Jennifer Awiza

Lead Designer and Owner


Since childhood, my love affair with flowers has been an integral part of my life. Fond memories of picking neighborhood blooms with my grandpa ignited a passion that I later rediscovered while serving in the United States Navy. After 11 years as an IT, the allure of floral artistry finally beckoned, prompting me to pursue my true calling.

Despite my previous career, signs of my floral devotion were ever-present: lingering in flower markets, scavenging for quirky vases at garage sales, and becoming captivated by floral backdrops in films. It dawned on me like a sudden epiphany that my destiny lay in floristry—a realization that set me on a determined path.

Reconnecting with my passion, I delved into the study of nursery and greenhouse specialization, yearning to deepen my understanding of local flora. Immersed in parks, neighborhood walks, and personal gardens, I envisioned nurturing my own secret garden, akin to the one in "The Secret Garden." Under the mentorship of the esteemed TJ Montague of Garden Party Designs, I honed my skills and expanded my floral horizons.

In TJ's floral studio, fragrant garden roses, rosemary, and bells of Ireland filled the air as we embarked on transformative floral journeys. Her guidance illuminated the myriad colors, textures, and design possibilities of each bloom, instilling in me a newfound appreciation for the art of arrangement. With her encouragement, I embarked on my own venture, Jenn’s Sticks and Stems, aiming to honor her legacy and bring events to life with the magic of flowers.

Now, with the unwavering support of my husband, I proudly tend to my own floral studio and secret garden, though the act of cutting a flower remains a bittersweet endeavor. Yet, as TJ once shared, "it's a flower's dream to go to a wedding," and I am eager to fulfill that dream with Jenn’s Sticks and Stems. Let us be a part of your special day and infuse it with the timeless beauty of flowers.