My name is Stephanie Gilliard. The name JEK Blooms & Creative Designs pays homage to my maternal grandmother Julia Hamilton Roper; my mom EtheI Gilliard; and my paternal grandmother Kate Gilliard-Brown. They are my inspiration. I began my journey of making floral arrangements in Spring of 2018. I would make floral arrangements free of charge and give it to friends for birthdays; loss of loved ones; to celebrate various holidays; and the elderly to brighten their day. I would visit them at home; at the hospitals and assisted living facilities. Most floral arrangements were accompanied with my infamous baked goods or my favorite dishes. I met this amazing woman on August 11, 2024 which was a blessing in disguise that I never imagined! She has pushed me into my purpose, I call her the “Fire Starter.”