The Process and Product of Creativity: an Interview with Becky Sletten
It’s time to highlight another member of our Jane Rae team, and this month I got to chat with Becky Sletten, our Floral Design Supervisor. Becky joined our team in 2021, and she’s been revolutionizing our floral department ever since. In a deeply creative industry, Becky is a rare person who effortlessly mixes structure and planning with design. She is behind the scenes ensuring our floral team is set up for success before we ever arrive at an event, and she’s creating stunning floral designs that play front and center roles in our clients’ most important days.
Photo credit: Sampson House
Rebecca Onnen: How would you describe your design style? What are some signature details we’ll notice when you’re creating floral arrangements?
Becky Sletten: Although all designs are fun to make, I lean into the more ethereal styles. I have always been inspired by the way flowers exist in the world and using them in their most natural state while adding a little extra whimsy and texture. You may expect to see some less commonly used flowers and greenery in my designs if it works for the client and their vision.
Rebecca: What is a trend you are excited for in 2026? One you’re already seeing, or one you want to see more of?
Becky: There’s two that stand out most: I am excited to see - and hopefully work with - more textiles integrated into floral design. The way different fabrics can enhance and compliment fresh blooms is interesting, unique, and just fun to look at. We have touched on this a little with some lace trimmed anthuriums, but I can’t wait to see what comes our way this year! The other one is using more fresh green floral. Adding things like green carnations, hydrangeas, trick flower, bells of Ireland, and spray roses are a fun way to get that garden-like feel without adding greenery.
Photo credits: Solis Photography
Rebecca: What first brought you to floral design and to Jane Rae?
Becky: My journey in floral design started way back in 7th grade when I joined FFA. I learned, practiced, and competed in floral design, identification, and care while in the floriculture CDE until graduation. I then came back to the flower world simply by chance of asking Irany, the floral manager, if there was a position open at Jane Rae Events. She and Katie took a chance on me and ever since have pushed me to grow within my position. I have absolutely loved the last 4 years here!
Rebecca: As floral design supervisor, you are creating stunning florals that we get to see at events, but you’re also running most of our daily systems behind the scenes. How do those two aspects of your job work together for you? How do your creativity and analytical skills inform each other?
Becky: This is a great question, and you know I love me a good system! I think of it like this: I am able to let the creative juices flow because we have a solid network of systems to stand on. When there is a system in place that the team can trust, there is no question if we will have enough product or supplies, and that allows us to lose ourselves in our work without worry. I work in one of two ways. Methodical and symmetrical or by putting on some Niko Moon and working within the music. Both very much have their place within my designs.
Photo credits: J. Bowman Photography, Sampson House
Rebecca: What is your favorite part of your job?
Becky: I have 3 big ones I can think of right away. The first being designing on-site. Being able to design right at the venue, working with the lighting, angles, and structures is a privilege that I never want to take for granted. The second is sitting down and figuring out difficult mechanics. Our clients are constantly challenging us in the best way and I know there are countless new ideas to come. Knowing our capabilities, our prior knowledge, and our drive to succeed lands us in a great headspace to figure it out. And we always figure it out! The third is working with the most incredible group of people. The culture that Katie has built here is truly unmatched and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I am thankful every day for a space to be challenged, to grow, and to truly love what I do.
Photo credit: Indigo Blue Photography
Rebecca: What is an aspirational design challenge you would love to take on?
Becky: Something that I would love to try out is wearable florals. We have dabbled in floral lapels, but I have the itch to expand on that. Shawls, purses, you name it. If you can wear it, I want to make it! The day someone comes in and wants a fresh floral purse, sign me up! I love a good challenge and there are so many great designers out there that are sharing their expertise on this.
Photo credits: Jenna Heckel, Solis Photography
Rebecca: Do you have any specific memories that feel like they sum up your experience with Jane Rae? Successes, obstacles, funny stories?
Becky: What a rabbit hole this could send me down! There are endless memories that I have been blessed to be part of with Jane Rae. When Irany and I did our first -and last- interview to fill a position in the floral department with you, Rebecca. We were both sick, I was pregnant and started tearing up between questions, getting up to blow our noses, and we were certain you were not coming back after all that. But hey, you did! Shortly after that, we were working late when a derecho hit Sioux Falls. The three of us kept working while watching the sky turn every color possible and praying the power wouldn’t go out on us. I won’t even mention the stale crackers and the moldy strawberries. But we made it through and we bring up this story every now and then to remember how it all started when building the floral team we have now.
Photo credit: Sampson House
Rebecca: Anything else I haven’t asked about that you want to highlight about yourself and your role here?
Becky: When the checklists get long and the cooler gets packed, I always remind myself why we do what we do and who we do it for. We have the most amazing clients and it is a privilege to be part of each and every one of their special days. I am thankful for all that I have at Jane Rae and the people it has brought into my life. Can’t wait to see what is in store for the second half of 2026! (But seriously, someone ask for a floral purse.)
Photo credit: Sydney Schneider
xoxo, Rebecca
