AIFD South Central Region

11/12/2024

🌟 We cannot be more excited... 🌟

Registration for the 2025 Reflection Symposium in Palm Springs, CA, is OPEN NOW!

Mark your calendars for July 12–15, and join us as we celebrate 60 years of AIFD® with unforgettable experiences!

🌍 Reflection 2025 will bring together a spectacular lineup of the world’s best floral educators. Expect breathtaking main stage programs, immersive hands-on workshops, incredible networking opportunities, and an atmosphere filled with creativity and camaraderie.

✨ NEW THIS YEAR: Early registration comes with a flexible payment plan—pay over time and make your experience stress-free.

🌐 Visit the AIFD website for all the exciting details:

https://aifd.org/2025-symposium-reflection/

👉 Don’t miss out—secure your spot today!



Let’s make history together! 🎉🌸

11/11/2024

The American Institute of Floral Designers, in collaboration with the AIFD Foundation, continues its exciting year-long floral design competition to celebrate AIFD’s 60th anniversary in 2025!

This month's bodacious and gnarly competition celebrates the 1980's - a decade of big hair, good times, and memorable pop culture. There's no doubt that neon, jelly bracelets, or punk rock would be in our memories, like they are, without this iconic decade. So, let's celebrate!!!

This decade's competition is open from 11/1/20204 to 12/1/2024!

Visit https://aifd.org/design-of-the-decades/

13/09/2024

🌟 Transform Your Florals with Brandy Ferrer!🌸✨

Join Brandy Ferrer AIFD CFD TMF as she demonstrates how to creatively transform white carnations and blue thistle into stunning anemones! Plus, learn how to use small flowers to turn carnations into entirely new floral masterpieces. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to elevate their floral design game with simple, yet impactful techniques!

Get ready to see your carnations in a whole new light! 🌼🎥

06/09/2024

🌸 Master the Art of Corsage Making with Alan Masters! 🌸

Join Alan Masters AIFD CFD as he walks you through a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful corsage! Whether you're prepping for a special event or just want to learn a new floral technique, this video is perfect for all skill levels. Grab your tools and flowers, and let's get creative together!

Watch now and add a touch of elegance to your floral repertoire! 🎥✨

28/08/2024

🌿 Meet Bruce Easley, AIFD, AAF, CFD, TMFA – Director At Large! 🌿

We are excited to introduce Bruce Easley as our Director At Large on the South Central Board of AIFD! With 50 years of experience in the floral industry, Bruce brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and passion to our community.

Bruce began his floral journey at the young age of 16, and since then, has owned two retail shops and worked with wholesalers as a sales representative and hard goods buyer. For the past 15 years, he has also been an instructor for the Texas State Florists Association, where he continues to share his expertise with aspiring florists. Bruce's dedication to the floral industry is reflected in his past leadership roles, including President of the Texas State Florists Association and Unit President for Teleflora.

He is a passionate advocate for his community, having served as an officer for the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary President, American Cancer Society Chair, Citizen of the Year, and Cattle Barons Ball Chairman.

Bruce specializes in Tropical Nouveau designs, sympathy arrangements, and anything that emphasizes line and structure. His favorite flowers are Gloriosa Lilies and Anthurium, which he loves for their unique textures. When he's not designing stunning floral creations, Bruce enjoys cooking and has a surprising background in vocal performance from his college days!

Join us in welcoming Bruce to the team and celebrating his contributions to the floral community!

19/08/2024

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Alex Torres.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Alex Torres' passing this past weekend. Alex was not just a remarkable floral designer; he was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and creativity within our community. His loving and generous spirit touched everyone he met, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire us all for years to come.

At SCAIFD, we mourn the loss of a dear friend and valued member. Alex’s work was a reflection of his beautiful soul, always full of life and love, bringing joy to so many through his art. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever remain in our hearts.

Please join us in celebrating the life and contributions of Alex Torres, whose impact on the world of floral design and beyond will not be forgotten.

15/08/2024

🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Floral Design! 🌟

We are beyond proud to announce that several of our incredible SCAIFD members have been honored at the recent SAF Convention with prestigious awards. These awards reflect their dedication, creativity, and leadership in the floral industry. Let's give a huge round of applause to our award recipients:

🎖 AAF (American Academy of Floriculture):
Bridget B. Joslin, AIFD CFD AAF AMF
Abel Gonzalez Mencio, AIFD AAF

🎤 PFCI (Professional Floral Communicators – International):
Amy Neughbauer, AIFD PFCI
Cheryl Vaughan, CFD PFCI
Teia Bennett, AIFD TMF PFCI

🏆 Sylvia Cup Competition:
Jenny Thomasson, AIFD, PFCI, EMC, AAF - 3rd Place
Brandy Ferrer, AIFD TMF CFD
Amy Neughbauer, AIFD PFCI
Andrea Grist

🌟 Next Gen Rising Star Award:
Jenny Thomasson, AIFD, PFCI, EMC, AAF

These accolades are a testament to the exceptional talent within our community. We are so proud of your achievements and your representation of SCAIFD on the national stage! Keep shining and inspiring us all with your passion and artistry.

