Vanda Floral Design & Stems Floral Design Team
Bryce Loutsch - Owner
As a seasoned florist and shop owner for over 25 years, Bryce has the experience to put together anything from weddings and corporate events to everyday flowers and everything in between. His dedication to the floral craft and his team is unwavering, really leading with confidence and showmanship. Bryce’s attitude and personality makes it easy for him to connect with clients and customers in all walks of life, bringing humor and passion as well as patience and empathy into the conversation. When he isn’t in the office, he enjoys family time with his wife and kids as well as many Phish shows!
Alexa Calef - Wedding and Event Manager, Designer
Alexa has over 10 years experience in the floral industry and 20 years experience in retail. Her bubbly personality makes it easy for her to connect with clients and customers on a personal level to help make their event or arrangement as special and unique as they envision. She designs everything from wedding work to everyday arrangements, corporate work and everything in between! When working closely with clients and customers, she is able to direct them towards the perfect elements for their event to make a magical evening. When she isn’t at the shop, she enjoys time with her fiancé, new pup and of course wine tasting!
Gretchen Barnacle - Wedding and Event Manager, Designer
Gretchen has been in the floral industry for the past 10 years, starting in Portland OR and landing back in the beautiful city of Petaluma. Her kind heart makes her a perfect person to work closely with clients and customers alike, brining a sense of passion and realism. Her organized nature really holds the team together! When she’s not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, new baby girl, and dog Valkyrie, serving the community of Petaluma and catching Phish shows!
Mia Valencia - Petaluma Retail Store Manager, Designer
Mia is a long time generational florist, originating from Valencia Florist in Santa Rosa. Mia’s passion for customers and unique designs make her a lovely addition to the Vanda Team and retail manager. Her kind nature brings in new business and customers on a daily basis; she is also bi-lingual, in English & Spanish. When she’s not at the shop in Petaluma, she loves going to her son’s sporting events, hikes with her dogs, and wine tasting!
Jill Henry - Designer
As a former shop owner herself, Jill brings a level of knowledge and experience to help make Stems a success! Her ability to adapt to any design a customer is looking for makes her an invaluable part of the team. Her warm personality and confidence makes everyone around her feel at ease. In her spare time, Jill loves to spend time with her partner, travel to different places and golf!
Mark Grant - Designer
Mark has been in the floral industry for over 30 years and has worked at shops from Hawaii all the way to South Carolina! His attention to detail and passion for design is what really makes him a stand out designer! He brings humor and positivity to every room and shines through in his work. When he’s not designing, he loves spending time with his partner, traveling and relaxing by the river!
Janelle Lowrey - Designer
With over 22 years experience in the floral industry, when it comes to design, it’s second nature for her. Janelle brings a fun and unique eye to everyday designs, specializing in Halloween themed arrangements! With love of all things spooky, October is when she shines brightest, bringing her floral work to life. Her bubbly and outgoing nature brings joy to those around her and customers who visit the shop. When she’s not at the shop, she enjoys spending time with her godson, taking her dog to the beach and working on new art.
Stevi Giffin - Floral Assistant, Junior Designer
Stevi joined the team in 2022 as a floral assistant and has grown her skills immensely within that time; now designing everyday arrangements as well as beginning larger pieces for weddings! Stevi’s positive and sunny outlook bring moral up daily, you’ll never find a lull in the conversation when she’s around! She likes to spend her time away with her husband and dog, catching up on all the reality TV shows!
Brooke Stewart - Inventory Manager, Junior Designer
Brooke joined the team in 2021 and has taken that time to grow her knowledge of flowers and plants, getting into design as well. She manages all the wedding rental items, organizing and making sure everything has a place. She is a chameleon when it comes to jumping into a new aspect of the business and puts forth maximum effort to make sure things are done the right way. Her positive attitude makes her a joy to be around! In her time off, she enjoys cooking, traveling with her husband and family and enjoying a cold beverage with her dogs.
