Photo: Max McQueen Photography
How he got his start: Wilson has owned and operated his own floral event design and production company for more than 25 years, but he got his start in the home furnishings industry—which he says "fueled his enthusiasm for design, painting, architecture, and international travel."
When the company was sold, he took the opportunity to further explore his love of floral design.
"I had spent a lot of time visiting Paris and loved the French design aesthetic, and what L’Olivier Floral Atelier was doing at the time was very fresh and modern," he remembers. "I went in, asked to speak with Olivier, and inquired if he was looking for any help. He asked me if I had any experience, and I said no. He replied that he could not pay anyone that didn’t have experience. I offered to work for free for the summer, and this began my career in floral design."
Wilson spent several months cleaning and cutting flowers, and assisting the Olivier team with florals for the famed Café Boulud. As time went on and Wilson got more experience, he found freelance jobs with the likes of Robert Isabell and Preston Bailey.
"But seeing Preston and Saundra Parks helped me realize I could do this," Wilson says. "Seeing someone who looked like me in a space where there were almost no people of color was a game-changer."
What innovation means to him: "For me, innovation is taking an idea or concept and translating it in a way that allows a client or guest to have an intuitively visceral experience," Wilson says. "I think a large part of what we do is problem-solving something to the point where it is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing."
Wilson acknowledges the importance of being forward-thinking—but adds that it's key to leave space for quiet. "These moments of being with yourself are the ones that can truly bring forth the ultimate moments of innovation and forward-thinking," he says.
How he stays inspired: "I’m always on the hunt for inspiration," Wilson says. "I love reading design books and magazines and museum and gallery hopping (New York is built for it!). Traveling and being out in nature is tremendously stimulating as well." 
Wilson has designed and produced events at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall.Photo: Courtesy of The Style Marc
Career highlights: "I recently had the honor of designing one of the White House Correspondents' Dinner after-parties, hosted by The GRIO and honoring April Ryan, at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture," Wilson says.
Another highlight? "Becoming the first Black-owned event design company to be a preferred vendor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City."
His favorite thing about the event industry: "No project is ever the same, which lends itself to being creative."
This feature is sponsored by Hubilo, a leading virtual and hybrid event platform built to drive engagement, with clients including Deloitte, Coca-Cola, Amazon Web Services, and more.
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