As far back as she can remember , Smith has always been interested in art and design .
“ Originally I wanted to do window dressing as a career ,” she said .
She studied fashion merchandizing at Illinois State University , attended ornamental horticulture classes at Danville Area Community College , and spent a summer at the Elva May School of Floral Design in Fullerton , Calif .
Following an apprenticeship at Calico Heart , a florist in St . Joseph , Smith opened her first full-service flower shop in Danville .
“ I ’ ve been a professional florist for 35 years ,” she said . “ When I first opened my shop , it was right before Christmas , and I decorated holiday craft walks and the Jewell House in my early 20s .”
Then for 13 years , Smith traveled and set up at craft shows in seven states every year so she could sell her decorative items and handcrafted furniture , all the while trying to maintain two part-time jobs .
Eventually the hectic work schedule took a toll on her health , and the pandemic shut down the
Kimberly Smith poses with two of her soft-sculpt Santas , which are her favorite holiday decorations to make . Photo by Carol Roehm
ILLIANA MAGAZINE — WINTER 2022 17