27/03/2024
Super excited to share that last week, I successfully completed my final examination, and became an "International Master Florist".
Last November, I commenced this coveted qualification at Boerma Instituut in Aalsmeer, The Netherlands. After completing the first few in-person weeks of the course in November, I returned home to complete an abundance of botany study and assignments, before returning to Holland earlier this month to complete the final few in-person weeks of the course and then of course, the final examination.
I feel so privileged to have been under the instruction of Gregor Lersch Floral Design throughout this entire course. Gregor is often referred to as "The Godfather" of floristry and has truly shaped generations of florists over the course of the last 40 years. His wisdom, generosity and care has been an ethereal experience. Spending this amount of time, intimately learning from him, is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and I will remember it for the rest of my career.
A Dutch or German Masters of Floristry was something Australian florists often romanticised completing, especially when I started working full-time as a florist, when I finished high school, back in 2001.
When the IMF "International Master Florist" Diploma became available a few years ago, and I learned that Gregor Lersch would be teaching it, I thought, *I really have to do this, now or never*.
This coveted diploma is something an experienced, professional florist, does for themselves. It is a huge personal and professional milestone, especially for myself. To have challenged myself in such a raw, vulnerable way... You question everything you've learned and been celebrated for over your career. You learn, absorb, refine and curate an immeasurable amount of skills and knowledge completing this course.
Boerma Instituut should be commended on the world class training they are offering, and also, the warmth, care and professionalism this beautiful generational family business offers. Their commitment to training is admirable.
Whilst I have support and cheerleaders that have helped me throughout this, I really don't need to thank anyone else. Why? Because I made this happen. I did it, I committed, persevered and passed.
Proud as punch.
ML x