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Extra, Feature Designer, Floral Companies

A Logo’s Strength

As one of the very first things a consumer or industry colleague sees when looking at your social media, business materials and even in some cases your company sign, your logo is one of the most important first impressions that could set the mood for the future you may have with said consumer and industry colleagues.

Font, color and over all style are major impactors on what the world sees your company as. Are you a high style boutique, a couture events company, a simple country shop, or even a modern freelancer? Make sure your logo is made to sell to whom your consumer is or who you are looking to target yourself towards.

We have gathered a few logos that we here at Floral.today like in the floral industry and they are as different as the businesses they belong to. From small town to big city these three logo’s show good color use, impacting fonts and are used to create interest and a strong symbol of their business.

Enjoy and make to share with us and these companies what you think is important in a logo and why.

Tracy Park
Park Place Designs
Battle Creek, Michigan
affordableelegancefloral.com


Great use of a analogous color harmony of pinks and peaches. Creating the framing around the business name with the antlers makes it important without needing any type of special font. Simple clean and though it has soft colors, this is very in your face and attention grabbing. What do you think of Tracy's logo?

Becky Klein AIFD
Poppy Design Studio
Columbia, Illinois
poppiesdesignstudio.com

What we enjoy about Becky's logo and branding as a whole is that she embodies the poppy to a beautiful extreme. We enjoy how the logo has the antique poppy in the corner just there enough to notice for interest and to reinforce the name. The use of the rougher calligraphy against the less unique font and the lowercase verses capital letters creates an importance to both places while giving us a nice cohesion to the name of the business. Unlike above, the simple touches of color gives you some interest but doesn't have any real importance other than aesthetics. Wonderful logo combining old world poppies with unique fonts, what do you think of this logo?

Mandy Majerik AIFD, PFCI
Hothouse Design Studio
Birmingham, Alabama
www.hothousedesignstudio.com

All Black and all one font getting straight to the point and we enjoy this logo for it. We think the capital 'h' exudes power and gets your attention and makes you want to read what comes after it. Though this logo seems very simple, we here at floral.today thinks it's daring and shows Mandy has a confidence in herself, her team and her product. This logo shows us that you don't need any colors or fonts screaming for attention if you have a well chosen simple font and create a focal to grasp that attention. Bravo to Mandy for such a simple but strong logo, what do you think of the black and white look?

Thank you to all three of these wonderful ladies as it takes guts to give a thing so important to you and your business up to the industry to judge, be inspired by and draw inspiration from. Make sure to go follow them on social media to show your support to your fellow floral designers. Share with us your thoughts on logos and also share with us your logos.

Till Monday,

November 21, 2014 by Garrett

Extra, Floral Companies, Products

Want, Love, Try in October

Happy Monday floral.today viewers! Today I am showing you some industry products, techniques and designs I want to try, I just want or I’m utterly in love with at the moment. At the end of the post, tell us about the industry products, techniques or designs that have you wanting, loving and trying.

Let's start it off with my Wants!

Photo property of Illinois Willows


Illinois Willows - Fresh Rose Hip Wreath

I love all of their willow varieties, so why wouldn't I want a hand crafted Fresh Rose Hip Wreath. Kent Miles of Illinois Willows runs an amazing farm and can help you with almost every kind of willow available and really unique creations such as this and much more. Make sure to contact Kent at Illinois Willow for all his pricing to get yourself one of a kind wreaths and products.

Photo property of Accent Decor

 
Accent Decor - Wool Fabric 15cm X 16.5ft

I want to get my hands on the teal, light blue, and grey so bad. As a product I have experienced before, I have found the texture and uniqueness of this product can create something fun and whimsical to high end, high style very easily. I do prefer the wider 15cm as I can manipulate it to my liking but the smaller sizes are also great. With a great variety of color everybody can find at least one color of the wool fabric that can make them happy. Accent Decor makes this all easy to order online or you can contact them easily by phone.

Photo property of Anco-pure-Vanda


Anco-pure-Vanda - Kanchana Lavender Mist

So clean and so refreshing, I love everything about Kanchana Lavender Mist. I find the small lavender square webbing to be very interesting on the bright white. After seeing the Sunanda Magic Yellow at Baudouin Roelant's show at the 2014 AIFD Symposium, I fell in love with the wonderful variety that Anco-pure-Vanda offers from vibrant oranges to deep blues, and the Kanchana Lavender Mist is the top of the list of what I want to design with.

Second up are some things I Love!

