Cut Flower Camp @ Brookings

Brianna Munoz is the proud owner of Flowers on Main, a beloved floral and gift boutique with a 35-year legacy in the community. With a deep appreciation for floral artistry and design, Brianna brings a unique background and wealth of experience to the shop, blending tradition with fresh creativity. Before stepping into the world of flowers, Brianna served for four years in the Marine Corps as a military musician at MCRD Parris Island, S.C. There she met her husband, a Brookings native, which ultimately led her to South Dakota. After completing her enlistment, Brianna moved to Virginia to be with her husband during his second enlistment. It was there that an unexpected opportunity sparked a new passion—floristry. While in Virginia, Brianna discovered a floral event studio. She gained hands-on experience in high-end floral design, working on large-scale projects ranging from elaborate weddings and prestigious events to floral contracts for luxury hotels and even arrangements for the U.S. Capitol. Upon moving to Brookings, Brianna was walking downtown when she spotted a help wanted sign in the window of Flowers on Main. She stepped inside, met the previous owner, Ilene, and by the very next day, she was part of the team. From that moment, she was hooked. Brianna continues to honor the history of Flowers on Main while infusing it with fresh ideas, expanded offerings, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether designing stunning arrangements, hosting a floral workshop, or dreaming up the next big display, Brianna is passionate about sharing the beauty of flowers with her customers. 

Mindy Eden is a farmwife, homeschooling mom of seven, and a farmer-florist. Her and her husband Bryan farm in the Alpena, SD area raising beef cattle, row crops, hay, and an assortment of barnyard critters. In 2021 Mindy started the cut flower branch of their operation, Eden Acres, focusing on growing a large variety of greenery and flowers to use in design and event work. She offers bouquet subscriptions, custom orders, and partners with area businesses to market cash and carry market bouquets.
 

Rhonda Larson grows flowers on her farm near Hayti, SD which has been in her husband’s family for over 130 years. Having always gardened since she was a little girl, she never dreamed she would turn that love into a business. After many years of selling commercial insurance, she changed careers and went to work with special education children at Hamlin School. Along with her love of education, she had summers off for the first time! She built a little greenhouse out of old windows and planted everything she could think of including flowers and herbs. Word got around and soon Rhonda was selling flowers and sharing all she could with friends and community. Yellow Bird Shop has grown and evolved over five plus years, but Rhonda remains passionate about flowers, education, and community. She is thankful every day for the opportunities this has given her and looks forward to continuing growing and learning.

Christina Lind manages a diverse regenerative farm with her partner near Estelline, SD. Among the many hats she wears are mom, farmer, rancher, beekeeper, horticulturalist and researcher. After acquiring BSc.s in Horticulture and in Landscape Design & a BA in Spanish from South Dakota State University in 2009, she managed large commercial landscape portfolios in California for 3 years before returning to South Dakota and McCrory Gardens, assisting the Head Gardener with garden tasks as well as developing an educational program there. Although her many years at McCrory Gardens were extremely formative and cherished, in 2020 she followed her heart to Blue Dasher Farm to help manage and develop the farm as well as develop communications and assist with field research on regenerative agriculture around the nation and world. She has slowly grown the cut flower aspect of the farm for the last 3 years and looks forward to continued growth and demonstration of regenerative flowers.