Kristen Benner - Floral Assistant
Kristen used Vanda for her personal wedding flowers and after moving to Petaluma, joined the Vanda team to gain floral experience. She has extensive knowledge in the wine industry and customer service, making her the perfect addition to our retail store. In her spare time, she likes to wine taste, explore Sonoma and Napa with her husband and hang out with friends.
Matt Hinnenberg - Driver
Long time friend and employee, Matt’s dedication to Stems is like no other. Matt has worked for two generations of Loutsch’s, really making him part of the family. His caring and outgoing nature towards his team and customers stamp him as one of a kind. You’ll find Matt on the road most days, delivering arrangements and spreading happiness. When he isn’t delivering flowers, Matt enjoys going to the local breweries, working with Forgotten Felines and spending time with his girlfriend.
Judy Schlick - Santa Rosa Retail Store Manager, Experienced Designer
Judy has 42 years of experience in the floral industry and is Bryce’s longest standing employee, ringing in at 18 years at Vanda! Her extensive knowledge about flowers, plants, pricing, seasonality, and all things floral related makes her the perfect retail manager. Judy has a unique eye for design and is excellent in customer service. Her dedication is on another level! When Judy isn’t at the shop, she enjoys hiking in Pt. Reyes, trying new restaurants and working out in the early morning hours!
Miranda Peterson - Studio Floor Manager, Designer
Miranda joined the floral industry a short 6 years ago, and has blossomed into one of the most talented designers you will meet. Her organized nature and “go get ‘em” attitude makes her the perfect person to juggle many events and questions at one time. She is excellent at designing everything from wedding work to everyday arrangements, funeral work and more! You’ll often find her at wedding setups on the weekends, making magic happen! In her off time, Miranda likes to take long hikes around Sonoma County, cook and spend time with her precious kitty, Baby.
Shawna Wood - Designer
Shawna has been part of the design team at Stems for the past 7 years. With over a decade of floral experience, she brings a new spark and eye to designing! Her fun personality and humor makes her easy to get along with and customers feel at home when talking to her. When Shawna isn’t at the shop, she loves to watch her son play football, relax with friends and travel!
Allison Rogers - Designer
With over 25 years experience in the floral industry, Allison brings tradition and new designs together with ease. Her warm personality makes customers feel comfortable and confident in her work. Having worked at several floral studios, she is a talented designer who can make anything from classic to bohemian and everything in between! When Allison isn’t at the shop, she loves spending time with her son, crazy kitty cats, and at the river in Rio Nido!
Will Prouty- Designer
One of the most adaptable and friendly people you will ever meet, Will is a gem of a person and talented designer. Having worked at multiple floral studios, he is able to create beautiful wedding designs and bring laughs to everyone around him while maintaining a productive work environment. When he isn’t working at the studio, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, playing music in Rio Nido and checking out the local breweries.
Nicole Cubba - Floral Assistant, Junior Designer
Nicole found her passion for flowers shortly after joining the Vanda team in 2021. She picked up the eye for design easily and has taken her skills to another level, now designing larger wedding pieces. Her attention to small things helps make every little detail perfect and she brings a smile to work every day! When she isn’t at the shop, she loves spending time with her husband and sweet kittens, and traveling to visit her 3 kids.
Serena Codiroli - Floral Assistant, Junior Designer
Serena’s passion for flowers is what makes her a unique and special addition to our team. She is flexible and ready to work at any location she may be needed, working on her design skills and elevating the retail experience. Her positive attitude, kind personality and willingness to learn a new task daily is what makes her stand out! In her free time, she likes to take girls trips, spend time with her cats and work on textile projects!
Cynthia Garcia - Floral Assistant
Cynthia joined the team in 2024 and has become an excellent addition to the Stems team. You’ll often find her at wedding setups on Saturday or helping around the shop! In her spare time, she likes to go on walks, hikes and spend time at the coast.