My late grandmother--Granny--had a beautiful name…Vesta Joyce. Her Husband (Pop) was the only one we ever heard use "Vesta" for her, she went by Joyce otherwise. I loved it. My mother gave me a piece of both of my sweet grandmothers as a part of my name - Diana Joy. My first name after her mother and then my second after my fathers. Both, such a gift. Granny passed away in late December of 2020. We had all gathered for the holidays just a day or two after her passing and even though there was heartache there was joy. Just the way she would have wanted it.

A year went by and I decided that I wanted to start growing some flowers in our garden to share with others as a reminder that they are seen-loved-and some joy in remembrance of her. So I decided to call it “Vesta Joy Florals”. Granny had so many gifts and talents - one of those being flower arrangements. She did it for many years as an occupation but then continued it throughout her life for friends and family. One of my fondest memories was she and Dan working together creating our wedding bouquets and arrangements. She was a servant and anything her hands touched was blessed.

As we attempted this very small flower garden the joy of planting, watching them grow and then sharing them with friends and neighbors alike turned into Dan and I dreaming. What if? The start of many conversations. A year and a half later and here we are today! August 2023 and we have begun our very own floral business - Vesta Joy Floral - which means “Pure Joy”. I find it so fitting - not only that it was my Granny’s name but that we have the Pure Joy of doing this as a family together, sharing it with all of you.

This is one way Granny shared her love and passion for creating with me. She was and continues to be someone I look up to and hope to honor as we take on this adventure. Her ability to see and love others as the Creator does was a gift that those who knew her can testify to. When she passed I remember thinking that this wasn't goodbye but "see you soon". Now when we make each arrangement and pass these thoughtful designs onto our clients we hope to pass joy along with it!

diana joy