Meet Gary Guerin | Owner & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gary Guerin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gary, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
As an entrepreneur, taking risk is everything. I wouldn’t be where I am today without following my instincts and jumping off a few proverbial cliffs. Taking risks with STEM SWAG has paid off, but not always in the way people might think. I believe risks have to be weighted against how you measure success. Success isn’t always about making a quick dollar. I approach business decisions with the idea of being in business 100 years, not just what’s good in the moment. I thrive in overcoming challenges – there’s always a way. I think I’ll always be a risk taker.

What should our readers know about your business?
Throughout my career, I’ve always been obsessed with pop culture. I love the idea of being able to celebrate and capsule the moments of our life inspired by what’s happening all around us. I’ve taken this ideal and created a new twist on my version of the flower shop of the future – STEM SWAG.

My background is actually in event production and for over 20 years I served as a Creative Director for multiple agencies. Confession: at the beginning of my STEM SWAG journey, I actually didn’t know anything about the floral industry. What I did know is how to create unique experiences and the fundamentals of design. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the most recognizable brands in the world, including Disney, Sony, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Bud Light, and even the White House. I was fortunate to experience these brands from the inside out and along the way collected things I admired about these companies and melded them into what is now my approach to business.

When I started STEM SWAG, I knew I wanted to put my own spin on the floral industry and offer something different. While there’s always been innovation in floral design, I didn’t see a lot happening in terms of customer experience or how people were positioning themselves in the industry in general; or at least not in the way I’d been dreaming up. Was it easy? Absolutely not. I have stumbled and made my fair share of mistakes navigating my way through this new medium. However, from the beginning, I told myself to lean into the idea that ignorance is bliss. Now, looking back, it’s the best thing I did. I’ve done things my own way and never really sought out a ton of approval or formal training because I knew there was value in following my gut. It has paid off and after investing in a talented team, I feel we have created the secret sauce that is STEM SWAG.

Starting this business has taught me what true grit is. Much like other creative fields, the floral industry can seem glamorized, but it is in fact is a very dirty, fast-paced, intense, physically demanding job. For years, I didn’t take a paycheck, lived with my work, designed out of dirty storage rooms, sacrificed holidays, scraped together funding, scavenged for supplies, and literally did whatever it took to keep pushing forward. There were tons of ideas that just never landed, spoiled product, proposals that were rejected, countless hours spent putting together campaigns that never saw the light of day, and working back-to-back events on no sleep.

Fast forward to the present day and we have so much to be proud of. Some of the most memorable moments in our companies history, include producing a photo shoot for Playboy, hundreds of weddings, and designing for celebrities such as Janet Jackson, Red Hot Chili peppers, Lil’ Nas X, and Taylor Swift. Our team was honored as the florist for a majority of Super Bowl 57’s official events and STEM SWAG has been recognized as Phoenix Magazine’s Best of the Valley for three years in a row.

The most exciting part is that I feel like we’re just getting started. This year we will open our second location at the Royale in Melrose, which will be our flagship retail concept. In addition, we have brand new concepts, programs, and products in the works that we look forward to sharing with the world!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many spots I love in Phoenix and it’s impossible to name them all. As a creature of habit and a person who loves to eat my way through any city, here’s my idea of the perfect day in the Valley.

First, I would start my day at Luanas Coffee. They have some of the tastiest and most inventive drinks in the game. This place also has all the vibes – it’s like popping into a house party with caffeine and their breakfast pizza is legit.

Next, I’d head to the Melrose area for some shopping. With stores like Sweet Salvage, Knee Deep, and Curious Nature, there’s so much to discover. For lunch, I’d hit up to my absolute favorite neighborhood restaurant, Short Leash, which is also in the hood. Their gourmet hot dog menu is too good to miss. I love that I can get a veggie dog on any of their options. Pro tip: do not pass on the cauliflower wings – I swear they are the best I’ve ever had.

For the evening, I’d pop over to Quartz for a libation. This place’s cocktail menu is nuts and oh-so-creative. With a carousel of delicious drinks inspired by birthstones, you can’t go wrong. After, I’d head to The Van Buren to catch a live show, which is right across the street. The venue is a true treasure in the heart of Phoenix and there’s no bad seat.

After the show, I’d probably be ready to sing my heart out at karaoke, but not before grabbing a late night snack at the forever cool Hanny’s Downtown.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Merry Poppins does incredible work IG @merrypoppins

Window Bar Coffee is amazing

Website: stemswag.co

Instagram: stemswagaz

Facebook: stemswagaz

Image Credits
Greenery Ceiling – @weddingbug_studios Arizona Inspired Bouquet – @kristenbendigophotography Colorful Flowers – @emilykelly_photo Mirrored Cube Arrangements – @alexysbrandonphotography