Hitomi Gilliam AIFD to present “PURE INSPIRATION”

March 2015
The Bloomin’ Texan
Pure Inspiration
Hitomi Gilliam AIFD
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 1
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The Bloomin’ Texan
M A R C H 2 0 1 5 | V O L U M E X X X XI | N U M B E R 3
From the
President
4 Are you Inspired to be Determined?
or…Are you Determined to be Inspired?
Recently I received a note from a friend and fellow
TSFA member complimenting me on my determination
and saying that I inspired her. What she refers to as my
“determination”, others might call my “stubbornness”!
I was incredibly touched and it caused me to reflect on the
exciting changes that are occurring within TSFA. Everyone
has been so willing to help do their part to contribute to the
continued success of this association and the floral industry.
I THANK EACH and EVERY ONE OF YOU!
Our recent fantastic, first ever Texas Floral Showcase, along with the exciting changes
made within TSFA over the last few months, led me to think that our association and the
floral industry are BOTH INSPIRING and DETERMINED!
Then the familiar, notorious quote from Calvin Coolidge kept echoing in my head…
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.The slogan ‘press on’ has solved
and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
In the variety of sources I used to look up the definition of determination, there was one
common word in each…PURPOSE. I found the same repetitious occurrence when I
looked up the definition of inspiration. The common word was…STIMULATION.
Determination attracts success as your focus pushes obstacles away. When you move
through life with determination, inspiration and courage, success will have no other choice
but to race to keep up with you.
THE TEXAS FLORAL
EXPO COMMITTEE
CHAIRS ANNOUNCED
6
HITOMI GILLIAM AIFD
PURE INSPIRATION
8
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Inspiration is the initial thought...the idea.
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TEXAS STATE FLORISTS’ ASSOCIATION
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P.O. Box 170760 | Austin, Texas 78717 | 512.834-0361 | FAX 512.834-2150 | 800.375-0361 | www.tsfa.org |Apple
E-mail:
txsfa@sbcglobal.net
$500 Floriology Institute Gift Certificate • $500 Napco Gift Ce
®
TSFA BOARD
President Susan Weatherford
Immediate Past President Pam Fuller AAF TMFA
First Vice President Norman Northen TMFA
Second Vice President Debbie Wright AAF TMFA
Retail Directors
Elaine Carrell TMFA | Bruce McShan | Nicola Parker TMFA
Wholesale Director Luke Harwell TMF
Grower Director Jimmy Klepac
STAFF
*Visit
Executive Director | Bloomin’ Texan Editor
|www.mybloomnet.net/sendtowin
Dianna Nordman AAFfor Official Rules.
Administrative Assistant | Tanner Kudela
Production | Barb Donovan
Cover Photograph Courtesy of Hitomi Gilliam AIFD
2015-2016 TSFA BLOOMIN’ TEXAN EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Annie Fentz-Smith | Dov E. Kupfer AIFD CFD | Robin Martinez AAF TMFA
Lynn Lary McLean AAF AIFD PFCI TMF | Elaine Nevarez | Sandy Ramirez TMFA
Visit www.mybloomnet.net/sendto
Bridget Weatherford
The Bloomin’Texan USPS 304-350.is published monthly, except for July. $8 of the annual membership dues is applied toward a subscription to The Bloomin’Texan. Located at 9004-C Anderson Mill Rd., Austin,TX 78729. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin,Texas and at additional mailing offices.
Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect official policy of the Texas State Florists’ Association. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bloomin’Texan, P.O. Box 170760, Austin,TX 78717.
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 3
The Texas Floral Expo Committee Chairs are Announced
Texas Floral Expo Chair Gayle Johnson AAF TMFA, owner of g johnson’s Floral Images, is pleased to announce the Texas Floral Expo Committee Chairs
that have agreed to join her in the production of the first Texas Floral Expo. “We are taking a new approach with these appointments” explained Johnson at
a recent planning meeting. “With the new approach to education in Texas and the development of the Texas Floral Expo we wanted the entire state to be
on board and involved. An incredible amount of thoughtful consideration went into these appointments for this prestigious event and we are grateful that
each said YES!”
“Gayle’s concept with this selection process was that the Texas Floral Expo would be more representative of the collaborative effort that developed the
idea if those producing it came from the various areas of Texas” shared Texas Floral Events Coordinator Lynn Lary McLean AAF AIFD PFCI TMF with a
group of Underwriters at a recent event. “To have the support of the very best in the industry and to be able to bring to Texas some of the world’s finest
designers requires the absolute best in a committee. I think the Texas Floral Expo Chair has certainly accomplished that task with good judgment, great
respect, and the excitement of many that are hoping to make a difference for TSFA.”
