Hitomi’s journey began as a farmer/florist, greenhouse grower, and landscape designer. After years in retail floristry, she transitioned into teaching, dedicating the last 35 years to sharing her knowledge through workshops and design programs across North America and around the globe.
She is highly regarded for her presentations at:
Art Museums and Botanical Gardens
Garden Clubs
Industry-sponsored floral events
What Hitomi Does Today:
Teleflora Education Specialist
YouTube Floristry Content Creator
Online Floral Educator: Floristic Dialog
Masterclass Instructor: HitomiGilliam.com
Floral Tourism Partner: Travel with Flowers
In 2008, Hitomi co-founded DESIGN358, an education-based event company, with her son Colin Gilliam. Together, they focus on online floral education, with Colin as Executive Producer.
Her Published Works
Hitomi is the author of eight floral design books, including the widely acclaimed: A Fresh Look at Judging (co-authored with Kathy Whalen), which offers a modern examination of the Elements and Principles of Design in floral judging and evaluation.
Awards & Recognitions
Hitomi’s influence in the floral design world has earned her numerous prestigious awards:
AIFD Design Influence Award (1998)
Frances Jones Poeltker Award, American Horticultural Society (2006)
Gold Honor, Best of Show, Singapore Garden Festival representing Canada (2008)
10-Time Center Stage Presenter, AIFD National Symposiums
Featured Artist, Les Fleurs Sauvages, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, NYC (2018)
Judge, 2020 Tournament of Roses Parade Floats, Pasadena, CA