Picture property of International Floral Distributors

Floral Trends Forecast - Lapis Luxury

How can you not love the power of deep blue lapis and the elegance of white all combined to create this amazing trend Lapis Luxury. What I find the most interesting and love the most about Lapis Luxury is that it's all about simple design with sophisticated details. Go check out all four of the this year's floral trends from the 2015 Floral Trends Forecast and tell us what you think of them.

Picture property of International Floral Distributors

Flower Trends Forecast - Modern Garden

Texture, texture, texture and just a little more on the side. The combination of the soft palette with a mixture of texture creates that feeling of soft romance on a wonderful spring evening. Though there is a wide combination of containers here, the floral designs take and hold your attention. The last thing I love is the airiness of the clematis and the leaf work taking the design from just another mass of beautiful textures and flowers to a interesting floral creation. All the 2015 Flower Trends Forecast designs where created and designed by Bill Schaffer and Kristine Kratt of SCHAFFER DESIGNS‬ of Philadelphia, PA, USA, so make sure to check out them and the rest of the floral trends.

  McQueens Florist - Youtube Videos. To be taken on a floral adventure is always the most fun to some of us and the McQueens Florist youtube channel, mcqueensflowers, does just that. The videos are usually under 3 minutes and are generally something interesting the McQueen team is up to. From Mulberry fashion show decor to student experience videos, I fall in love with the high quality work, product and teamwork that they show. Go fall in love and be inspired by McQueens Florist as I did.

To round it all out are what I want to try!

Photo property of Floral Soil Solutions

Floral Soil Solutions - Floral Soil

The very first thing I'm most interested to get my hands on and try out is the new toxic free, 100% plant based Floral Soil. Floral.today is all about new and innovated floral products and Floral Soil is oozing with everything floral.today loves. Once we get our claws on this awesome product we will be doing a review video and then a blog designing with it. Keep your eyes peeled and get ready to see how the floral industry responds to this new age product. Check out Floral Soil and tell us what you think about it.

 DESIGN358 - Mechanics & Techniques with Hitomi. Gilliam: MIDOLLINO SPIRAL Coming in the following weeks I will be trying out the Midollino Spiral and taking you on the ride. When you see a Midollino Spiral no matter what designer has designed with it, your mind will always go straight to the wonderful Hitomi Gilliam AIFD. With the versatility of the Midollino Spiral it's a great way to elevate any simple design or planter to a high style and higher selling creation. Check out this how-to video and then show us how you did with your own Midollino Spiral.

What are some of your wants, loves and tries for the month of October? I have a great line up coming in the next few weeks from renowned event designers to one of the most well known designers in the world! Stay tuned and keep floral.today in the loop of all your happenings in the industry.

Till Next Time,

October 13, 2014 by Garrett

Feature Designer, Floral Companies

The Word Of The Day is Florgasm!

To be the best you must know the best and three of floral.days favorite designs have just teamed up to form the super team that is known as Florgasm. The team consists of Ace Berry CFD,TMF, Patience Pickner AIFD, PFCI, and Sandy Schroeck AIFD, PFCI and between all the talent these designers have you would be hard pressed to find any better. What is ‘Florgasm’ you might ask, well luckily the team has that answer! Florgasm is “The feeling of utter joy and delight one experiences when seeing an especially exquisite flower or floral arrangement”. With these three powers combined you will always be able to count on there being exquisite and exciting designs, shows and classes.

Patience Pickner AIFD, PFCI

Sandy Schroeck AIFD, PFCI

Ace Berry CFD, TMF

What do they do while they are not designing? Ace is a floral artist and owner at R. Ace Floral Art and when he isn’t blowing our mind with amazing deign you can find him dancing, rebuilding vintage bicycles, playing with puppies and is the currant shoe champion from the 2014 AIFD Symposium at 14 pairs of shoes due to his sever shoe addiction. Sandy is the owner of Trend and Design Freelance and Consulting Services, a Smithers-Oasis Team Member, UCI Unlimited Containers Sales Rep and Showroom Designer, and the Len Busch Roses Product Development Coordinator and when she has a second to breath from all those amazing opportunities you’ll find her biking, color forecasting and surfing Facebook. Patience as we know from her past Floral.today Featured Designer Interview is a floral artist and owner at The Picket Fence and owns the furniture and home accent decor store, The Other Side Of The Fence, she is a Fitz Design Team Member and a 2014 Mayesh Design Star Finalist (Click this LINK to go see here August Video) but on her off days you’ll find her doing some retail therapy, reading and spending time with her children and family. Floral.today was lucky enough to be able to grasp a quick second with each of the members of Florgasm for some quick questions and here is what they had to say!