Texas, Please welcome and applaud your
2015 Texas Floral Expo Chairs!
BUSINESS PRESENTATIONS Pat Berry | Vickery Wholesale Greenhouse | Dallas
DESIGN PRESENTATIONS Ted Bruehl AIFD PFCI | The Chocolate Rose | Irving
HANDS ON EXPERIENCE AND INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS Norman Northen TMFA
Precious Memories | Temple
HITOMI GILLIAM HANDS ON DESIGN EXPERIENCE Susan Tate AIFD | Darlene’s Flower Shop | Houston
LOBBY DECOR Darryl Murchison | Darryl & Co. | Houston
NEW VARIETIES EXHIBIT Scherry Lindley TMF | Southern Floral Co. | Houston
PIM VAN DEN AKKER HANDS ON DESIGN EXPERIENCE Pat Shirley-Becker AIFD TMFA | PS Designs | Austin
PRODUCT GALLERY AND PRODUCT POWER PRESENTATIONS Nicola Parker TMFA | For All Occasions | Houston
PRODUCT PROCUREMENT DISTRIBUTION AND LOGISTICS Mary McCarthy AIFD TMFA | The Blooming Idea | The Woodlands
STARS OF TEXAS EVENT Debbie Gordy AAF AIFD TMFA and Allen Masters | Compton’s Florist | LaPorte
TEXAS CUP COMPETITION Rebecca Sherman AIFD | The Blooming Idea | Spring
TEXAS FLORAL EDUCATION UNDERWRITERS EVENT Stacy Mendenhall
Lary’s Florist and Designs | Friendswood
TSFA PAST PRESIDENT PRODUCT SALE Pam Fuller AAF TMFA | Bloomer’s Flower Shop | Harlingen
Jimmy Klepac | Klepac Greenhouses, Inc. | Blanco
Debbie Wright AAF TMFA | Enchanted Florist | Pasadena
VIP FLOWERS Patricia Houck | House of Blooms | Sugar Land
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 4
BRONZE
SILVER
GOLD
PLATINUM
Southern
Floral
Company
Past Presidents
Established 1927
WHOLESALE GREENHOUSE
Making Texas Education Possible
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 5
please visit tsfa.org for the most up-to-date list of underwriters
and their links
Pure Inspiration
Hitomi Gilliam AIFD
Hitomi Gilliam AIFD to present “PURE INSPIRATION”
at the Texas Floral Expo
Texas Floral Education Partner and Gold Level Texas Floral Education Underwriter
Understanding What Inspires You
It was an understanding of the importance of scientific academia to her family and of all that relates to her Japanese heritage along with a brief mention
to her family that she might want to attend Art School that began the path of one of today’s leading designers of international acclaim. It was during
those formative years as a result of a strong belief in education and her personal love of the arts that out of respect for her family she worked to find a
way to combine the two. From that reflection came the idea of landscape architecture as a field of study to provide the basis of her education. Following
graduation, a greenhouse was started and growing began. The need to expand opportunity led to the opening of a plant store. This led to a decision
to carry a few cut flowers and thus the journey that many have had the privilege to be a part of began. To think that the thoughtful consideration of an
educational goal combined with the decision to carry a few cut flowers in a plant store opened to this young woman a world that awaited her style and her
expertise. Texas will welcome once again Hitomi Gilliam AIFD to present at the Texas Floral Expo. She continues to be pure inspiration to those she meets
worldwide as she shares her love of this industry and her passion for flowers.
We recently had the opportunity to visit about her trip to Texas and the subject of her presentation and when asked, Hitomi in her soft and quiet manner
shared what inspires her.
NATURE and an understanding of her roots is a primary area of inspiration. She has always looked to her Japanese heritage and the study of Ikebana. This
design style embodies a true understanding of nature and is seen reflected in her work.
The study of ART in its many forms opens the creative process to unlimited opportunity. Hitomi’s understanding of sculpture as an art form has provided
a pivotal point in that in sculpture she sees a vessel and with an opening an opportunity for flowers.
ARCHITECTURE provides a platform of study with strong, grounded inspiration in that it is about building and about construction.
FASHION as a point of inspiration dresses the design. In discussing this inspiration Hitomi shares that “First you must build a core construction and then,
you can dress it up with flowers!”
What INSPIRES you? Begin thinking now and bring your own thoughtful consideration with you to Sugar Land, Texas as you share July 17-20 with all the
best at the Texas Floral Expo.
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 6
Hitomi Gilliam AIFD
Education Specialist
Freelance Designer
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Hitomi Gilliam AIFD is a floral artist and an
educator, who is committed to raising the
level of professionalism and creativity within
the floral industry. She loves sharing her talent
and progressive ideas to help florists become
more fashionable and trendy.
Hitomi is a member of American Institute of
Floral Designers (AIFD) and
is one of only seven recipients of AIFD’s
prestigious Design Influence Award.
She is a regular columnist for Flowers&
magazine. “Creative Edge” presents to
the readers three options to approach the
monthly featured design category. She is a
distinguished educator and lecturer worldwide, and has given presentations at many
notable venues, art museums and botanical
gardens.
In 2006, Hitomi was the recipient of the American Horticultural
Society’s Frances Poetker Award, which recognizes outstanding
contributions as designer, author and lecturer to the art and science
of American horticulture. In 2008, she won ‘Gold’ and ‘Best of show’
by invitation only international entry at Singapore Garden Festival.