13/08/2024

🌸✨ Welcome Bridget B. Joslin AIFD, CFD, AAF, AMF as Treasurer of South Central AIFD! ✨🌸

We are delighted to welcome Bridget B. Joslin as the new Treasurer of the South Central AIFD board!

Originally from Magnolia, Arkansas, Bridget has devoted her life to the floral industry, transforming opportunities into a flourishing 28-year career. Her passion lies in designing and creating floral works of art that bring joy to people’s lives. Bridget is equally passionate about education, frequently presenting programs for state associations, garden clubs, and local universities. She currently serves as the Education District President of the Mississippi River Teleflora Unit, director on the AR and LA State Floral Association Boards, and an educator for the Certified Florist Program through Michigan State University. Each year, Bridget delights in decorating floats for the Tournament of Roses Parade in California. She is the proud owner of Bridget’s On The Square in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Bridget holds a range of degrees and certifications, including those from SAU, LSU, and AIFD, with ongoing education from Teleflora and courses with Gregor Lersch and Floriology. Actively involved in community service, she serves as the Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce director and president of the Downtown Magnolia District.

Among her many achievements, Bridget’s On The Square won the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award in 2023. Bridget specializes in garden-style arrangements, particularly enjoying the enchanting English Garden style for its lush, full arrangements that create a natural and romantic feel.

A fun fact about Bridget is that she sang professionally when she was younger and even made a record for the U.S. Veterans. Her accolades include recognition from the Chamber of Commerce for "Business of the Year" in 2023 and the Banner News for outstanding business and floral design. Bridget’s dedication to community outreach encompasses support for animal protection services and sponsorship of local events benefiting seniors and children’s healthcare.

12/08/2024

How much fun is this competition?!?! Make sure to get your 60's entries entered this month!

It’s here! Time to begin the Designs of the Decades competition and celebration in 2025 of AIFD’s 60th anniversary! What better way to@celebrate 60 than with a celebration of the decade when the Institute was founded… the 1960’s! Click here, https://aifd.org/design-of-the-decades/ to learn more, watch an inspirational video by Charlie Groppetti AIFD, and let your creative flair develop!

This very special competition will run over the course of the coming months, each focused on a different decade leading up to symposium in Palm Springs. The 1960s competition will last the entire month of August and entries will close on September 1, 2024!

Please make sure to join the fun, help celebrate AIFD, and we cannot wait to see your creativity flourish! This decade’s competition is truly going to be groovy! Let the fun begin!

11/08/2024

🌸✨ Welcome Donice Strickland AIFD, CFD as a Director of South Central AIFD! ✨🌸

We are thrilled to introduce Donice Strickland as a Director of the South Central AIFD board! With 10 years in the floral industry and multiple certifications, Donice brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to our community.

Hailing from Clovis, NM, Donice bought her floral shop, Strickland's Floral & Gifts, in 2014 with very little knowledge of the industry. She joined a regional group, attended every education opportunity she could find, and took online courses to enhance her skills. Donice's hard work and dedication paid off when she was inducted into AIFD in 2022, a milestone she considers one of her most notable achievements.

Donice specializes in sympathy work and prefers asymmetrical designs. Her favorite flowers are roses, simply because they are roses, and stock for their fragrance. A fun fact about Donice is that her flower shop is a second career for her. She previously worked as a Police Dispatch Supervisor and retired as a Municipal Court Judge.

Outside of floral design, Donice enjoys crocheting and is currently working on an aquarium project, preferring not to clean up after live fish anymore.

Join us in celebrating Donice’s new role and her ongoing dedication to excellence in floral design!

09/08/2024

🌸✨ Welcome Jodi McShan AIFD, CFD, AAF, PFCI, TMF as a South Central Director of AIFD! ✨🌸

We are delighted to welcome Jodi McShan as a South Central Director of AIFD! Jodi’s lifelong journey in the floral industry, combined with her extensive experience and multiple certifications, makes her an invaluable asset to our community.

Jodi’s floral journey began in her family’s flower shop in Dallas, TX, where she learned every aspect of the business from a young age. After completing her undergraduate studies and law school, she practiced law for a few years but always found herself drawn back to the floral shop. In 2014, she started her own law firm, which allowed her the flexibility to manage both her legal career and her responsibilities at the flower shop. Today, Jodi oversees ordering and acts as the General Manager and Vice President of McShan Florist.

With 4 years of dedicated service to AIFD and the South Central Region, Jodi’s contributions have been significant. She specializes in hand-tied bouquets and armatures, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her floral designs. Her favorite flower is the dahlia, admired for its texture and color, which reflects her appreciation for intricate and vibrant designs.

Outside of her floral and legal careers, Jodi enjoys traveling, reading, and running. She also has a passion for horseback riding, a hobby from her youth that she hopes to revisit. A fun fact about Jodi is that she continues to practice law alongside her floral responsibilities, showcasing her remarkable versatility and dedication.

