Celebrities & Speakers | Salt Lake Home + Garden Show

Virginia Chamlee, artist and author of Big Thrift Energy

Virginia Chamlee is an artist, writer and the author of the best-selling book, Big Thrift Energy. Her original art and prints are available via Anthropologie, Chairish and Artfully Walls, and have been featured in high-end residential projects as well as commercial projects (including in the green room at Jimmy Kimmel Live!). Commissions are available, as well.

Part resource, part inspiration, Big Thrift Energy is a comprehensive guide that offers tips for thrifting that you never knew you needed, like how to shop for the good stuff, how to upcycle and style vintage treasures in your home, and even advice for flipping your most-coveted items to turn a profit.

Cameron Allcott Progressive Plants

Nicole Hancock Botanical Design

Nicole Hancock has spent her lifetime immersed in the horticultural arts and in working to grow the green industry. As the CEO of Botanicals, Inc. for the last 20 + years, she has overseen a multifaceted enterprise, orchestrating interiorscape design, crafting breathtaking large-scale floral arrangements, and recently adding the operation of Gibby Floral a business started by her grandparents in 1956l. As a fourth-generation greenhouse grower, her roots run deep in nurturing nature's bounty. Driven by a fervent belief in the transformative power of integrating the natural world into daily existence, she's dedicated her career to infusing spaces with health, beauty, and tranquility.

www.botanicalsdesign.com

Heidi King Utah Division of Water Resources

James Batton Arborist and Horticulturalist

James Batton is a local consulting arborist and horticulturalist. He specializes in diagnosing plant health related issues and helping homeowners find the best solution for healthier, long lived landscapes. Since 1979, when he went to work for Oregon State University, he has designed, tended, taught, consulted and written about Landscape healthcare. Subscribe to his YouTube channel “The James Batton Show” to receive weekly gardening tips or follow him on Instagram/Facebook.

Cynthia Bee Sustainable Landscapes Expert

Kristyn Hansen Our Nesting Space

John Sirstins Miracle Method of Salt Lake East

John Sirstins is the President of Sales for Miracle Method Surface Refinishing, located in South Salt Lake, UT. In the 3 years, working alongside the executive team, he has helped grow the business an astounding 65%. John specializes in educating both individual residents and companies about the reality that refinishing is not only an option to save a lot of money, but he excels in helping show why it is a better solution than replacement of floors, countertops, showers and tubs for most homes and businesses. John is a powerful force in the workplace and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage people to improve their environment around them in a more economical way without sacrificing quality. He knows that how things look around us influences our overall enjoyment and peace in life. John is inspired daily by his wife and his family. In his free time, John likes to hike, play tennis, vacation and spend time with his family & grandson.

Mike Hewett King Construction Services

Jamie Walker Walker Home Design

After a successful 8-year career with the largest home builder in Utah, Jamie and his wife started their own business. Walker Home Design was founded in 2000 by Jamie Walker. Walker Fun Spaces began in 2004 creating themed rooms in homes, and Quick House Plans.com was launched in 2014 to offer great plans at the click of a button. He enjoys helping people design their dream homes by teaching them to think differently. Jamie and his team have designed over 4,000 single family, multifamily and remodel projects. He also helped design one of the largest haunted attractions in the western states, The Fear Factory.

Walker Home Design loves to give back. Jamie and his team have designed dozens of themed rooms that showcase Wish children from the Make-A-Wish foundation. They have also donated plans to the Habitat for Humanity, playhouses to the Shriners Hospital, Festival of trees, and many other charitable organizations.

Jamie has a Marketing degree from the University of Utah and an associate degree in Architecture/Engineering from Rick’s College. He has been an active member of the state and local HBA’s since 2002. WHD awards include: 6-time winner in Utah's “Best of State” and 3 time winner of the "Best of SLC" programs. WHD has also won numerous Best of Show, Best Architect, and People’s Choice awards in the Salt Lake Parade of Homes. Jamie has also been awarded "Associate of the Year", and "Five Star Member" from the Salt Lake Home Builders Association (HBA) along with Best Architectural Design and Best Children’s Play area from the Utah HBA.

Whether it’s an amusement attraction, public building, a client’s dream home, or a builder’s new product line, Jamie strives to create the perfect plan for everyone’s needs in a way that is economical to build, functional to live in, and attractive to look at. Builders claim that WHD homes are a great value and typically bid out for $10-30k less than other firms.

2025 Speakers & Celebrities