This Memphis Florist’s Success Stems from Family Roots
Inspired by her grandmother’s Sunday dinners, Verushka Wilson brings her love of flowers, thoughtful details, and meaningful gatherings to Memphis through The Mane Wildling. Image: The Mane Wildling
As a child, Verushka Wilson watched her grandmother transform weekly Sunday dinners into something extraordinary with thoughtful details, seasonal touches, and a beautifully welcoming table. Those early lessons in hospitality sparked a lifelong love of bringing people together and making even the simplest gatherings feel special. In 2020, this Memphis florist combined her passion with her talent for design, launching The Mane Wildling and turning her creative instincts into a business of her own.
The Mane Wildling is such an intriguing name! What’s the story behind it?
The name is deeply personal. “Mane” is a tribute to my grandfather, Charles Coleman, affectionately called Mane. He was a farmer, gardener, and someone who taught me a lot about the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and taking care of what’s been entrusted to you. When I lost him, I found myself drawn to flowers in a way I hadn’t experienced before. In many ways, floral design became an unexpected connection to his legacy.
“Wildling” speaks to the way I approach design and life — a little untamed, organic, and unapologetically individual. I’ve always been drawn to things that feel natural rather than overly polished or predictable.
How would you describe your signature floral style?
Organic, sculptural, and a little unexpected. I’m drawn to florals that feel like they have a life of their own — arrangements that embrace movement, asymmetry, and the natural architecture of each stem rather than forcing everything into a particular shape. I love when a design feels effortless but is actually very intentional.
I’m especially passionate about incorporating locally grown and seasonal flowers whenever possible. There’s something special about working with flowers grown close to home, understanding their seasonality, and allowing what’s available to inspire the design.
I tend to gravitate toward earthy neutrals, rich greens, and unexpected pops of color, with texture playing a big role in everything I create. Dahlias, interesting branches, and blooms with a little personality will always catch my eye.
Ultimately, I want our work to feel like an extension of nature: artful, expressive, and never too precious. I’m less interested in what’s trending and more interested in creating something that feels timeless, rooted in place, and unmistakably its own.
Where do you find inspiration when you’re creating florals for an event?
I’m drawn to architecture, interiors, fashion, art, travel, and the little details that make a space or experience feel special. I pay attention to color combinations, textures, and unexpected pairings that I might translate into a floral design.
I’m also incredibly inspired by nature and the changing seasons, particularly working with local flower farmers. Sometimes a particular bloom or an unexpected stem becomes the starting point for an entire design. I love allowing the flowers to lead rather than approaching every project with a predetermined formula.
Most importantly, I look at the event itself. I want the florals to do more than decorate a space. They should contribute to the atmosphere, tell a story, and become part of the experience.
You’re collaborating with local restaurants to provide florals for pop-up events. Can you tell us more about those partnerships?
I love meeting people where they are, especially in spaces where they’re already gathering around food and conversation. Restaurants are such natural partners because florals and culinary experiences complement one another so beautifully. There is nothing quite like a thoughtfully curated meal, a beautifully layered tablescape, and a story woven through every detail.
Our collaborations are an opportunity to bring a theme or creative vision to life through florals, installations, and immersive experiences. Sometimes that looks like a pop-up stem bar. Other times, it’s an entire evening built around a concept.
Are there any upcoming collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
There are quite a few things in the works that I’m excited about! Our December 9 Girl Dinner collaboration with Fawn is definitely one I’m looking forward to. What started as one special dining experience has grown into a beautiful series, and we’re thrilled to be part of such an exciting new chapter for them, especially following their MICHELIN recognition.
There’s also a little something else in the works that I’m particularly excited about. I’ll give you a hint: metal. Think florals, craftsmanship, and a little unexpected storytelling. I can’t say too much just yet, but it’s going to be special.
And then there’s one very special dinner planned for 2027 that I’m keeping close to the chest. We’re hoping to bring together one of the city’s most artful chefs for an intimate, thoughtfully curated evening with the possibility of making it a benefit event. That one is especially close to my heart, so I’ll leave a little mystery around it for now.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating with other local creatives and business owners?
What I love most is the opportunity to build something bigger than any one brand. Memphis is full of extraordinary talent, often tucked into unexpected places. I love connecting those dots, creating shared experiences, and giving people new reasons to discover the businesses, makers, and stories that make this city special.
Are there any fun or unique trends you are excited about?
Silver, without a doubt! I’m loving the return of silver, particularly vintage silver serving pieces, vessels, and unexpected tabletop details. There’s something timeless about it, but when styled in a more organic, modern way, it feels incredibly fresh. I love mixing old-world pieces with sculptural florals, interesting textures, and a little whimsy.
I’m also excited about the move toward more experiential celebrations. Couples and hosts are thinking beyond traditional centerpieces and asking how the entire room can tell a story. I love seeing people embrace the details that make an event feel personal.
When you’re not creating something for a client, how do you recharge your own creative batteries?
I find a lot of inspiration in simply allowing myself to be a person outside of the business. I love a slow morning, visiting flower farms, antiquing, wandering through beautiful spaces, traveling, and discovering new restaurants.
I’m also a serial podcast listener and love getting lost in a good book. Spending time with family and fellow creatives is equally important to me. I find that some of my best inspiration comes from conversations, shared experiences, and simply being around people who see the world differently.
I’m always collecting little things — textures, objects, colors, ideas, and moments that might eventually find their way into my work. I enjoy spending time in nature and getting my hands in the dirt. Sometimes the best way to reconnect with my creativity is to step away from the expectation of having to produce something.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
My grandfather always told me to “pay yourself first” and that “life will come with sacrifices.” Both lessons have stayed with me, and I’ve come to understand that they go hand in hand. Paying yourself first isn’t just about finances; it’s about taking care of yourself, honoring your worth, and being intentional about what you give of yourself.
He also taught me that sacrifice is simply part of life. You can’t always have the comfort of the familiar and the possibilities of what’s next at the same time. Sometimes you have to give something up, take the less obvious road, and be willing to sit with the discomfort of building something before you can see the reward.
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Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.
