Floral Design Spotlight: Hayden Regina

We took some time to chat with Hayden Regina, one of our talented floral designers here at Flowers for Dreams. Hayden is the creative behind many of Flowers for Dreams bouquet designs and his charismatic personality is much reflected in his design style. Here is Hayden’s interview along with some of his beautiful work.

Q: Where are you from?
A: I was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana – a true corn fed Hoosier! I later moved to Michigan for work opportunities and found myself in love with the second home Chicago community. I found a set of people that understood me and ended up following them to the other side of the pond. I now call Lincoln Park home.

Q: What is your floral background?
A: My “floral” background is actually more of a botanical background! I started off in botanical gardens and landscaping where I found that I enjoy smaller floral projects more than large scale plantings. Carol Line at Fernwood Botanical Garden gave me free reign to create opulent floral pieces for even the smallest events, and for that I am forever grateful. I then learned my mechanics of floral from working with some amazing designers at different floral shops (shout-out to my mentors Cindy and Carl!). After a move to Chicago, I now find myself blooming with Flowers for Dreams.

Q: How did you first become interested in floral design?
A: I have had a love of flowers since I was a kid. I always picked the things I shouldn’t have and gave them away to neighbors or strangers walking by. I learned at a small age that flowers made other people smile just as much as they made me smile. I was always the stylish child and feel that the design aspect has always run through my veins.

Q: What brought you to Flowers for Dreams?
A: (The CTA Pink Line!) I started looking for a place that would appreciate my talent and give me freedom as a designer. Flowers for Dreams was the perfect blend of business people and creatives who meshed into a great team. I am happy to now be a part of it.

Q: What motivates and inspires you? Why?
A: Other designers in the industry keep me on my feet and motivated and my mentors inspire me on a regular basis. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by people who keep me fresh and continue to answer my questions as I grow. I’d like to think on occasion they learn something from me as well. I read up on trends in any creative field. Sometimes a fashion or interior spotlight will inspire a floral concept or piece.

Q: Which flower do you enjoy working with most?
A: Spring ephemerals and bulbs tend to pull on my heartstrings. If I had to pick one it would be a tulip. It is truly a flower that comes along with a personality of its own. The way they move around day by day fascinates me.

Q: What are your other hobbies and interests?
A: I’m an avid saltwater fish enthusiast! Fish bring me joy almost as much as flowers. My friends call me a food snob, and I guess I spend quite a bit of time expanding my Chicago food palette. At the end of the day you can find me reading a book or attending a pop diva concert.

Q: Describe your favorite event or wedding.
A: I did an event for Beekman1802 that I was able to work with Johanna Lowe on. It was the proudest moment of my design career and still my favorite event. It was a moment when I was given the creative decision making while working with someone far superior to me. Although I was exhausted and tired by the time I returned for the event itself, I was so proud to see everything come together.

Q: What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
A: I would die without my Felco landscape pruners. I have a habit of using woody floral items in my work and I can always count on my Felcos to cut through it. If you don’t have a pair you should.

Q: What is your design aesthetic and what inspires you?
A: I try to include an organic element in each of my pieces. I like the contrast of organic thrown into a somewhat formal setting. I tend to embrace textures before colors and greens before flowers.

Q: What are the trends, flowers & colors that are unique to your region?
A: The Midwest region of the U.S. comes along with a lot of fun floral items because of the seasons. In winter we must embrace the skeletal structures of branches and flowers instead of masses of leaves and color. Spring brings some flowers that only bloom with a winter dormancy. What we lack in tropical is make up in meadow flowers. Believe it or not we even have native orchids! Although not the ideal floral climate, we still have fun items.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring floral designers?
A: 1. There are no rules, only guidelines. Sometimes trying something different is what makes you stand out. 2. If you want to work with a certain designer just ask. I would not be where I am without having sent a couple of blind emails to designers I loved. 3. Appreciate field grown flowers. Every stem comes with a personality that make floral arrangements stand out.

Photo cred: Liz Shively

To find more of Hayden’s work visit www.haydenregina.com or follow his Instagram at @haydenf4d.