The Heart Behind Nola Faye Florals & Gifts

When people ask how Nola Faye Florals began, I often tell them it’s a story rooted in both joy and grief — two emotions that seem so opposite, yet often walk side by side through life. This business wasn’t just a creative idea or a passing hobby; it was born from deeply personal moments that forever shaped my heart.

The joy came when I welcomed my beautiful daughter, Magnolia, into the world. Becoming a father opened my eyes to a new depth of beauty in God’s creation. Even before her birth, I would sit with my hand on Rebekah’s stomach feeling every movement Nola made. The first time we heard her heartbeat magnified the magnificence of God in all His glory— putting into motion a simple set of tissue in a little body that won’t stop beating for years and years. After her birth, I couldn’t help but be wrapped around her little finger. I’d sit for hours with her curled on my chest admiring our Creator’s handiwork and soaking in every moment. I’d tear up while gently rocking her to sleep humming hymns of praise. Even in the moments when I was pulling my hair out as she screamed there was beauty.

Magnolia’s first smile — 1 1/2 months old

Magnolia, my precious girl, became the namesake of this business. Those close to us have many nicknames for her. There’s the typical “Maggie” which is a classic. My mother-in-law likes “maggie-nolia” which I cringed at first, but now find myself warming up to it. (Love you Kathy. 😜) A family favorite is the nickname my brother Eric has given her, “mini-mags.” But Rebekah and I decided early on that we’d call her “Nola Faye” which incorporates her middle name (one that honors my late grandmother Betty Faye.) Thus the name Nola Faye Florals. Every arrangement I create and every bouquet I send out holds a piece of that joy I first felt the day I held her in my arms.

But life isn’t only joy. It’s also marked by sorrow. Not long after Magnolia’s birth, I experienced one of the deepest losses of my life — the passing of my mother. She was a steady, loving presence, and losing her left a space in my heart that words could never quite fill.

My mom, Brenda, was quite a woman. A feisty redhead from birth, she brought life and laughter to every room she entered. But underneath, she struggled for the longest time with an addiction to prescription medication. A large amount of my childhood was spent in worry that I’d lose her to the pills, that I’d discover her overdosed. But in the Lord’s grace and mercy, she found her freedom from the addiction with the help of a recovery center here in town on October 23rd of 2023. And alittle over a year on November 27th, just 3 days after my birthday and the day before Thanksgiving, mom left this earth and found even more freedom. And in the midst of my grief, I found comfort in the reminder of the God who creates all things beautiful, the same God who now holds my mother close. The first bit of flower arranging I did was to honor her at her funeral. From that moment I felt God calling me to step out in faith and begin this journey of helping others who find themselves in the same place I was.

Feisty redhead sandwich

It was during those tender, bittersweet days that Nola Faye Florals truly came to life. I felt called to create something that could bring comfort to others in their grief, while also adding joy to life’s sweetest celebrations. Flowers have a quiet, powerful way of speaking when words sometimes fall short — carrying messages of love, remembrance, and hope.

As we approach Mother’s Day and Decoration times here in our local communities, my heart feels especially tender. These seasons remind us of the ones we’ve loved and lost, and give us a chance to honor their memory. In recent weeks, I’ve had the privilege of creating arrangements for dear friends who wanted to remember their family members in a special way. Each arrangement is more than just flowers — it’s a story, a memory, and a quiet prayer for those left behind.

One of the many decoration pieces created

This is why I created Nola Faye’s: to walk alongside families in their times of sorrow and remembrance, to celebrate life’s most joyful moments, and to be a blessing to all who encounter my work. It’s a way for me to honor my mother while sharing the beauty and majesty of God’s creation with others.

Whether it’s a memorial arrangement for a loved one’s resting place, a joyful bouquet to celebrate a new baby, or a simple bunch of blooms to brighten someone’s day, it’s my privilege to serve our community in this way.

If you’d like to see some of these arrangements or discuss something meaningful for your family, I’d be honored to connect with you. You can find more here on the website or reach out to me on Messenger — I’d love to chat.

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your stories. It means more than you know.

With love and gratitude,

Arron McAllister 💐

Me and Magnolia