What does the name Myrtle & Magnolia mean?

I get this question a lot! Whether it’s from engaged couples or shoppers, people can tell it has a connection to the South, but always want to know where it came from. 

Hi, I am Krissy de Groot, Owner and Lead Designer of Myrtle & Magnolia! I am originally from Ambler, PA, and attended Wissahickon High School, graduating… many years ago. My childhood and teen years were very traumatic as I grew up bouncing back and forth between my divorced parents’ houses, never having a stable, loving home to feel safe in. My life was chaotic, so when I had the chance to escape, I ran away…to college! I moved to South Carolina fresh out of high school to attend Coastal Carolina University's Theatre Program. My college experience as a Theatre Major reshaped my entire life, gave me the tools to succeed, and sent me back into the world with confidence, skills, and a wealth of knowledge pertaining to events and production. 

When I moved back to Philadelphia in 2006, I met and married my other half, my husband Cornelius. One of the first things we bonded on was the fact that his Grandmother lived in Myrtle Beach! When we would visit her, she would clip a Magnolia blossom and put it in a bowl of water as a dinner centerpiece. The fragrance and drama of the one large floating blossom inspired us to plant a Magnolia tree in Cornelius’ parents’ backyard as a reminder of his Grandmother and her home. 

When  I decided to start Floral Design training and open my own business, (after a decade of working in Theatre followed by a year of being a stay at home mom) I went back to the roots I planted myself for inspiration on what to name my company. Myrtle & Magnolia is in honor of South Carolina and the way it changed my life. Myrtle for the roots I created on my own, in a new place, and Magnolia for the roots I made with my husband and sons.

I am so glad you are here and interested in working with us! I have spent the past decade building this  company from scratch, and developing it into Fishtown’s Premier Custom Floral Boutique. I am a Certified Floral Designer through the American Institute of Floral Design since 2019, and I employ a variety of highly trained floral designers and theatre professionals to help create gorgeous designs and expertly execute events of all sizes. Stop in to our storefront on Frankford Avenue or check out our work on Instagram! 

We are excited to design for you!

-Krissy