Our customers always ask about our staff of designers. Here is what our designers would like to share with you.

Professional Biography

Seth Carey

Carey’s Flowers would like you to meet Seth

1. Education: South Hadley High School Class of 1989, Holyoke

Community College, and University of Massachusetts

2. Awards: Student Service Awards 1990,1991,1992

3. Affiliations: Society of American Florists (SAF), Board member,

Connecticut Floral Association (CFA),

4. Number of years in the business: 25 years, I have worked here since I was very young.

5. Your Specialties: Although I truly love all that I do, I think the most gratifying work is done for funeral services. I take great care and pride in the work I send out as families are going through the process of grieving. It is my sincere hope that exquisite flowers will truly help families know that a loved one is showered in beauty and all of the family’s love as they move on to a better place.

6. Previously worked at (List name, state): I have been at Carey’s for my entire career, for those who may ask Carey’s has been a family owned business since 1912 and is still owned by my family.

7. How do you keep up your floral education?

I study trade magazines in a way most would say is obsessive. I am constantly online working through floral design tutorials made available to me through my affiliations. I work and attend designs shows. I also never stop seeking inspiration and when your eyes are open you find inspiration everywhere, through travel, architecture, nature, even in private gardens.

Personal

1. Reside in (Town only): South Hadley MA.

2. Family: James F. Carey is my Father do I need to say more? You all know him, Joanne (Morassi) Carey is my Mother (yes, she taught High School and was probably your class advisor) Jim M. Carey is my Brother – Computer geek, Amy Carey is my sister and my families #1 golfer.

2a. Marital Status: Spousal Equivalent

3.Pets, Pet bio: Violet is my black poodle and Lily is my white Maltese

4.Favorite book: My favorite ‘book’ is an entire series. The Alex Cross series by James

Patterson

5.Favorite place in the world: Anyplace I can find a beach

6.Favorite Movie: Star Wars

7.Favorite Song and/or Performer: Michael Buble and Jack Johnson

8.Your Motto: "A coward dies a thousand deaths a brave man only one"

9. Favorite Sport: Baseball

10. Favorite team: Red Sox ! But I love all the New England teams

11.Favorite flower is. .. Who made this question up? I love all flowers I am a floral designer

Seriously two main contenders for me right now are the Nerine Lily and Agapanthus however this changes at least once a month no kidding.

12.Miscelaneous Sharing – I hope you all read Carey’s Flowers Blog

Professional Biography

Ralph D. Liebro

Carey’s Flowers would like you to meet Ralph

He is a self-made man and worships his creator.

1. Education: Stockbridge – University of Massachusetts

Associates degree in Horticultural Design

2. Awards: First place winner of many design competitions starting right after I graduated college and throughout my career.

3. Affiliations: Design Master, Smithers Oasis, Seagroatt, Molta,

Pennock , A.N. Pearson

4. Shows or Events you or your work has appeared in: Well over 50 shows so far.

Including Jacobson’s, Montgomery’s, Baystate, Seagroatt, Molta, Pennnock – New England, New York Metropolitan Show, Floral Exhibit, Waltham MA. I have also appeared in numerous seminars and product promotional events

5. Classes taught: I have taught at Holyoke Community College giving a class in Basic floral design for 8 years, to present. I have given numerous lectures at Garden Clubs and product promotion seminars all over New England.

6. Number of years in the business: I started as an artist in this business upon my graduation form college in 1963 and have been going strong for 45 years. I plan to go forward as a floral artist for many years to come.

7. Your Specialties: I believe I specialize in all fazes of floral design. However I do personally favor large event styling, interior design with flowers both fresh and permanent, as well as hotel and restaurant floral designs. I like things grand scale.

8. Favorite type/style of design: BIG I like big high style! A favorite type of arrangement for me would be one with blocks of color.

9. Previously worked at: Hollywood Florist Inc. White Plains N.Y.

Rosewood Inc. Brookline MA, Mascaros Springfield MA, Longmeadow Flowers Longmeadow MA,

Carey’s Flowers Inc. – 22 years and still going strong!

10. How do you keep up your floral education? I attend design shows as well as work with talented designers at the design shows. By working with other talented designers we can exchange ideas and move ahead in our artistry. I pride myself on keeping up with new trends and color schemes. I travel within New England to see areas like the cape. I garner ideas from trade publications, wholesalers, friends who are artists, nature, landscapes, and even from my love of music.

Personal

1. Reside in (Town only): West Springfield MA

2. Family: I have a large close family I believe they are the core of my heart. I am lucky to have my 91 years young mother, Millie (who is famous at Carey’s) she is a hot ticket, and raised me right.

My brother Don whose quiet demeanor belies his great sense of humor. Don gave me three wonderful nephews Tino, Michael and Devin, I am proud of them all and love to boast about our days playing ice hockey together.

My twin sisters Patricia and Pamela - These two are a comic duo, and if one has an itch the other one scratches. It has to be said that I adore my sisters.

Patricia – Patty to me is a scamp she is often known as the quiet one. However that is only because she is busy thinking up her next practical joke and how to get away with it unnoticed. Patty and Dave gave me two more wonderful nephews Peter and Dan. They are so smart they scare me.

Pamela – Pammy to me is so much like me it probably scares her! We share a love of sports, music, fun times, and family. Don’t tell Pam if in your opinion the Red Sox are not the greatest, those are fighting words to her. This is the part where I am supposed to tell you she and Lou gave me wonderful nephews/nieces, but they are too smart for that, they have teacup poodles and they rock!!

