We love that Cyndi Turk and her husband David Turk created amazing floral shops, including retail + event spaces, known as Devynn’s Garden that support the local community and beyond.
It’s the best feeling to walk into any one of their three locations and immediately feel relaxed and inspired. Join us on a dive below the surface with this fun Q & A:
Q. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Hacienda Heights and my husband and business partner is David grew up in Whittier, CA. We met when I was 20 and he was 26.
Q. Do you have any childhood memories around plants/flowers that tie in to your grown up life?
A flower that I remember seeing in my grandmother’s home were gladiolus. She was Mexican and that is a very traditional flower. But, my husband introduced of flowers to me.
Q. You named you business after your first born daughter, what is her favorite flower?
Our daughter is now 29 and she lives in Venice, CA. and her favorite flower is peony and coincidentally she loves gladiolus too!
Q. We know you are close with flower growers, what is your most memorable flower market experience?
I remember one time I saw rolling hills of pincushion proteas bushes in San Diego and I was fascinated. I tried growing a bush for myself in my home. I had no luck. I will keep trying.
Q. It’s amazing how flowers are almost considered essential at the dinner table, what are your go-to?
I love simple elegance, nothing too bold. My go-to’s are cymbidiums tropical foliage and all proteas.
Q. You have a well curated retail offering, what is it that catches your eye (or heart) about a product?
I spend more time in my stores than I sometimes do in my home. I trust that if I love what I purchase for the retail store that others will share and enjoy my choices.
Q. What should we be reading?
Right now I am reading Jay Shetty’s new book 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go: I am diving into a time in my life of trying to be present and be grateful for all the little & big things in my life. He is really speaking to me right now.
Q. Are you the chef in the family?
I am the wannabe “chef” in my family. I try and I really do enjoy it. I do know that my husband and kids are very kind and will never tell me they don’t like my cooking.
Q. What is your most memorable meal (one you made or one you’ve had)?
I made this roasted chicken with my now deceased FAVORITE Aunt Mary. It has rosemary, garlic, cream cheese, red grapes and other herbs. It quickly became my family favorite and now I make it with Turkey instead of chicken on Thanksgiving! It was so delicious. One of my daughters now tells me “if I don’t make the garlic turkey it is not Thanksgiving.”
Q. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I hope to continue to learn and grow closer to my husband, my four amazing children, my parents and my friends.
Q. What is your greatest extravagance?
My greatest extravagance is food. I love trying new restaurants. I will probably spend my last dollar on good food.
Q. What do you find yourself saying when people ask what it’s like have your own business?
You need to have self motivation and grit. There will be days that you have self doubt but if you love what you do, you can’t see yourself doing anything else. Trust your vision and stay on YOUR path.
Q. What is your current state of mind?
I have always happily put everyone first and now I am consciously trying to adapt and make myself a priority when I get up.
Q. If you could change one thing about how people enjoy about flowers, what would it be?
One thing people say to me is “I don’t like to buy flowers because they die’’, but enjoying beautiful flowers is like enjoying an incredible meal. It is instant gratification. It is not meant to last, but the memory of a beautiful floral design or meal lasts forever.
Q. What words or phrases to you overuse?
There is a reason for everything. I believe it so much that I named my daughter Reezyn.
Q. What is one thing people most often don’t realize about the floral industry?
The labor that goes into a floral shop is massive and you have to rely on so many people to execute their job with care People always tell me ” it must be great to come to work and play with flowers” Yes, we get to create and play with flowers, but they needs to go through 5 peoples hands before they get to mine.
Q. What makes you feel the most alive?
Right now I am in a place of reflection and gratitude. I did start rowing and I very much enjoying it and I have 3 adorable dogs that have won me over.
Q. What is your motto?
1-Don’t try to fit a square into a circle.
2-Water your own grass.
3-Treat invitations as gifts from people, not obligation. Say yes as often as you can!