Margot Shaw has spent her career turning a passion for flowers, design, and lifestyle into a platform that inspires, educates, and uplifts.

As Editor-in-Chief of Flower Magazine, she has created a publication that celebrates not only flowers but also the artistry, spaces, and stories that surround them. With a readership of over a quarter-million across all 50 states, Shaw’s work reflects a commitment to slowing down in a fast-paced world, appreciating beauty, and sharing it widely. 

“My purpose in publishing a magazine about a life filled with flowers and nature is really about promoting beauty, time, education, and inspiration,” Shaw says.

“I believe we all need to stop and ‘smell the roses’ or whatever our personal equivalent is, on a regular basis. It’s good for our souls.”

A Birmingham native finds her calling

Shaw’s journey began in her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, where she developed a love for aesthetics at an early age. She pursued Art History at Hollins College in Virginia and Interior Design at the University of Texas, drawn to beautiful objects, spaces, and stories.

Shaw describes herself at one point as a self-confessed “call and order flowers girl,” someone who appreciated flowers, but without a clear vision of what she wanted to create. That all changed when she helped plan her daughter’s wedding.

Working alongside a floral and event designer, Shaw recognized the artistry, creativity, and inspiration involved in “flowering,” and she soon began apprenticing with the same designer.

“It was a watershed moment for me,” Shaw recalls.

“I realized there was a depth and creativity to this work that went far beyond just arranging flowers–it was storytelling, artistry, and a way to touch people’s lives.” It was also the moment that planted the seeds for Flower Magazine, a publication that would grow to encompass not only floral design but homes, gardens, entertaining, lifestyle, and the people shaping these worlds.

From inspiration to action: Launching Flower Magazine

Unable to find a publication that captured her vision, Shaw set out to create one herself. Birmingham, she realized, was uniquely suited for such a venture. With many print publications in town at the time, a talented pool of editors and marketers, and the challenges of the recession creating opportunities for fresh ideas, Shaw assembled a team of professionals who shared her vision.

“I mostly listened,” she says, “and built a magazine that reflects not just my vision, but the creativity and expertise of an incredible team.”

Since its launch, Flower Magazine has thrived, growing into a respected national publication with a readership in all 50 states. The magazine highlights private and historic homes, gardens, stylish parties, and tastemakers in the floral, event, and interiors world.

It has become a platform for celebrating design, beauty, and creativity while promoting a philosophy of slowing down and appreciating life’s small but meaningful moments.

Triumph and resilience: A personal victory

Shaw’s greatest personal accomplishment is deeply intertwined with her professional success: her sobriety.

“The accomplishment I am most proud of is being 39 years sober from opiate addiction,” she says.

“And proud is probably not the right term. I’m most amazed, humbled, and grateful to God for my years of recovery and being awake, alive, and present to my life.” 

This resilience, mindfulness, and gratitude inform every aspect of her career–Shaw’s ability to overcome challenges has allowed her to lead with empathy, humility, and intention, setting an example for her team and her readers alike.

Mentors, friends, and a personal board of directors

Shaw emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with people who inspire, challenge, and guide her.

“I am surrounded by friends and professional friends who inspire me every day,” she says. Among those she cites are Mary Zahl, Karen Carroll, Charlotte Moss, Katie Baker Lasker, and Kathryn Harbert. 

Shaw also envisions a “personal board of directors” of mentors, including her grandmother, mother, former professors, and colleagues throughout her career.

“We can learn so much by observing the lives of others and learning from their successes and failures,” she notes. These relationships have been instrumental in shaping her leadership style and approach to running a nationally recognized publication.

Leading with humility and purpose

Shaw believes that great leadership begins with humility and care for people.

“The awareness that one doesn’t know everything–and the ability to defer to those who do–is key,” she explains. She also emphasizes that caring for people as people first, and team members second, is critical to creating a strong and effective organization. “Leading by example with integrity, fairness, and passion is essential,” she says. “And praying for wisdom is a big ingredient in my recipe.” 

Her leadership philosophy blends guidance, encouragement, and respect for expertise, empowering her team to thrive while keeping the magazine aligned with its mission and values.

Expanding horizons 

Beyond the pages of her magazine, Shaw actively shares her knowledge and passion through speaking engagements, book signings, and public appearances. She is a sought-after speaker at antique and garden shows, museums, botanical gardens, and interior design centers across the country.

Her book, Living Floral, published by Rizzoli, showcases her expertise and philosophy, providing readers with inspiration and practical guidance for integrating floral beauty into their lives.

Shaw’s work is also rooted in advocacy and community service. She serves on the National Advisory Committee for the Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville and the Lauritzen Gardens Antique Show in Omaha, as well as the board of Antiques at the Gardens in Birmingham.

She contributes to the Center for Depression and Suicide at UAB, participates in the Red Mountain Garden Club, and supports environmental conservation through the Cahaba River Society.

Through these efforts, Shaw works to elevate Alabama’s reputation while promoting creativity, philanthropy, and sustainability.

A philosophy of beauty and purpose

At the heart of Shaw’s career is a commitment to inspiring others and promoting intentional living.

She believes that beauty, design, and nature have the power to uplift, educate, and transform.

“I want people to take the time to notice beauty, to create moments that enrich their lives and the lives of those around them,” she says. Her work reminds us that leadership, creativity, and service are deeply intertwined.

A Woman of Impact

Margot Shaw demonstrates that following your passion, coupled with humility, vision, and resilience, can transform both a career and a community.

Through Flower Magazine, speaking engagements, writing, and civic involvement, Shaw has cultivated a legacy of beauty, inspiration, and mentorship. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and the belief that every life can be enriched through intentionality, creativity, and service.

Yellowhammer News is proud to name Margot Shaw a Woman of Impact.