In your personal opinion, what is Florgasm?

S. Taking time to stop, have fun and appreciate the floral beauty around us. I get excited to see new products and dream up creative ways to use them that make you want them.

A. A Florgasm is something you feel deep in your stomach when you see that one flower or arrangement, it’s sheer utter joy!

P. Florgasm is a feeling… an emotion… a way of life. It’s not just about loving flowers and living a fulfilling life doing what you LOVE, it’s about the utter joy one feels when working with, looking at, or being around flowers and floral art. It’s about living life to the fullest and spreading your floral passion!

Design By Ace

How did Florgasm come to be?

S. Patience said it at a show and it stuck, the momentum started and became Team Florgasm.

A. Florgasm come out of left field to be honest. P-money and I were traveling to L.A. for a Teleflora Unit Presidents meeting, we unexpectedly ended up with a 12 hour delay in Denver. We started talking and when floral artists get together the possibilities are endless, and BOOM! Florgasm was born.

P. I’ve used the expression Florgasm and Florgasmic to describe flowers many times on stage. Last year while doing a program, there was a motivational speaker, self made millionaire entrepreneur on before me. I found his style to be a little arrogant, but I listened to his story…. After my program he approached me, complimented me and asked me where I got “that wonderful word from”. He was talking about Florgasm, I answered that it’s just part of my vocabulary. He then asked if I owned the domain name, and when I answered no he told me to buy it immediately. Well on the way back to my hotel that night I thought, “he may be a self important guy.. but he’s also a self made millionaire so obviously he knows business”, so I purchased Florgasm immediately. My friend Ace Berry purchased Florgasmic, and with the help of my son in law to be Colin, and lots of collaborative convos and phone calls www.florgasm.com was born. We always knew we wanted a third member who shared out vision of lifting up other florist and giving design programs that were educational, exciting and fun, so when Sandy Schroeck contacted us asking to be part of it all we said welcome aboard!

Design by Patience

What are some of your goals personally with Florgasm?

S. Inspire designers to have fun with flowers.

A. To publish a book and to do a main stage program at AIFD, and to really share our passion with the floral industry.

P. Goals for Florgasm! Number one, spread our passion for flowers to fellow florist and consumers, we would love to fill up our map and be invited to do programs throughout the country. I have a pretty basic theory on life, work hard and play hard. We as an industry need to remember a few things things, we aren’t brain surgeons, we aren’t saving lives, we make pretty things, so if we gain success we need to remember to not take ourselves to seriously or we become that self important guy. Equally important we need to remember that while what we do is probably not saving lives it is art and we are artists and we should never be scared to charge for that artistry! OK, give me a second while I climb off my soap box…. ok, I’m off.

P. Something Ace and I have discussed at length is that we want to encourage and mentor those new to the industry, to lift people up, we haven’t decided how to launch it yet but there will be a “Stars To Watch For” sort of section to our website.

UCI Partners Table Designed By Sandy

What part of the industry do you think Florgasm can help improve the most?

S. We want to show our passion for flowers and inspire sales. Design shows are not just about who can make the biggest arrangement, how can we add a twist that draws people in and get them excited about buying flowers on a regular basis.

A. The thing is no one wants to sit in a program and be lectured, they want to be educated and entertained. To recharge, inspire and help other floral artists rekindle their passion.

P. I think an area that Florgasm can benefit our amazing industry is by adding even more enthusiasm and passion, programs are changing. Programs are more interactive, more designed on stage, more hands, they are educational and entertaining and Florgasm wants to lead the way.

Patience Designing

Of all your achievements to date what are some of the most memorable Florgasm moments so far?

S. Being part of the “Top This” program at the AIFD National Symposium in Las Vegas.

A. Watching people guessing the new member, seeing people from all over the world like our Facebook page and visit our Florgasm website. Also new and old friends reaping our Florgasm tees at the 2014 AIFD National Symposium.

P. The buzz regarding the newest member was pretty exciting, but I think the three of us getting together in Chicago was pretty cool. Great networking conversations and spreading our love and passion for flowers. Tons of great memories from the body flower party, drag show, seeing legends and the final night. Seeing our t-shirts on so many new and old friends. It was all awesome. The number of state organizations that have contact us interested in bringing us to their state makes me feel we are on the right track!

Design by Ace

Are there any exciting projects we should be looking forward to for the rest of 2014 and coming 2015 from the Florgasm Team?

S. Patience has a daughter getting married and we will be producing that event this fall. We are in negotiations for some other shows in 2015. I will be appearing at Len Busch, Plymouth, MN, Roy Houff October and Frank Adams Wholesale October 12th.

