Preston Coghill (b. Preston Lorenzo Coghill − July 27, 1973 - Greenville, N.C.) proudly professes that from his earliest childhood memories he was always drawn to unique designs and creations that blended color, style and creativity and that he was destined to express his creative ideas through food and flowers. He set out on a mission to create an environment that would bring his interest, talent and passion together in a way that would be rewarding for him and most memorable for any customer or client looking for a unique flair to their special occasion.
Coghill attended Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute and upon graduation embarked on a creative entrepreneurial journey opening the Enchanted Banquet and Special Event Company, allowing him to nurture both his culinary and floral design talents into eye-catching wedding cakes and floral arrangements in the Raleigh, North Carolina Triangle area. He has created for many governmental agencies and celebrities that include: Gospel greats Pastor Shirley Caesar, Pastor John P. Keys, R& B icons Patty LaBelle, and Gladys Knight.
January 2001, Coghill headed to Las Vegas, Nev. where he was instantly hired as lead designer for Creative Designs at Nellis Air Force Base. Word of his talent and unique flair quickly spread and he soon earned a reputation as one of the top floral designers in a city where image and presentation is everything. One year later, the opportunity to work as the food service director with Aegis of Las Vegas retirement community, specializing in Alzheimer’s and Dementia, presented itself and Coghill found another passion in the care of the elderly. Yet he still had a void in his life for the design industry, so he took a position with Desert Florist which gave him the chance to produce major lobby pieces for the Fitzgerald Hotel; his pieces were so appreciated he was asked to design and decorate the wedding featured on the television reality show “The Casino”(2004).
Coghill’s journey included being lead designer for one of the premiere florist in Las Vegas, Flowers by Toni, which allowed his designs to be featured is resorts on the famous Las Vegas Strip including: Paris Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, Imperial Palace, MGM Grand, The Mirage and a host of others. By, the renowned Jason Kenneth Designs of Costa Mesa, Calif., Las Vegas location offered him the position of lead designer were he spearheaded mock-ups and designs for General William Lyon of William Lyons Homes, Toyota Material Handling U.S.A, the Greenspun family, Sheldon G. Adelson, Vegas.com, Larry Ruvo of Southern Wine and Spirits, Turnberry Place Las Vegas Tower 3, Lennar Homes, Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, Dragon Ridge Country Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, and Italian restaurants Canaletto and the multiple award-winning Valentino at The Venetian Las Vegas.
He started as executive chef and designer for Ovanna’s Gourmet Catering in Henderson, Nev., and by year’s end, the Encore and Wynn Las Vegas approached him to apply for a floral and décor designer and floral ordering supervisor to facilitate décor and color pallets. In 2009, Coghill was released from the Wynn Corporation due to the recession. Within the same year, a friendship and bond developed with the talented and gifted Torrey Russell. Both understood that there was a need within the community of North Las Vegas with youth that needed to express themselves in a way that showed them their talents are not forgotten. Sitting at the dining room table of Coghill, A Source Of Joy Theatricals, Inc., Broadway in the Hood was formed to introduce kids in urban neighborhoods throughout the country theater and culinary arts and making us a force to be reckoned with. This organization has gone on to do amazing things such as performed for the late Dr. Maya Angelou, Whoopi Goldberg, nominated for NAACP Theatre festival award and performed for organization, asked to be a part of the gifting of the Golden Globes, being nominated for a 2014 Emmy Award for the Vegas PBS Documentary, Open Doors and Dreams, featured performer for the 2012 Golden Rainbow 26th annual Ribbon of Life, featured performer for 2011 annual award Gala of Beyond Expectations “The Rhythm of Success”, performed at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts on numerous engagements, performed at Edwin Hawkins church in Oakland and featured on countless Vegas news stations. Now Coghill has partnered with 4 Play Restaurant where Coghill’s Gourmet Catering and Events has found it new home…
January 2017, Coghill left Las Vegas, Nevada and moved back to his birth place Winterville, North Carolina and noticed there was a need within the community for the Arts and Theatre, so Coghill formed a theatre company that’s mission is to bring purpose and transformation to the lives of creative people. Developing those who has a purpose and a heart for the Arts and Theatre. Coghill formed A Place In The Heart Theatre Company, which formed a partnership with the Foundation for Educational Development Inc., which holds the 501c3 non-profit for the organization. Within the first 3 weeks Coghill has scheduled the first major audition for the Greenville, North Carolina area.