She has authored 7 books to date, including ‘A Fresh Look at Judging’
that was released in July 2014.
Hitomi is a member of Teleflora’s prestigious team of Education
Specialists.
The Business of Flowers
As designers we often feel that the
business of flowers is the job for someone else.
Our creativity takes us above the need to understand
elements outside of the design room.
We invite you to take a look at what one of the world’s most
creative thinkers feels about the business of flowers!
There is no end to learning. Always look to be your best self.
Not a day should go by that you do not learn something new.
The world of floristry is changing. Reach out into that world of change and change with it.
There is something new developed everyday. Look to each day with the expectation of a new idea.
Seek out the new varieties of flowers. Be aware of all that is available.
By offering something new and fresh, your business remains new and fresh!
Seek knowledge. Develop a skill set that adds respect to our profession. Do your part to make the
floral industry vital to those around The
you. IfBloomin’
YOU succeed
so will|the
Business2015
of Flowers!
Texan
March
| 7
Texas Floral Education Partner and Gold Level Texas Floral Education Underwriter Teleflora supports
this evening of education. Texas thanks you for all you do for the florists of Texas.
RISTS’
AS
FLO
H
H
This and more will be available for your viewing pleasure at the Texas Cup Competition when
Rich Salvaggio AAF AIFD PFCI presents “Sweet Beginnings”. “It seems only appropriate with being in
Sugar Land that we start off the weekend with something sweet”, expressed Texas Floral Expo Chair
Gayle Johnson AAF TMFA at a recent planning meting. To center the Texas Cup Competition around
floral styles for weddings will open the creative process to so many new ideas.To have Rich Salvaggio
join us to present makes it even that more perfect!”
E
T IO N
CIA
SO
T
ake a moment and stop and think about where can you go to see up to twenty of the top
Texas floral designers... where can you sit and relax with friends sharing wedding stories and
industry news while you view up to twenty wedding bouquets featuring the latest styles...
Where can you see up to twenty tablescapes that will help fill your idea portfolio for quite some time
as you begin to prepare for your next bridal appointment...and then see a surprise situation unfold that
may reflect a wedding situation that any one of us may have been in the middle of?
TEXAS ST
AT
THE 2015 TEXAS CUP
COMPETITION WILL BE THE
“Sweet Beginnings” OF THE
TEXAS FLORAL EXPO
TE
XAS CUP
BE PART OF THE
TEXAS CUP
Prior to the actual program the competitors will create two designs for later presentation. Competitors
will be provided all that they need from TSFA to be able to design the Bridal Bouquet. This will make it
quite interesting to see the several interpretations when they are modeled as part of the program.
Share a wedding design
concept for the Contestant
Surprise Situation.
If your entry is selected, you
will be chosen to introduce
the Surprise Situation to the
competitors on July 17th.
Email your Surprise Situation
to txsfa@sbcglobal.net.
The Interpretative Design Category, this year, will reflect a design suitably creative for a sixty inch
table where guests at a wedding would be seated for a dinner reception. The competitor will design a
container or prop to set the base of the design according to rules of the competition. The table linen,
flowers, and supplies as well as other creative elements will be provided by TSFA for this category. The
completed designs will be presented on the tables for viewing and commentary during the presentation.
TO ENTER THIS
PRESTIGIOUS
COMPETITION
There is simply not a wedding florist around that has not experienced a “surprise situation” that adds to
the excitement and thrill of being an event planner, wedding specialist, or wedding floral designer!!!!
This should be quite fun to see how up to twenty designers solve, in flowers,
the Surprise Situation that they are presented. Envelopes Please!!!!!
Visit tsfa.org for the complete
rules and the details related
to the 2015 Texas Cup
Competition. Download
the Entry form and mail the
completed form with the
entry fee to the Texas State
Florists’ Association, PO Box
170760, Austin, TX 78717 or
email the form to txsfa@
sbcglobal.net.
“The celebrations filled with flowers that surround the wedding are the “Sweet Beginnings” so it just
could not be a more perfect theme for the evening and for those who decide to enter the Texas Cup
Competition!” added Texas Cup Chair Rebecca Sherman AIFD. The former Texas Cup winner is thrilled
to share all that will fill the evening with excitement and invite designers to visit tsfa.org for all of the
details related to these shared highlights!
Mark your calendars July 17 - 20 and plan to be a part of the “Sweet Beginnings” that
will lead to a weekend filled with floral magic and the announcement of the
2015 Texas Cup Winner!!!
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 8
Gold Level Texas Floral Underwriters offer Additional
Support to the Texas Floral Expo
Marketing To A Social World
Texas Floral Education Partner and Gold Level Texas Floral Education Underwriter
Flower Shop Network
It is interesting how opportunity presents itself and when an idea is sparked! For those attending the
TSFA 100th celebration, you may recall, the many questions asked of Chris White during his presentation.
The majority of the questions were not about flowers but instead about photography and making the most of
Social Media. The organizers for the Texas Floral Expo knew very quickly what one of the Expo presentations
needed to be!