A. 2014 has a huge event in September! P-money’s daughter is getting married and team Florgasm is invading SoDak! (South Dakota) To give Chelsea and Colin the wedding they deserve. We are in talks with a couple state organizations about doing programs in 2015.

P. My daughters wedding is Sept 5 and Team Florgasm is getting together to do the flowers for it….EXCITING!!! Florgasm is in negotiations with several places for programs in 2015. Personally I’ve got a show with Tim Farrell Sept 13-14 in Sioux Falls, SD at NAWFI which I am super excited about!! The SDFA free fall convention is in October, as acting Prez I’ll be pretty busy with that, I haven’t started booking any spring programs yet, but hopefully that will begin soon!

Bridal Bouquet

What are a few of the services that Florgasm offers and where can our viewers find them?

S. www.florgasm.com

A. We are down for anything, but most of the programs we offer will be at www.florgasm.com.

P. We actually are working on our specialty programs right now, they will be on our website very soon at www.florgasm.com!

Sympathy Design by Patience

Do you have a philosophy when it comes to designing for yourself or for Florgasm?

S. I love to use color and product trends to create something for your staff to talk about as a start, then add flowers to connect them and get people excited.

A. I really don’t have a philosophy, just smile and have fun, we are in the best industry in the world! Take time to have all the Florgasm you can!! (I totally just made that up…) BOOM! I’m good!

P. I am super passionate about floral designing! I am a stickler about color theory, that’s number one for me. I also adore Line, it’s the most exciting of the principles and elements of design for me. As a floral artist I am inspired by the product, I love organic materials and trying new design styles.

Backstage of Sandy’s Show

Where do you see the floral industry heading in the next 10-15 years?

S. The market is changing and you need to figure out your niche. In a flower shop you need to diversify. Example, partner with linen companies or other rental companies so you can provided full services. It won’t be enough to just sell flowers, the service will grow your business. Flower shops fail with a lack of willingness to change. One new trend coming from Pinterest will be to figure out how to incorporate the DIY into your business. Teach classes or sell full bunches at a different margin than normal. Many people look at it as the enemy, mostly because we have lost control of their choices. The day of pulling a pre-priced selection guide from under the counter are gone. We will need to adapt or loose the business.

A. I really see it more event driven, it’s hard out there for small shops that don’t want to change. There will always be your old school florist out there, but they are a dying breed and it’s getting harder and harder for everyone in the industry. Education is the key for our survival in the industry.

P. The industry is defiantly changing, those who view themselves as artists and charge accordingly will succeed, those that don’t simply wont. Continual education and the absolute BEST customer service you can provide will give us the best chance at success!

Ace and Garrett at the 2014 AIFD Symposium Leadership Gala

What inspires you and your design?

S. I love line in design, Hitomi has been an inspiration for years, but I am also inspired by Bobbi’s love for flowers and life. Marie’s program “Shine” sticks in my head with the “Each one Touch one” challenge. There are so many more talented designers I’ve had the opportunity to work with, I use my love for education to create designs and to keep challenging myself.

A. WOW!! I am a very architectural designer so old buildings, vintage stuff and lots of different things at the moment. I’m very big into floral tattoos! I’m really drawn also in by the urban influence.

P. Nature, organic material, the flowers themselves. The funny bend in a liatris, unusual seasonal flowers along with color line and texture. I love the play of hard rigid containers with soft textural product. Music inspires me, what I am listening to at the time (there is ALWAYS music playing in the design room) influences my designs.

If you could take Team Florgasm anywhere in the world, were would you go and what would you dream of doing there?

S. Chelsea Flower Show in UK, I would love to go take in the inspiration and come back and pass on what we learned.

A. Japan or China! Just to see what it’s like to be a floral artist there and to see the Great Wall and Temples, and to experience all the plants and flowers!

P. OOoooohh… Good Question! I’ve never traveled outside the USA so I don’t know how to answer that. Amsterdam would be amazing, the Chelsea Flower Show would be mind blowing I am sure and Japanese floral artists are super interesting to me. I would definitely want to learn from the masters of floral design wherever it is that we are lucky enough to travel to!

We here at Floral.today commend those of us in the floral industry that strive to take the floral industry to the next level through education and artistry helping support the backbone that will keep us all around for many years to come. Make sure to check out all the link throughout the article and show your support to all the team members of Florgasm along with all their other activities in the industry! Floral.today looks forward to working alongside and with Team Florgasm in the future as we both strive to share our love for education and beautiful design. Thank you to all three members of Team Florgasm for stopping by for our viewers to get to know them a little bit better and get a better feel of why they need Florgasm at their next show or conference!

