Meet the Designer: Michael Skaff
May 6th, 2026
A Glance Beyond the Groves at The Magnolia Company
The Golden Equation
When you feel a musician move you to tears, see a ballerina leap flawlessly into the air, or experience a work of art that took hundreds of hours to complete, the first thing out of your mouth is probably “they’re so talented!”
And while yes, talent is a factor, what you really mean to say is “wow, they’ve mastered their talent.”
Talent, strictly speaking, refers to a natural aptitude or innate ability to perform a task with proficiency and ease… but unrefined talent isn’t what takes your breath away. Instead, that awe inspiring performance is the result of a well-balanced scale where passion, talent, and discipline are all factors that each and every individual must hone on their journey to mastery.
Such is “the golden equation” embodied by Michael Skaff, the designer behind the wreaths at The Magnolia Company.
Passion First
Talent isn’t something you know you have… until you do. It’s usually the first sparks of passion that clue you into an untapped talent. Being full of new wonder for the world and curious at every corner, kids are experts at discovering what lights their fires.
“I tell the story that when my dad would take my sister and I fishing, I would be the one picking wild flowers to bring to my mom,” recalls Michael.
There was no one magic moment that made it click for him, but rather an entire childhood spent surrounded by and admiring plants. Wildflower bouquets for mom turned into a treasured summer job at a local greenhouse, where his passion for horticulture caught the attention of the owner and his first mentor, Sam Staiti.
Honing the Talent
Michael’s work in the greenhouse eventually became his field of study at the University of Massachusetts, where he majored in Plant and Soil Science. There’s much to be learned from books about the wonderful world of plants, but all passionate plant pupils understand that the best way to learn about plants is to get your hands dirty. True to his roots, Michael worked at the campus conservatory as a plant breeder.
University study has a funny way of crosspollinating young minds in other areas of study that ultimately change the course of their lives, thanks to the occasional side quest or happy accident. Michael’s life-changing left turn: an “out of the blue” decision to take a class in Floral Design. Thanks to that class and his new mentor, Nancy Garabrants, Michael made the decision to pursue a career in floral design.
To this day, Nancy holds a place of honor as one of his dearest friends.
The Real Work Begins
Any college graduate eventually learns that the real work begins after graduation, and Michael was no exception. At the ambitious age of 23, he opened his first business venture: Skaff Floral Creations, based in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. His experience led him to decide to pursue projects with larger floral companies and distributors.
In a “the rest was history” kind of way, Michael’s career blossomed. He met the love of his life, Paul Giguere, who has supported Michael season after treasured season. He also began to accumulate his now long list of professional memberships and accolades.
Michael now holds memberships to the top floral associations in the states: the American Institute of Floral Design, the American Academy of Floral Culture, the Society of American Florists, and the Professional Floral Commentators Institute. He thanks Tom Powell of the American Institute of Floral Design for being an unforgettable guide and mentor throughout the process. He also held a position with the Color Marketing Group, which serves to set and forecast annual color trends for various industries.
Eventually, Michael climbed to the esteemed position of Vice President of Product Design for the Floral Transworld Delivery Association, which expanded his reach beyond the US and inducted him into a community of international growers. He would even go on to teach European design classes.
In case you haven’t yet gathered, this is a man who takes his love of floristry very seriously. At this point, the trifecta is complete: a childhood passion gave way to this discovery of talent, sharpened by years of discipline and study.
You Reap What You Sow
Admittedly, we’re making this all sound a bit serious; Michael, for all of his dedicated work, still maintains a beautiful joie de vivre about him. Creating art through nature’s effervescent medium of life requires a certain degree of enchantment with the world – something that Michael has worn on his sleeve his whole life.
Michael’s career has certainly rewarded him with the fruits of his labor. His designs and creations have been featured in landmark publications and events. You’ve probably seen them without realizing it! Let’s hit the highlight reel:
- The 75th Academy Awards (the Oscars) in 2003
- Bill Clinton’s Presidential Inauguration in 1993
- G. W. Bush’s Presidential Inaugurations in both 2001 and 2005
- Features in various magazine publications, such as Modern Bride, Floral Management, Floral Transworld Delivery Magazine, and The Boston Globe
- Partnerships with designers Vera Wang and Todd Oldham
- Partnerships with The Smithsonian Institute, Polaroid, and AGFA Film
See? Told you. Impressive! Obviously, he has more than earned his bouquet.
But, if you ask Michael what projects he’s most proud of, you’ll receive a more unsuspecting answer. Oftentimes, the things that look small on a resume make the biggest impact – and that’s where love of art and work dwells.
“Quite honestly, the most rewarding events I have worked on have been weddings and funeral tributes – being part of a bride’s ‘special day’ and creating an everlasting tribute and memory for a grieving family.”
A Bountiful Partnership
It’s Michael’s love of life’s landmark moments that made his partnership with The Magnolia Company a match made in heaven. He met Julie & Matt Roth in 2009 while on the hunt for a source of good quality magnolia products. Nearly two decades later, he’s still lending his eye and skill to the wreath designs of The Magnolia Company.
It’s a Process
Product development isn’t just about creating something beautiful; there are several factors to consider. Market availability, trends, styles, flowers, colors, the primary customer base, price point sweet spots… everything has to come together in a perfectly gorgeous (and well-considered) blend.
Whenever he takes on a new batch of seasonal product designs for The Magnolia Company, Michael creates a design book containing concepts, designs, and trends. From there, the process comes a little more organically. Julie describes watching Michael work his magic as if it’s cut straight from a fantasy book, and she says you can tell when he’s in the zone.
“I like designing for corporate clients like The Magnolia Company, as it allows me a bit more freedom in design and price point,” says Michael.
Just Keep Growing
Life-long passion doesn’t cease when a business venture ends. Sometimes, that business venture is a critical part of the passion.
Michael now resides in Savannah, Georgia. He took a stab at retirement, but the life of a retiree isn’t in the cards at the moment. Shortly after his attempt at laying down his career, he reopened another business in 2025.
Curious about his work? Take a look at his gallery and portfolio here.
Michale’s words for closing this piece are probably better than anything we could write:
“Floral design and horticulture run through my blood, and I enjoy my job too much. Bringing joy and making the world a little more beautiful is my destiny, and I’m so grateful God has given me the direction and talent to pursue what I love.
Who knows what’s next, we shall see.”
Michael Skaff, everyone. (Cue the applause.)
