Volunteer Joymaker: Shelby Zach

Meet our Hope Blooms volunteer designer! Shelby Zach is the artist behind the colorful mural that has transformed our shop into the joyful place it is today! She brings her joyful, bubbly personality into all she does, and we are thankful she has given so much of her time and talent to Hope Blooms!

Volunteering with Hope Blooms since: 2019

How did you first hear about Hope Blooms? 

Just before the first Belles and Blooms event, I saw it advertised at ADAE Salon when I was getting my hair done. I loved the idea of the event and decided to get tickets at the last minute!

Why do you choose to volunteer with Hope Blooms?

Volunteering for Hope Blooms has been a natural fit for me. After attending that 1st Belles & Blooms, I’ve felt a connection to Hope Blooms and their mission. I immediately went and signed up to be a volunteer! As a designer, I love the opportunity to make beautiful things, so when Kelly had the first marketing meeting and shared her ideas for a shop mural, I felt so strongly about giving it a try. I had never done a mural before! I couldn’t believe Kelly trusted me to design and then paint that giant bouquet!

From that project to this mural, and all the events and campaigns in between, I’ve been allowed to try new things creatively and every project brings such joy to me! I especially love seeing how the Hope Blooms team brings the initial design concept to life!

Why is giving back in your community important to you?

I always try to have compassion for others and think it’s important to reinforce compassion with action. Having the privilege to help others and give back is something I don’t take for granted. There’s not much more important in life than taking the time to help a neighbor!

In what ways do you see Hope Blooms bringing value to our community? 

Hope Blooms’ commitment to spreading joy is important to the community because everyone deserves a reason to smile. The stories recipients share is proof of the “power of flowers” 🌸 and it’s amazing to see the ways receiving a bouquet can bring so much hope.

What is your favorite way to spread joy and kindness? 

Besides volunteering for Hope Blooms, I love sending little things for friends, family and coworkers to show appreciation. I’ve always found it really fun to pay it forward in the coffee line!

Name one of the most joyful moments in your life? 

Meeting both of my boys was pretty incredible. In second place would be completing the Hope Blooms bouquet mural!

What’s your favorite flower and why?

Montana wildflowers (no specific kind) will always be my favorite because they remind me of a summer camp hike. This was the first time I remember appreciating nature and combining whatever we found on the hike to make something beautiful!

When you’re not spreading joy with Hope Blooms, how do you spend your time?

Most of the time, you’ll find me hanging out with my husband and sons (3 & 6) at home. I love watching them and my house plants (I have a small obsession) grow up! Otherwise, I’m either making dinner, reading a book or watching reality TV.

Share a little about yourself and your family.

We take a lot of road trips to visit family in Montana, go to concerts, and go on adventures to new places. During the summer, we spend most weekends at our small lake cabin and as much time outside as possible! We love kayaking, pontoon rides, campfires, and going for walks or bike rides.

What’s something that people would be surprised to find out about you?

I didn’t grow up taking art classes, but was always finding opportunities to be creative. When I was younger, I thought I’d be a fashion designer, because I loved making paper dolls. When I was introduced to digital design, I knew right away that’s what I wanted to study!

In addition to the beautiful mural Shelby created, she has designed many creative campaigns for our biggest fundraisers, year over year. We are so grateful for her!