In this interactive demonstration, the tips to build your online presence and market your brand to the
modern consumer will be shared as you actively participate and create the platforms to be successful. Join
Texas Floral Education Partner and Gold Level Texas Floral Education Underwriter Flower Shop Network
for this not to be missed event on Friday afternoon, July 17th! Social Media Expert, Ashley DeFranco, will
present this Interactive Demonstration sharing how being the best in the world of Social Media is done in
the real world while sharing easy tips and techniques to get you to the level you want to be! Whether it be
developing a Pinterest Board to reflect a Bride’s style so that you are ready for your wedding appointment or
sharing your message with posts and tweets, this presentation will provide you what you need to market to a
social world! Thank You Flower Shop Network for this new approach to programming!!!
Texas Floral Product Partner and Gold Level Texas Floral Education Underwriter
Pike’s Peak of Texas
Texas has long been able to count on the provision of exquisite flowers from Pike’s Peak of Texas and this
year, it will be no different. How fortunate we are to have some of the best flowers in the world to work with.
To have this level of support from Pike’s Peak of Texas truly takes the educational programming to another
level in that the amount of product needed is abundant. In order for the Texas Floral Expo to offer this level of
programming, to those attending at the affordable price at which it is offered, is to put it quite simply, because
of companies such as Pike’s Peak of Texas. Texas thanks Pike’s Peak of Texas for this support and encourages all
who attend to remember the beauty of these flowers as you plan to purchase what you need!
The Sweet Smell of Success
Texas Floral Education Partner and Gold Level Texas Floral Education Underwriter Rio Roses
Roses will be blooming on Sunday afternoon at the Texas Floral Expo.You will enjoy the fragrance of “The
Sweet Smell of Success” as Texas Floral Education Partner and Gold Level Texas Floral Education Underwriter
Rio Roses shares the most up to date information to help you grow your rose business. Roses, as confirmed
by reports from the Society of American Florists, are the number 1 flower sold in the United States and this
presentation will layout the information needed to make the most of that opportunity. Leading the ranks based
on stem counts, roses lead the way with standard carnations, pompom chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, tulips,
lilies, and mini-carnations following in line.
“From the beginning of the discussions, when Lynn Lary McLean, Texas Floral Events Coordinator,
presented the idea of becoming a Texas Floral Education Underwriter with Rio Roses President and CEO
Victor Giorgini he expressed that at whatever level Rio selected they would be on board 100%. This has held
true in everything we have asked of them and for this we are so grateful. To have someone believe in an idea
as Rio has done offers a level of support far beyond the monetary expenditure” shared Texas Floral Events
Coordinator Lynn Lary McLean at a recent Texas Floral Expo planning meeting.
Texas Floral Education Partner and Gold Level Texas Floral Education Underwriter Teleflora
Teleflora supports the new approach to floral education in Texas. It is evident that Teleflora’s longtime
belief in the importance of providing education to the florists of Texas has only strengthened with the new
platform. As a Gold Level Texas Floral Education Underwriter and Texas Floral Education Partner in three
events at the Texas Floral Expo, the level of education being provided is unprecedented. Vice President of
Industry Relations and Publications and former recipient of the TSFA Lifetime Achievement Award Rich
Salvaggio AAF AIFD PFCI will open the Texas Floral Expo as he presents “Sweet Beginnings” and the Texas Cup
Competition.
Texas is thrilled to welcome Hitomi Gilliam AIFD. The award winning Internationally acclaimed designer
will present “Pure Inspiration” on Saturday of the Expo and a Hands On Design Experience late Sunday
afternoon. The Expo Experience is enhanced because of these events and we thank Teleflora for this level of
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 9
participation.
TSFA recognizes
PLATINUM LEVEL TEXAS FLORAL EDUCATION
UNDERWRITER
Where did the idea come from to start BloomNet?
BloomNet was spawned from the need for an alternative to the
traditional larger wire services with a clear focus on quality throughout
the floral transaction, while providing a host of competitive services to
assist the retail florist in their business needs.
What features cause BloomNet to stand out above the
competition? What makes BloomNet different from the rest?
• Supporting the growth of the floral industry through Education and
Industry Excellence, Floriology Institute AIFD Pathway Provider
• Business Management and E-Commerce Solutions
• Tiered Membership Structure
• The highest published rebates in the industry — earn $5 per order
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 10
What is the most important detail in your company’s mission
statement that allows you to provide what you feel is
important to this industry?
BloomNet is committed to working side by side with our florists to foster
industry education, build community and develop long term relationships
built on trust, commitment and dependability.
Education is the backbone of the industry, particularly during challenging
economic times. With the goal of building a foundation of excellence
and to empower florists to reach their full potential, we offer Floriology
Institute to assist the florists in expanding their artistic design talents
and incorporating the most recent best business practices into the daily
operation of their shops.
What does BloomNet feel is the biggest challenge in the floral
industry?
