Nancy’s husband supported her with all her ideas so she set out for a few weeks, and discovered a whole new world of floral designing. Of course Nancy could have attended a floral school in Dayton, but she wanted the best of the best. Nancy thought floral designing would only be a hobby, but after she working in a floral shop and learning about the Hixson’s School of Floral Design located in Ohio, she instantly knew she wanted to attend. Little did she know, arranging flowers would take her to bigger and better places. She decided to take a night class to learn about home floral design. It was something she could do to keep her mind of her husband being away. At the time, arranging flowers was only a hobby for Nancy. When her husband was called to fight in Vietnam, she moved to Illinois with her children to live with her mother. In addition, Nancy Clarke would help coordinate state dinners, holiday events, and social gatherings in the White House.Ĭlarke starts off describing her life living in Los Angela’s with her children and her husband in the 1970’s. Nancy Clarke specifically works with each first lady, and helps her find their own personal style when it comes to flower designs. In the memoir, “My First Ladies: Thirty Years as the White House Chief Floral Designer,” Nancy Clarke shares her memories and experiences while working under six different administrations in the White House.

My First Ladies by Nancy Clarke