Thanks For Joining Us,

August 4, 2014 by Garrett

Extra, Floral Companies

Adventure to Baisch and Skinner

For a fun floral field trip floral.today spent the morning visiting and exploring Baisch and Skinner of St. Louis. As one of the larger wholesale floral distributors, Baisch and Skinner is always up to something wether it’s hosting classes and shows at the Linda Kay Learning Center or simply bring florists great products there is always something happening at this great wholesale house.

Baisch and Skinner has been involved in the industry since 1952 and to this day have stayed very involved locally and nationally. This company has grown into being a 160,000 sqft power house with 8 total locations, droves of employees, up-to-date greenhouses, and many different programs and initiatives for floral companies and their customers over the years. Lets take a look at some of floral.today’s favorite currant programs and happenings.

*New Program* St. Louis Plant Rental Program

As this is Baisch and Skinners newest program, this is only available at the St. Louis location. Essentially you can rent plants ranging 3′ to 10′ tall for one to two day events for a lower cost instead of having to get in a bunch of plants you won’t need after the event and may not have the space for. All the plant rentals come in a wicker basket and require a minimum of a 2 week notice. You can click on the title to go directly to the full details for your next event!

Some of the 10′ -12′ palms and spathiphyllums.

Baisch Direct

Nothing is better than being able to know that your able to easily do the wedding or event you just booked out-of-state and not have to worry about how to get the flowers to the location. Baisch Direct does just that, you submit the online form and Baisch and Skinner boxes then ships your product straight to the given location of delivery. As someone that ordered my flowers in St. Louis, Missouri and had everything from craspedia to phaleonopsis orchids shipped to a wedding in Sarasota, Florida, we can tell you that other than one hick-up we received everything great. Click on the Baisch Direct title to check it out!

Brides Bouquet All product shipped with Baisch Direct.

Garrett finishing the last design. All product shipped with Baisch Direct.

Table Design All product shipped with Baisch Direct. Cylinders Rented by Festive Couture Floral.

Linda Kay Learning Center

You can never stay on top of trends and stay a good professional floral design without constantly educating yourself. In honor of the late Linda Kay, Baisch and Skinner has established the Linda Kay Learning Center which hosts a variety of shows, classes, and events. The space is also available to rent for events and meeting. Always keep your eye on the Baisch and Skinner Facebook page as that is where you can find all their upcoming classes, design shows, and events.

Baisch and Skinner has many other programs set-up for all their customers so make sure to go to their website and see what they are doing in your area.

Never seen the Baisch and Skinner St Louis location, well then click on the link below and enjoy seeing Baisch and
Skinner through our eyes!

Adventure Through Baisch and Skinner St. Louis

Thank you Baisch and Skinner for let us run around with our camera and adventure everywhere. Make sure to go check their website or social media to stay in the know of what they have going on. Here are a few of our favorite plants and flowers we got to see while at Baisch and Skinner. Make sure to subscribe to floral.today on youtube as we start Floral Fridays this coming friday!

Amazing “Marco Polo” Centurea This opens to be a beautiful yellow thistle.

Yummy Peachy Hibiscus

Purple and Green Hydrangea

Green and Blue Hydrangea

Succulents

Burgundy Succulent

Mounted Staghorn Fern

“Yellow Pompon” 28″ Roses

Crazy Cool “Vuvuzela” 21″ Roses

Fresh Cut Clematis

Fresh Cut Clematis

Really Interesting Aechmea Frappaccino

Mini Phalaenopsis Plant

Till Next Week,

June 4, 2014 by Garrett

Floral Companies, Industry Events

What Do You Think Of The 2014 Mayesh Design Star Finalists?

This year Mayesh Wholesale Florist shook up their Design Star Competition a bit by having 3 Finalists duke it out in for the 2015 Mayesh Design Star Title. The 2014 Finalists vying for the 2015 Mayesh Design Star Crown are Patience Pickner AIFD, PFCI, Beth O’Reilly AIFD, TMF, and last but not least Tony Medlock AAF, AIFD, PFCI. All three have seen great success and have been educating the industry for multiple years, so this is gearing up to be a tight race.

The name of the game is each designer is given three different months for which they have to produce an outstanding floral video featuring Mayesh Awesome Blossoms, OASIS® Floral Products/Floralife Products, and Syndicate Sales products and containing some fun design skills, educational value, and over-all great design. How they are judged is by how many views each of their videos get, which means you should watch the whole video through if you really want to vote and show your support, also make sure to like the video. Always share the designer’s videos on your social media and help them get those views to win.