Meeting the ever changing competitive landscape in satisfying floral
consumer wants, needs and expectations. The flower buying consumer
has many more opportunities to purchase gifts other than floral and when
coupled with same day delivery from an increasing number of delivery
providers, this creates a forbidding challenge for our industry.
Marketing is an important area for any business. It is difficult,
as a small business owner, to find the time. What services does
BloomNet offer to help the small business compete in today’s
marketplace?
BloomNet offers BloomNet Commerce, the next generation e-commerce
solution for today’s retail florist. Florists can increase average order
value and boost profits with orders coming directly to you through your
website.
What is BloomNet doing to assist with the challenge?
We cannot stop companies like Amazon, Google, Deliv or Uber from
entering our market, providing the same or different gifts and services,
but we can ensure every order we design and deliver is of the highest
quality, while exceeding the expectations of our consumers. BloomNet
maintains a comprehensive quality score on all orders sent and received,
as well as, the performance of all of our florists. This information is used
to assist our florists in providing the very best service our customers
expect.
What do you find today’s floral consumer is looking for?
Value and superior customer service. Today’s consumer preference is a
clean, monochromatic look for floral with the “less is more” attitude. The
WOW factor attracts their attention.
In what way do you directly help those selling flowers today
meet the need of the consumer?
We listen to what today’s consumer needs are and implement them in our
customer service model.
Is there an important message you would like to share with
TSFA readers?
The Floral Industry is a wonderful business with hard working and
dedicated artisans providing a truly unique handcrafted gift for any
occasion. We have the opportunity to be an important part in many
peoples lives, so the beauty of our industry should be celebrated, as this
does not exist in any other business.
Why did BloomNet support TSFA’s new floral education
direction?
BloomNet is continually striving to improve and protect our future
growth of the floral industry through ongoing participation with state
associations and by encouraging members of the industry and others
to take a more active role. TSFA is one of the largest, most respected
state association with over 100 years in the industry and BloomNet is
committed to TSFA and its future growth.
We all talk of changes in the floral industry. How will the
changes in recent years shape the floral industry of the future?
What is BloomNet doing to maintain the integrity of your
customer? What is BloomNet doing to help shape a successful
future?
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 11
SHOWCASE REGISTRATION
_____________________________________________
Attendee Name
_____________________________________________
Business Name
_____________________________________________
Address
_____________________________________________
Phone
Email
March 24, 2015
Hilton Garden Inn Temple
1749 Scott Boulevard | Temple, TX 76504
6:00pm
7:00pm
7:30pm
8:30pm
|Shop the Product Gallery and see all that is New!
|Dinner and Time to Interact with your Floral Friends
|uBloom.com Flower Expert J Schwanke will present 101 ideas to make your life in the design room a little easier!
|Product Gallery Shopping
Design Auction to support the Texas Floral Endowment
Basics 101....Anything but Basic
Texas is taking 101 Design Ideas on the road that will make
your life in the design room just a little easier. uBloom.com Floral
Expert J Schwanke AAF AIFD PFCI TMF will show you how!
What a perfect opportunity to learn and share incredible flower
tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you the very next day in
your flower business. Make YOUR BUSINESS more PROFITABLE,
FASTER, EASIER and a whole lot more FUN.
Join J Schwanke AAF AIFD PFCI TMF, the host of Fun with Flowers
and JTV, as he shares his collection of essential tips, tricks and
techniques gathered from throughout the flower industry.
In addition to the overall support
of the Texas Floral Education
Underwriters these companies have
partnered to travel with
J and 101 Design Ideas:
$35 Registration Includes
Dinner | Design Presentation
Product Gallery Shopping
Take 30% off Registration as a TSFA Member
$101 will be presented to one
attendee at each Showcase!
_____I am pre-registering for the March 24th
Showcase in Temple. At the door
registration will be an additional $10.
_____________________________________________
Credit Card No.
_____________________________________________
Expiration
Code Zip Code
_____________________________________________
Signature
Mail check to:
Texas State Florists’ Association
PO Box 170760 | Austin, TX 78717
OR REGISTER ONLINE AT TSFA.ORG
Staying the night?
There are $99 room rates at the Hilton Garden
Inn-Temple. Call 254.773.0200 and ask for the
TSFA group code to receive this reduced rate.
TMF Advanced students will receive one Credit
towards their Texas Master Florist Advanced
Certification with attendance at
a 2015 Texas Floral Showcase
Texas Floral Education and Product Partners
Acolyte Designs, Inc. | Chrysal Americas | Design Master | Greenleaf Wholesale Florists
Priest International, Inc. | Rio Roses | Southern Floral Co | TSFA Growers Division
Texas Thanks You for not only providing the product to make these ideas both profitable and
fun to produce but also for the additional funding to bring these ideas to Harlingen,
Temple, the Texas Floral Expo...and later in the fall to Lubbock.
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 12
Texas Floral Showcase goes International with attendance
from Mexico and throughout the Rio Grande Valley
“Fun with Flowers”…For Real!!