Join us in celebrating Jodi’s new role and her unwavering commitment to excellence in floral design!

08/08/2024

Which flower brightens your day the most? 🌷🌹🌻🌼
Vote by reacting with the corresponding emoji! Let's see which bloom is the community favorite!

07/08/2024

🌸✨ Welcome Dr. Xuan (Jade) Wu Ph.D., AIFD, CFD, EMC as Director at Large of South Central AIFD! ✨🌸

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Xuan (Jade) Wu as the new Director at Large of the South Central AIFD board! With 11 years in the floral industry and an impressive academic background, Dr. Wu brings a unique blend of expertise and dedication to our community.

Originally from China, Dr. Wu was inducted into AIFD in 2018. She holds a Master of Science (MS) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Horticulture, along with a Certificate in Business from Texas A&M University. During her graduate studies, she conducted a series of nationwide research studies in floristry education, business, and economics. Currently, Dr. Wu is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at Texas A&M University, where her projects aim to promote the sustained growth of the green industry through research, education, and extension.

Dr. Wu's favorite flower is the lotus, a symbol of purity, strength, resilience, and rebirth, reflecting her own professional and personal journey. Outside of her floral commitments, she enjoys dancing, reading, playing the piano, singing, and practicing calligraphy, showcasing her diverse talents and interests.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Wu’s new role and her unwavering commitment to advancing floral design and education!

06/08/2024

Show us where the magic happens! Share a photo of your floral workspace in the comments. Let's celebrate our creative spaces!

05/08/2024

🌸✨ ¡Bienvenida Rocio Silva AIFD, CFD, CEJ, PFCI como la Enlace entre México y los miembros latinoamericanos de AIFD! ✨🌸

Estamos emocionados de presentar a Rocio Silva como la nueva Enlace entre México y los miembros latinoamericanos de la junta de AIFD South Central. Con una impresionante carrera de 30 años en la industria floral y múltiples certificaciones, la experiencia y pasión de Rocio son verdaderamente inspiradoras.

Originaria de Monterrey, Nuevo León, México, el viaje de Rocio en la industria floral comenzó en el negocio de flores de su familia. A lo largo de los años, ha participado en varios roles, desde diseñar y entregar hasta la administración. Sin embargo, hace 20 años, Rocio descubrió su verdadera pasión por la educación floral y estableció la primera escuela floral en México. Este esfuerzo pionero ha allanado el camino para innumerables estudiantes y profesionales en la industria. Rocio ahora comparte su conocimiento con sus estudiantes, realiza talleres, dicta conferencias, crea contenido social para Oasis México y asesora a nuevas tiendas de flores y negocios mayoristas para alcanzar un mayor éxito.

Las contribuciones de Rocio a la industria floral son significativas. Es la primera miembro de PFCI de México, marcando un hito notable en su carrera. Especializándose en estilos de diseño floral estructural, Rocio aporta un enfoque único y creativo a su trabajo. Su flor favorita es el ranúnculo, admirada por sus múltiples capas y apariencia delicada, lo que refleja su aprecio por los diseños intrincados y hermosos.

Fuera de sus compromisos florales, a Rocio le encanta aprender cosas nuevas y tomar diversas clases. Actualmente, está disfrutando de las clases de Barre. A pesar de sus impresionantes logros, Rocio se describe a sí misma como tímida, añadiendo un toque personal encantador a su persona profesional.

¡Únete a nosotros para celebrar el nuevo rol de Rocio y su inquebrantable compromiso con el avance de la educación en diseño floral!

05/08/2024

🌸✨ Welcome Rocio Silva AIFD, CFD, CEJ, PFCI as the Liaison between Mexico and the Latin American members of AIFD! ✨🌸

We are excited to introduce Rocio Silva as the new Liaison between Mexico and the Latin American members of the South Central AIFD board! With an impressive 30-year career in the floral industry and multiple certifications, Rocio’s expertise and passion are truly inspiring.

Hailing from Monterrey, Nuevo León, México, Rocio’s journey in the floral industry began within her florist family. Over the years, she has immersed herself in various roles, from designing and delivering to administration. However, 20 years ago, Rocio discovered her true passion for floral education and established the first floral school in Mexico. This pioneering effort has paved the way for countless students and professionals in the industry. Rocio now shares her knowledge with her school students, conducts workshops, gives conferences, creates social content for Oasis Mexico, and coaches new flower shops and wholesale businesses to achieve greater success.

Rocio’s contributions to the floral industry are significant. She is the first PFCI member from Mexico, marking a notable milestone in her career. Specializing in structural floral design styles, Rocio brings a unique and creative approach to her work. Her favorite flower is the ranunculus, admired for its many layers and delicate appearance, which reflects her appreciation for intricate and beautiful designs.

Outside of her floral commitments, Rocio enjoys learning new things and taking various classes. Currently, she is enjoying Barre classes. Despite her impressive achievements, Rocio describes herself as shy, adding a charming personal touch to her professional persona.

Join us in celebrating Rocio’s new role and her unwavering commitment to advancing floral design education!