Just for being finalists, the designers have already won a great prize. All of the finalists were flown out to Los Angeles for three days and two nights to film their three Design Star Videos along with a prize package worth $1000, full of goodies from Mayesh Wholesale Florist, OASIS® Floral, and Syndicate Sales. The grand prize winner will receive, along with the title of 2015 Mayesh Design Star, a Floral Industry Trip valued at $4000, A bio page on mayesh.com, and social media promotion. Sounds amazing, right? Make sure to go watch the videos and root for you favorite to win.

Ever designer is not the same in this industry ,so each 2014 Mayesh Design Star Finalist brings many different skills, knowledge, and experience to the playing field. So enjoy each of the designer’s videos and make sure to tell us on floral.today’s facebook what you thought of each video. Did it blow your mind or leave you lukewarm? Did you learn something new or did they leave you hungry for more?

Patience Pickner AIFD, PFCI - The Picket Fence & The Other Side Of The Fence
Chamberlain, South Dakota

Patience has already brought us the 2014 Mayesh Design Star February Video and we can look forward to her videos in May and August. Check back with us in May when we will be bringing you floral.today’s interview with the ever exuberant Patience Pickner AIFD, PFCI.

You can fall in love with Patience’s March Design Star Video.

Floral Perspective: Valentine’s Day Roses with Patience Pickner AIFD, PFCI

Here is also Patience’s submission that made her a finalist!

Patience Pickner AIFD, PFCI Mayesh Design Star Entry 2014

Beth O'Reilly AIFD, TMF - Freelance Designer & Product Developer
Austin, Texas

Beth brought us dipped in gold back in March and we will be seeing more of her in June and September. So watch out for our interview with the captivating Beth O’Reilly AIFD, TMF in June.

You can click on the link to be dipped in gold by Beth’s March Design Star Video.

Floral Perspective: Dipped in Gold with Beth O’Reilly AIFD

Check out the Beth’s submission to be a finalist!

Beth O’Reilly AIFD Designs a Living Picture for Mayesh Design Star 2014

Tony Medlock AAF, AIFD, PFCI - Pj's Flowers and Events
Phenix, Arizona

Floral.today got to catch up with Tony Medlock AAF, AIFD, PFCI this month in our Designer Feature area and it was wonderful getting to know Tony. Other than April, you can look out for Tony to be bring you the July and October Design Star Videos.

Let Tony teach you how to pave’ that foam away!

Floral Perspective: Pave´ Tricks With Tony Medlock AAF, AIFD, PFCI

Check out what Tony designed to become a finalist!

Tony Medlock – Mayesh Design Star

Floral.today wishes all the 2014 Mayesh Design Star Finalists good luck in the competition, and after as you are all stars to our industry. We hope you love them all, but at the very least make sure to support one of them to help them towards the goal of being the 2015 Mayesh Design Star. What would the Mayesh Design Star Competition be with out the great companies that support it? Nothing, so thank you to Mayesh Wholesale Florist, Syndicate Sales, and OASIS® Floral /Floralife for supporting these great designers and striving for a better future for our industry.

Until next week,

April 24, 2014 by Garrett

Floral Companies, Industry Events

Michigan Floral Floral Association, A Leader To The Floral Industry

One of those states that you can always trust to give the floral industry a legendary designer will always be Michigan and one of the major reasons for that is the support of the Michigan Floral Association. From Jerome Raska AIFD, AAF, PFCI, CF to Alice Waterous AIFD, CFD, CF, PFCI Michigan has been producing one of a kind designers for years that not only amaze our industry with their skill, but also their knowledge. As members, they have extensive benefits and support to their well developed Certified Florist program. They also hold one of the largest state floral association shows in the country. Today we are going to go behind the scenes, and show you some of the useful benefits of being a member of the Michigan Floral Association.

Jerome Raska AIFD, AAF, PFCI, CAFA, CF Commentating The 2012 Designer of The Year Runoff

We start off with none other than the well known Great Lakes Floral Expo. The 2015 GLFE is being chaired by a good friend of floral.today, Brian Bak of Bakman Floral Design out of South Lyon, MI. Brian has all kinds of exciting things planned for the 2015 expo, but with of theme of “Floral Fantasy… Seek, Explore, Discover”, what else would you expect but something truly magical. You can expect great competitions, a plethora of vendors and not to mention the always amazing design presentations and classes. The wonderful decor team led by Marisa Lowing-Rakowski CF is already hard at work creating breath-taking floral design to make even the most seasoned designer excited! All the fun will be starting Saturday March 6th and will conclude on Sunday March 8th, 2015. Watch the Michigan Floral Association website and Facebook page while they release details.