Written by Sandy Ramirez TMFA, Bloomstreet, Wimberley, Texas
Absolutely!!!! It was a beautiful January day in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, when
the first ever Texas Floral Showcase premiered with a smashing success! Floral friends and
family had lots of fun as they perused the product gallery while sipping wine and catching
up on the latest and greatest in floral products. Members of Texas State Florists’ Association
graciously hosted the tables as all settled in to a wonderful meal at beautifully appointed
tables. What could make the evening more complete and FUN than “The Flower Expert”
himself, J Schwanke AAF AIFD CFD PFCI TMF. J presented a fabulous program to a
packed room. The program which was accurately named “ BASICS 101 …ANYTHING
BUT BASIC” was filled with countless or in this case COUNTED tips and tricks to make
our passion for floral design easier and yes, I’ll just say it again…FUN! J believes that
sharing ideas from past generations is truly important in order not to loose them, thus the
101 idea program was born. J stated that “It gives me a chance to share A LOT in one night
and I believe those ideas and tips will keep on giving...long after the program is over”.
“Flowers should be FUN — and then we each add our own brand of creativity. It’s
amazing to work with nature’s beauty and to have the opportunity to turn feelings into
flowers…It’s important to remove the fear and replace it with FUN!” So remove the
fear he did! Before long, the beauty of giggles and laughter could be heard. Whispers of
agreement and wonder as J reminded us of old tricks and showed us some new ones as well.
J’s goal and that of Texas State Florists’ Association is the same. It is to make us BETTER,
STRONGER, to LAUGH LONGER and to simply ENJOY FLOWERS through events like
this one and in our everyday lives. Texas is a BIG State and TSFA is dedicated to reaching
out to everyone by bringing the Showcases to their area. Education is important and TSFA
loves to support our floral education by offering us the best. J is one of our Best. We thank
TSFA and we thank J for making our love and passion of all things “flowers” just plain FUN!
A TEXAS SIZE THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF
THE FIRST TEXAS FLORAL SHOWCASE IN HARLINGEN, TEXAS
With three times the expected attendance the new approach to floral education in
Texas is on the road due to the support of these individuals and companies.
Texas Floral Education and Product Partners
Acolyte Designs, Inc | Chrysal Americas | Design Master | Greenleaf Wholesale Florists
Priest International, Inc. | Rio Roses | Southern Floral Co. | Texas Grower’s Division
Texas Floral Product Sponsor
The following companies provided product available through the Texas Floral
Education Underwriters. In addition Texas Floral Education Partners Greenleaf Wholesale
Florists and Southern Floral Co. covered the freight expense of the floral product sent
through their companies to the Rio Grande Valley.
This additional effort is valued and appreciated.
Esprit Miami | KB Farms | FernTrust | The Sun Valley Group
Resendiz Brothers | Alpha Fern | Oasis Floral Products | FloraCraft | Fitz Designs
The Local Committee and TSFA members provided grassroots support and
contributed to the success of the first Texas Floral Showcase.
It was under the TSFA presidency of Pam Fuller AAF TMFA that the initial idea of
TSFA taking floral education on the road came about and thus only appropriate that the first
stop be in the Rio Grande Valley. A shout out to Pam and all the girls at Bloomer’s Flower
Shop in Harlingen for the Texas hospitality and all the work that was done to guarantee such
perfection in an event.
A special thank you to TSFA Past President and Texas Floral Expo Chair Gayle Johnson
AAF TMFA for her help, design expertise and participation. TSFA Board members Nicola
Parker TMFA and Elaine Carrell TMFA led the Grassroots effort which was reflected in the
level of attendance and participation. Amy Neugebauer TMF and Sylvia Cantu created the
buzz and encouraged attendance at this event. Their assistance along with dedicated TSFA
member Sandy Ramirez TMFA made such a difference! Texas thanks you !!!
“We thank you!” said TSFA President Susan Weatherford and Texas Floral Events
Coordinator Lynn Lary McLean AAF AIFD PFCI TMF.
Texas Floral Events Coordinator Lynn Lary McLean AAF AIFD PFCI TMF and
Designer J Schwanke AAF AIFD CFD PFCI TMF
Texas Floral Showcase Chair Pam
Fuller AAF TMFA awards $101 in
prize money to Showcase attendee
Josie Escalante, Floral Creations and
Gifts,Weslaco,Texas
Special Thanks to the Texas Floral Showcase
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Pim van den Akker to present
at the Texas Floral Expo
”Making every day’s life extraordinary”
This internationally renowned floral designer is
underwritten by Texas Floral Education Partner and
Platinum Level Texas Floral Education Underwriter
T
he teaching
methods of Pim
van den Akker
are well known throughout
the floral world. He will
share his thoughts and
these methods at the Texas
Floral Expo on Saturday,
July 18th in a presentation
to enlighten all who attend.
Your Dream Cruise Could“Making
Be every day’s life
Just An Order Away! extraordinary” will expand
the creative process as
Send your orders through BloomNet® between October 1st - February 28th, 2015
van den Akker shares his
to be automatically entered in the
journey. In his words,
BloomNet “Send to Win” I FLORISTS Sweepstakes.
