We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jo Batzer. Check out our conversation below.
Jo, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Creating. Be it painting, photography, a garden design, or a floral design.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the owner of JB Design, a multifaceted company that specializes in garden and floral design, as well as custom and decorative painting. My pet project is Garden-Lou.com, an online resource featuring private gardens, tours, and plant reviews for the St. Louis metro area.
I hold an art degree and a horticulture degree, both which provide a strong foundation for creating imaginative garden environments and floral design work, along with unique design offerings, such as painting botanically inspired murals and ceilings. I’ve been in the landscape business for almost 30 years, but my career began in the floral business 40 years ago, where I worked on weddings, events, and other occasions. Since 1997, my floral design work has been almost exclusively commercial holiday design for hotels, shopping malls, office buildings, and restaurants. This year, I am excited about offering residential holiday design so I can bring holiday magic right to your home!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My first bosses as a ‘real’ floral designer were the Rose family, who owned a nursery and two flower shops in Kansas, where I lived for two years. They taught me how to be a true professional and provided a solid foundation in floral design. Once back in STL, Chas Marfisi and Lisa Neiley of Flowers by Chas were huge influences, and to this day I have Chas the back of my head when I create an over-the-top Christmas tree topper! Lisa taught me how to make true designer bows-a skill I still use today. But, the most significant influence on my holiday design work was working side-by-side for 27 years with the award-winning Charlee Storner, who specialized in holiday design for decades before retiring from Ambius last year.
On the horticulture side, my professors at St. Louis Community College were and still are invaluable resources throughout my horticulture career; Dan Billman, Dave Tylka, and Jerry Pence, who now heads the SLCC Meramec Horticulture Department. Through that program, I’ve met many well-respected horticulturists and garden designers whom I’m lucky enough to consider friends.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
When I had to make the decision to leave my full-time job at Missouri Botanical Garden, I struggled for weeks. I sought advice from those close to me, but the best advice I received was from someone not so close. They only saw the facts, not the emotion. It made me see things clearly enough to be able to take the leap and start my own company.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The Golden Rule.
I think it’s forgotten these days. It should be the basis of everything we do or say. It could stop all the hate, stop all the wars, I heard that every major religion on earth has a version of it. That should prove something. It’s simple, it’s beautiful. Pass it on.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That she tried to give people a little magic in their lives. Be it in their gardens, or during the holidays. If people visit my home, I want them to feel and experience something special…Take away a warm memory or be inspired. Because we are all searching for a little magic in our lives, aren’t we?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://garden-lou.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbdesignservicestl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-batzer-679a15377/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardenloustl/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH4Wqs57wcJhUJivqy7tHlw
Image Credits
Charlee Storner, Marvin Storner, Linda Godsey, Jo Batzer