2a. Marital Status: Single – Batchelor to the core

3. Pets, Pet bio: Beemer & Luci Lou – Teacup Poodle Nephew and Niece

4. Favorite book: The World According to R.D.

5. Favorite place in the world: Sunset Beach, Cape Cod MA

6. Favorite Movie: Most people would put their favorite movie here I would proffer to offer up my favorite move:I slide up to a redheaded girl standing at a bar while pretending to not notice her. Then I pounce! I introduce myself then start with the questions. What’s your name, what brings you here tonight, how you doin baby? Before you know it I’m in!!!

7. Favorite Song and/or Performer: Being a former musician and member of the all time classic band – The Elastic Band, I truly love all forms of music.

I do have a soft spot for 70’s rock

8. Places you have lived/worked: West Springfield MA, Trenton N.J, New York City, N.Y.,

Cape Cod MA

9.My motto: "Live, Love, Enjoy, when it’s over have no regrets."

10. If I had a million dollars I would... I enjoy what I have achieved in life I have no need for a million dollars. By the way I have a bridge I would like to sell you.

11. Favorite Sport: All sports I am a huge sports fan I love all the New England teams.

I do however have to say I am a big supporter, former assistant coach and fan of the youth West Springfield hockey league.

12. Favorite team: Red Sox - #1! , Patriots, Celtics, Bruins

13. Favorite flower: I’ve worked with so many flowers in my career. I enjoy the bright colors of summer annuals for my own yard, and to pull from those colors in my design work.

14. Miscelaneous Sharing:

"Life and design are similar, exhibit bold, daring color, lines, attitude, confidence wit ha smile and a sense of daring. Don’t be afraid to live on the edge. Think young, be young, and grow young!"

Professional Biography

Diane Hibbard

Carey’s Flowers would like you to meet Diane

1. Education: Rittner’s School of Floral Design Boston MA

2. Affiliations: Big Brother Big Sisters, Cursillo

3. Shows or Events you or your work has appeared in: Wedding Shows, “After School” TV movie “Snowbound”

4. Your Specialties: Wedding designs

5. Favorite type/style of design: Compact European

6. Previously worked at (List name, state): Folwell’s MA, Curtis Flowers IN,

Dutch Mill Flowers TX, Custom Floral Designs CO, Columbine Floral CO, Sonshine Flowers CO

The Little Flower Shop CO, Longmeadow Flowers MA

7. How do you keep up your floral education? Attending design shows and reading professional Magazines

8. Number of years in business - 33 years

Personal

1. Reside in (Town only): Chicopee MA

2. Family: 1 Daughter a Son in Law and 2 Granddaughters

3. Your favorite flower is... Freesia

Professional Biography

Lisa Rolland

Carey’s Flowers would like you to meet Lisa

1. Education: Graduate of Agawam MA. School system

2. Awards: National Honor Society

3. Shows or Events you or your work has appeared in: I have participated in numerous bridal and gift shows over the course of my career. This includes creating displays, bouquets for fashion shows, doing on site consultations with prospective clients, vendors, and event planners.

4. Classes you have taught: Basic floral design / STCC for 2 semesters, Basic floral design workshop for National Silk Wholesalers, Gift packaging seminars with Mary Kay cosmetics, Demonstrations at Nursing Homes and Garden Clubs

5. Number of years in the business: 27 years and still going strong

6. Your Specialties: My strong point is production work, fast and efficient, the first arrangement looks the same as the twentieth. This talent is exceptionally helpful to brides who need their wedding receptions to look elegant, stylized and cohesive.

7. Favorite type/style of design: I prefer a balanced design aesthetically, but I am open to all levels of design

8. Previously worked at: My Floral design experience has been broad and varied covering many aspects of the floral industry. I was the owner, production manager and head designer of National Silk Wholesaler. I have worked at Flowers with A Flair, Molta Floral Supply, Silk Designs, Floral Tributes, Flowers by Webster. I was also a consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics and 1-800-bride line.

9. How do you keep up your floral education? To keep up with the latest trends I read industry magazines, attend floral wholesale shows. I learn daily from our Floral Manager Seth Carey as well as from Master Designer Ralph Liebro and I am also fortunate to work alongside and share ideas with Diane and Doreen.

Personal

1. Reside in: Born, raised, and currently living in Agawam MA.

2. Family: I have the most beautiful step-daughter Heather who is married to Greg. They blessed me with 3-year-old Ava who lights up my life and is easily my best friend. My brothers and sister have graced me with seven wonderful nieces and nephews to spoil.

2a. Marital Status: Still waiting for Prince Charming …..

3. Pets, Pet bio: I have no pets in my life right now but I do love animals

4. Favorite book: All books interest me

5. Favorite place in the world: Mystic CT. has a special place in my heart

6. Favorite Movie: Dreamgirls – The perseverance portrayed in the movie is inspirational

7. Favorite Song and/or Performer: Love Shack by the B-52’s can always get me up to dance.

8. Places you have lived: Started in Agawam…Still in Agawam

9.Your Motto: “In with the good, out with the bad”

“Flowers bloom when tended to with love, so do people”

10. If I had a million dollars I would... The first thing I would do is take care of my family and friends, and then I would retire to a home on the beach.

11. Favorite Sport: Whatever my nieces and nephews are playing this week.

12. Favorite team: I root for any New England team

13. Your favorite flower is... There are so many beautiful flowers to choose from but for sure freesia is my favorite.

14. Miscelaneous Sharing:

"You may have seen my work at Chez Josef, The Oaks, The Sheraton, LaRenaissance, Castle of Knights, Knights of Columbus, Parwick Center, The Big E Bridal Expo, The Boston Gift Show, The Hartford Civic Center Gift Show, Storrowtown Tavern, Historical Holiday Display, or The Mass Mutual Center. I was also in an infomercial on Channel 22 with Mikki Verik, and the list goes on…"