville Homes and Living Magazine. We soon discovered a terrific response to the magnificent floral centerpieces we created as showcases for our fine table settings.
Customers loved the gorgeous flowers, and requests for special orders really took off. To my total surprise, our one-of-a-kind centerpieces presented yet another market. One of our customers and her husband are allergic to live flowers. She was thrilled that she could have beautiful flowers in her home without physically suffering.
From the beginning, it has been my goal to bring the beauty of live flowers (without the fuss) to all my customers. I hope you will enjoy looking at these beautiful arrangements and will find just the right thing for your home, office or special event.
—Jeanne Hyatt, Sophie Dahy Designs