“There is a story behind all
GRAND PRIZE! 5 Star Royal Caribbean
Diamond Cruise
of thisPackage
which is a story thick
6–7 nights Prize Package including Round Trip Airfare for 2
with passion and pleasure. It
plus $1,000 Cruise Dollars
®
2ND PRIZE: Diamond Cruise Package
4-5 nights including airfare
plus $500 Cruise Dollars
is a story best told together
3RD PRIZE: Platinum Cruise Package
3-4 nights including airfare
by
plus $500 Cruise Dollars
each in his own way, but
always with a shared vision,
10 lucky florists will receive monthly prizes
always wanting our sector
Apple iPad Tablet with the BMS Capture App • BloomNet Website • $500 World Flowers Gift Certificate
to sparkle and letting
$500 Floriology Institute Gift Certificate • $500 Napco Gift Certificate • $50 Gas Cards
®
the
world around us experience
*Visit www.mybloomnet.net/sendtowin for Official Rules.
what true beauty is and
Scan here for Send to Win Video
what floral beauty can do.”
“Reflections”
Photo credit:
www.pimvandenakker.com
Visit www.mybloomnet.net/sendtowin today!
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 14
www.flowerfactor.com
Texas Floral Expo extends to
Monday, July 20th
Pim van den Akker to present an exclusive Hands On Design
Experience for a limited number of students on Monday, July 20th.
To study with a designer who has mastered his craft to the level
of van den Akker offers an opportunity to study new techniques
and an expanded vision of style. The complete information will be
available in April. To have the time to “reflect”, “to build and grow
together” and to observe “classical meet future” may just be one of
those once in a lifetime opportunities.
Pim van den Akker
“Classical
Meets
Future”
With appreciation to Texas Floral Education Floral Partner and Platinum Level Texas
Floral Education Underwriter BloomNet for these educational opportunities.
“Building
and Growing
Together”
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 15
AUSTIN
Brilliant…on the Basics
Support Your Advertisers!
We thank TSFA member Charles Ingram and the design staff at Dr Delphinium Designs &
Events in Dallas, Texas for sharing their creative approach to the “fine art of flowers”.
Take the time to study these ideas in that each is quite brilliant on the basics!
There are only four types of flowers in this
design and yet the visual impact created with
the clustering of the blossoms into groups set a
look that is truly in bloom. The extension of the
fern expands the design with added interest
and texture. The featured hyacinths will fill the
room with fragrance. The clean stems simply
presented completes the overall appeal of the
design. A number of basics uniquely presented.
BURNET/MARBLE FALLS
FLOWER & GIFT SHOPS
109 N. MAIN
BURNET, TX 78611
2105 HWY. 281 NORTH
MARBLE FALLS, TX 78654
800-McShan
McShanFlorist.com
(512)
756-4401
(830) 693-7006
214-324-2481
DALLAS
AUSTIN
A new twist on a traditional design, the fan
shape expands the groupings of blossoms with
an emphasis of color in the focal. The selection
of one flower, the pink rose, is brilliant on the
basics in that it brings the eye to the heart of the
design. The dominant color pink then expands
into the snapdragons carrying the
eye through the expansion of
the arrangement.
Tied with a bow offers a detail to this clustered design
with strong impact of color utilizing a technique in just a
B
little different
way. We all know that the difference is in
A
the details. Pay close attention to the several details in this
Y
design. The orchid
blossoms surrounding the stems to bring
weight to the Tdesign and emphasize the impact of the orchid
O such a difference. The elongated container
grouping make
W brilliance. The container allows the design to
adds to the
N creating visual value and anytime a designer
expand space
SPECIALIZING IN
FLORAL EXCELLENCE
can do this, the customers will keep coming back.
Proudly Serving
The Metroplex Since 1948
1-800-252-9145
Fax 1-512-345-1336
Ken Freytag • TSFA Past President
www.freytagsflorist.com
AUSTIN
TSFA Order Exchange Network
Est. 1935
401 WEST 20TH STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77008
Support Your Advertisers!
SHERI
MONTGOMERY
WHITE
AAF • TMFA
ABILENE
SAN ANTONIO
713.862.8811
800.723.3252
fax 713.864.2686
www.heightsfloralshop.com
CORPUS CHRISTI HOUSTON
SIMPLY Social
Gary Norman
Owner
Greg Waters
1800 Industrial - Abilene, TX 79602
610 PARK STREET
BAYTOWN, TX 77520
281•427•7454
888•538•7721
Phone: (325) 695-7000
www.garysfloralgallery.com
4 Surprising
Facts about Pinterest:
AUSTIN
1. According to comScore, Pinterest users spend
SAN ANGELO
more money on more products, more often than any
Shirley Floral Company
other user on the other top 5 social media sites.
& Greenhouse
2. Pinterest receives an estimated 85,500,000
unique visitors in one month.
President
Joel Paul Shirley
3. 81% of U.S.
women online trust Pinterest as a
Phone: 325 655-9111
Fax: 325 653-8585
source for information
and advice, compared with
800 588-9111
Facebook and Twitter who lag behind at 67% and 73% respectively.