Program Chair Of The 2015 Great Lakes Floral Expo Brian Bak And The 2015 Volunteer Chair Colleen Siembor

The Michigan Floral Association has two major membership options, Active and Associate memberships. Active memberships are for most established floral industry businesses, while the Associate memberships are made available for teachers, individuals, employees and students. All the membership dues vary depending on the type of membership chosen, and in the case of the Active membership, your dues are based off your business’s annual gross sales. Both of these offer member pricing on all MFA events, a subscription to the MFA Professional Florist Magazine. Only the Active memberships give you access the to a vote, all the MFA professional services and are able to hold an elective office seat.

Kathy Petz AAF, CF, PFCI, Colleen Siembor, Ron Thompson, and Debra Royal AIFD, CF taking a break after the Presidents Banquet. The Michigan Floral Association is a family always looking to make it bigger.

Other than the fantastic Great Lakes Floral Expo, the MFA also has a wide variety of member benefits that they offer. The Professional Florist Magazine brings you great seasonal design ideas, industry suppliers, educational awareness, and so much more. There are 10 major Professional Partnership and Business Service benefits that Active members are able to participate in. We will list them, but for extensive details of all the benefits please visit the Michigan Floral Association website.

The Michigan Floral Association Professional and Business Services:

Michigan Horticulture Industries Self Insured Workers’ Compensation Fund – This member-owned workers’ comp program has returned 15.2 million dollars to the members since it was started in 1993 and this also offers safety resources and loss control programs that are made just for the floral industry and floral companies.
Business, Personal lines of Insurance & Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health group plans – With so much confusion about insurance in the business and personal world right now, it is always good to know that you have availability to a plan that you can trust and with an available agent familiar to the MFA you know you will be taken care of properly.
Credit Card Processing Through Midwest Transaction Group – Contact the MFA office with all your questions about rates and fee’s for this service.
MFA SuperFleet Fueling and Vehicle Maintenance Program – With saving’s through Speedway and Marathon, you could be saving hundreds of dollars with the group volume cost savings through the MFA.
Arrive Alive^® Cut Flower Bouquet Hydration Wraps – As one of our favorite products on the market, you can save time and money not having to water tube those dozen roses or loose bouquets ever again. With hydration for close to 48 hours at a 90% water intake, why not use something such as this great Chrysal product.
TRANSPORTER 10^® Delivery Systems – Another great Chrysal product that floral.today has experienced and loves. With this great product you need not worry anymore about those packages falling over on delivery, with the stable foam that comes in multiple sizes you don’t have have to worry about size or weight at all.
Sandwich Boards / Changeable Sidewalk Signage – As one of the more popular ways of advertising daily offerings or to just capture attention, the SignTrax sandwich board is a great inexpensive way to get more eyes looking at you and your business.
Custom Printed Business Forms – This benefit is offered through Royal and they supply everything from demand style point-of-sales invoices to envelope imprinting.
Collection Services – Have a house account that just doesn’t feel like paying, well as a MFA active member you have access to I.C. Systems to help you with everything.
Business Consultants and Freelance Designers – Need assistants on a holiday, wedding or for business issues, the MFA has all kinds of experienced professionals at your disposal.

With the Michigan Floral Association you also have a voice when it comes to boards and committees, the MFA is always willing to accept any helping hands when they have spaces available. If you are just looking to start off with volunteering, you can also contact Colleen Siembor, GLFE Volunteer Chair, at cardwellflorist@aol.com with all your questions or interests. As a past student volunteer and Designer Liaison Chair, we know and understand the extreme gratifications of volunteering and supporting those that support you. Volunteering helps build industry connections and further strengthen the floral industry.

Garrett With Students From The Oakland Schools Technical Center Southeast

One of the greatest opportunities that the Michigan Floral Association also has to offer is the Certified Florist Program. This amazing program is sponsored by the National Alliance of Floral Associations and is also one of the 5 American Institute of Floral Design PFDE Pathways. The Michigan Floral Association has all the information for attaining the CF Manual, all other certification prep and registration information, along with the many outlets, such as community colleges, that can educate and prepare you for what the standards for being a Certified Florist on their website. Being a Certified Florist opens many opportunities for better pay, personal and industry recognition of your skills, along with the knowledge that comes along striving to be a Certified Florist and upholding the level of skill that is required. Personally being a Certified Florist, I have found that the doors have opened and my thirst for knowledge has only grown with the years.

