No Place I'd Rather Be

I spent Sunday at the Northeast Flower Expo in Springfield, MA. Let me just start out by saying I had the best day! I sat in on every design show and business clinic available.

Jacob designing a handtied bouquet.

Jacob McCall (AIFD, AAF, FSMD) kicked off the first design show of the day with "Emotions of Color". The stage was full of these jaw dropping grand arrangements. He discussed the different meanings that flowers can emote with just color schemes. It really is amazing how flowers can create a mood- happy, fun, romantic, sexy! My sidekick Candice always laughs at me when I describe a flower as sexy. Once you see, you'll understand though.

I sat in on a business clinic that focused on the teaching of floral design classes . This particularly interested me as I once worked part time teaching flower arranging a few nights a week! The seminar offered helpful tips for any florist interested in offering classes at his or her shop. After the clinic, I had the opportunity to sit and chat with one of the speakers, Dot Chenevert (AIFD). Dot and her husband are from Hyde Park, NY and had their own shop from 1981 to 2011. Dot still teaches classes and is working on opening up a flower shop again in the near future (Because she "misses it"- who wouldn't?!) Having lunch with her and her husband Paul was like sitting with the popular kids at school. EVERYBODY here knew them. I was really grateful they took the time to talk to me and give me great advice for the future.

Selfie With Donald

"Shine Bright Like A Diamond" was the second design show hosted by Donald Yim (AIFD, CFD, CPFD). A very energetic and entertaining personality, Donald brought out over 60 arrangements one by one to the stage. What I loved about this was the minimalistic designs he had. Just a few stems of flowers with wire materials or natural accents that really brought it to a different level.

The stage! That bouquet! Everything!

The last artist speaker of the day was Michael Derouin (AAF, AIFD, PFCI, CAFA). Michael shared mind blowing tips to create large scale pieces with half the labor and headache. He also did a brief bridal bouquet almost runway show where he brought out the most funky designs.

Everything this show had to offer truly inspired me. I learned so many new things that I can't wait to try and practice. I met so many brilliant, talented and sweet floral designers. To my fellow florists: I encourage you to all make it to more shows! Learn something new, network, get inspired again! We have the best job in the world! To everyone else: get out there and do something YOU love! Take a class, read up or learn more about a hobby of yours, connect with good people.

Like I always say, live your best life! Thanks for reading.

The happiest.

xoxo