A mother wanted to name her newborn daughter Tamarah, a name the mother heard when she was growing up. But at the very instant the name was to be written permanently onto a form by a nursing bureaucrat, an interloper “n” nudged out the slow “m,” and the shocked baby girl knocked over a vase, but not before grasping a peony. At least that’s what we imagined.
Tamarah is a very common first name for women (#229 out of 4,276) but an uncommon last name for both men and women, according to the 1990 U.S. Census. Our Tanarah, on the other hand, is totally unique.
While studying business at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, Tanarah Haynie took a part-time job at a floral shop. A distant memory stirred. She was hooked.
“It was the only thing I cared about learning,” she says. “I looked forward to getting out of school everyday to get to that job. It wasn’t even like working for me, it was like art class.”
An award-winning floral designer (American Institute of Floral Designers) and business owner, Haynie always carries a good knife and a bundle of cable ties. In her 11 years in the business, she thinks she has designed flowers for 1,100 weddings, corporate events and parties.
One of her upcoming designs will be unveiled at the May 13 Red Cross 5 Carat Ball. “Do to recent events such as the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile in which the Red Cross was heavily involved in rescue and recovery efforts, I wanted to really focus on a brand new day,” she said. “I want the color scheme to reflect a brand new day with fresh oranges, yellows and greens. These colors are guaranteed to brighten anyone’s spirit.”
“I like to use flowers for clothing or headdresses, and any place one would not think to use them.”
Can’t Spell “Plate” Without P-E-T-A-L
Soirée: What are three things you always have in your refrigerator?
Haynie: Lots of condiments, great cheese for snacking and leftovers from my favorite restaurants.
What is your favorite restaurant in the world?
Since I have family in New Orleans, I am there a lot, so I would have to say Stella is my all-time favorite right now; however, Commanders Palace is a close second, a staple.
What is your favorite type of food?
Great fish, or any type of seafood.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?
Okay, I’m not as adventurous as Andrew Zimmerman, but I did have the octopus at Igibon. Love their sushi, but the octopus…not so much.
What do you never, ever want to eat again?
Turnips.
How do you feel about edible flowers?
They are beautiful to look at and usually the finishing touch to an artful plate. Even chefs know great flowers finish the look.