In 2012 Garrett was honored by being awarded the 2012 MFA Young Person of The Year and also being pinned for his Certified Florist. Garrett is pictured with his first teacher Debra Gaunt AIFD, CF and first boss Brian Bak. Both are still great friends and are a large reason for Garrett’s continued success in the industry.

Floral.today has barley touched the iceberg of what the Michigan Floral Association is and what it can do for you. This wonderful association has been very good to floral.today, and we look forward to all the years to come. Make sure to go see all that they have to offer from scholarships to the Michigan Floral Foundation, always check the MFA social media and website for the most up to date information. Make sure to show your floral associations some love, no matter what state your in, as they are one of the greatest supporters that keep our industry running like a well oiled machine.

April 17, 2014 by Garrett

Floral Companies, Industry Events

American Institute Of Floral Designers Events To Watch Out For

With the conclusion of the 3rd Annual South Central Region Design Form we wanted to make sure that you didn’t miss out on any of the great events the American Institute of Floral Designers and their awesome chapters have to offer for the rest of 2014 and those all ready planned for 2015! We have listed all these great events by chapter and then by date so you know what’s about to happen in your region.

American Institute of Floral Designers National Schedule:

July 1, 2014

2014 AIFD Professional Design Evaluation Session (PFDE)

Hilton Chicago

Chicago, IL

July 3-7, 2014

2014 AIFD National Symposium – “Transition Transformation”

Hilton Chicago

Chicago, IL

June 28th, 2015

2015 AIFD Professional Floral Design Evaluation Session (PFDE)

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

1550 Court Place

Denver, CO 80202

June 30 – July 4, 2015

2015 AIFD National Symposium – “Journey”

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

1550 Court Place

Denver, CO 80202

American Institute of Floral Designers 2014 Online Class Schedule

Course #1 – Introduction to Floral Design

Registration Deadlines: April 24th, July 17th, Oct 2, 2014

Course Dates: April 29 – May 13, July 22 – Aug 5, Oct 7 – Oct 22, 2014

Course #2 – Elements and Principles of Design

Registration Deadlines: April 24, July 17, Oct 2, 2014

Course Dates: April 29 – May13, July 22- Aug 5, Oct 7- Oct 21, 2014

Course #3 – Design Techniques and Applications

Registration Deadlines: April 24, July 17, Oct 2, 2014

Course Dates: April 29 – May13, July 22- Aug 5, Oct 7- Oct 21, 2014

Course #4 – Arrangements: Everyday and Sympathy

Registration Deadlines: May 22, Sept 4, 2014

Course Dates: May 27 – June 10, Sept 9 – Sept 23, 2014

Course #5 – Personal Flower: To Wear and Carry

Registration Deadlines: May 22, Sept 4, 2014

Course Dates: May 27 – June 10, Sept 9 – Sept 23, 2014

American Institute of Floral Designers North Central Chapter

September 19-21, 2014

Natures Creative Edge – “Suspension”

Fruitport, MI

Contact Alice Waterous AIFD, CFD, PFCI for more details awaterous@gmail.com

American Institute of Floral Designers Northwest Chapter

April 13-14, 2014

Reboot Your Creativity – featuring Tomas De Bruyne

City College of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

Contact Emil Yanos AIFD at eyanos@aol.com or call at 415-648-7552 for registration information

American Institute of Floral Designers Northeast Chapter

Events complete for this year, will update as dates are released.

American Institute of Floral Designers South Central Chapter

October 26, 2014

AIFD’s South Central Region Design Forum – “In Loving Memory… Funeral Tributes for Today”

DWF Wholesale

Denver, CO

Contact Lisa Weddel AIFD at lweddingdesign@q.com or Sandi Yoshihara-Sniff AIFD at sniff6956@msn for more information and to register.

American Institute of Floral Designers Southern Chapter

April 10-12, 2015

2015 Spring Symposium – “Botanical Bliss”

Aloft Birmingham

Homewood, Alabama

American Institute of Floral Designers Southwest Chapter

Events complete for this year, will update as dates are released.

Anytime you have the opportunity to attend a class or volunteer in the floral industry is another opportunity for you to grow as a designer and strengthen the future of our industry. At the start of each month are are going to try our best to bring you events as we find them or have them sent to us starting in May. So if you have an event you want to spread feel free to contact floral.today at anytime.

If you have any questions about AIFD concerning memberships, classes, regional chapters, and activities go check out AIFD.com for all the up-to-date information.

April 10, 2014 by Garrett

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