440 W Beauregard
San Angelo, TX 76903
www.shirleyfloral.com
e-mail: saflower@wcc.net
CORPUS CHRISTI
DALLAS
4. By 2016, 41% of U.S. women are projected to be on Pinterest.
BURNET/MARBLE FALLS
SAN ANTONIO
If you have not yet begun
to build a community on Pinterest,
get pinning because your customers are already there!
For more information, contact ashley@simplifiedsocialmedia.com
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 16
FLOWER & GIFT SHOPS
109 N. MAIN
BURNET, TX 78611
2105 HWY. 281 NORTH
MARBLE FALLS, TX 78654
DALLAS
You are invited to attend
The purpose of a flower show is threefold: to set standards
of artistic and horticultural excellence; to broaden
knowledge of horticulture, floral design, conservation,
photography and other related areas; and to share
the beauty of a show with fellow club members
and with the public.
Florescence is one of the largest competitive national
flower shows sanctioned by the Garden Club of America
in the United States, presented by The Garden Club of
Houston, River Oaks Garden Club, and the Museum
of Fine Arts, Houston. Florescence will showcase floral
and horticultural arrangements by garden club experts,
renowned floral and garden designers, and other noted
personalities. Many of these flower arrangements will be
interpretations of masterpieces from the Museum of Fine
Arts, Houston´s permanent collection.
Texas State Florists’ Association is honored to have
four members selected to interpret these works of art.
We are pleased to announce these individuals and the
masterpiece that each will interpret.
Mary McCarthy AIFD TMFA
The Blooming Idea
Woodlands, Texas
Maria Elisa Maxit
Maxit Flower Design
Houston, Texas
Rob Smith
Events in Bloom
Houston, Texas
Darryl Murchison
Darryl & Co.
Houston, Texas
Bacchante
with Infant
Fredercik William
MacMonnies,
The Last of the Tribes
Hiram Powers,
Rising Sun
Adolph Alexander Weinman,
Descending Night
Adolph Alexander Weinman, 1915, bronze,
1867-1874, marble, The
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston,
museum purchase with funds
provided by the Agnes Cullen
Arnold Endowment Fund,
2000.532
1915, bronze, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of an
anonymous donor, 26.2
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of an
anonymous donor, 26.3
Faun, c. 1893-1894, cast before
1920, bronze with greenish-black
patina, The Museum of Fine Arts,
Houston, museum purchase funded
by the Long Endowment for
American Art, 98.252
We anxiously await the presentation
of these floral interpretations.
Each will be shared in the June issue of
the Bloomin’ Texan.
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 17
In Memorium
L
LaVon Bankhead
aVon Bankhead, 82, of Houston, Texas passed away on January 7,
2015. She was born in Hearne, Texas on December 28, 1932. LaVon
graduated from Jeff Davis High School in Houston, Texas in 1951.
After graduation, she went to work as a secretary for Fluor Corporation and
met Paul Bankhead while working there. They were married in 1952. They
had three children, Gary, Sherie, and Cindy. Being a mother and raising her
children were her most treasured blessings.
In 1953 she began to pursue her passion for flowers by joining the
neighborhood garden club and was soon serving as president. She joined
the Houston Federation of Garden Clubs where she held various offices and
had the opportunity to serve as a nationally accredited flower show judge.
Between 1964 and 1970, with her children in school, she worked her way
up from a floral designer to a manager/buyer for retail florists. She worked
during the day and read books at night on how to become a florist. In 1970,
she opened Flower Elegance by LaVon and also became a member of Allied
Florists of Houston and Texas State Florists’ Association the same week. She
served in all positions in Allied Florists of Houston including president from
1974-1976. She was the editor of The Allied Florist magazine from 19982005. She also held all offices in Texas State Florists’ Association and served as
president from 1985-1986. LaVon was the recipient of the Allied Florists’ of
Houston Buddy Benz Award and the TSFA Achievement Award.
In 1975, LaVon was selected to the first Teleflora Team and traveled the
USA as a Teleflora commentator until 1989. LaVon was also a former chair
of Professional Floral Communicators International and awarded the Tommy
Bright Award for professionalism in commentating. She was a member of
the American Institute of Floral Designers. Her love of flowers and desire to
educate were evident to all she met along the way especially in the state of
Texas. She enthusiastically enjoyed sharing time and experience with new
florists always giving them encouragement to establish their niche in the
floral industry. She will be remembered for her talent, generosity, knowledge,
professionalism, and poise. Beyond flowers, her family brought her the
greatest joy. LaVon is survived by her son, Gary Bankhead and grandsons,
Cooper and Carter; her daughter, Sherie and son-in-law, Neil Aubuchon,
granddaughter, Stacey and husband, Clay Malson, grandson, Kyle, and fiancé,
Tracy Misner; daughter, Cindy, and grandson, Chad Millis, and wife, Haley,
great-grandsons, Haden and Harrison, granddaughter, Haley Millis, and
grandson, Chase Millis. She is also survived by her sister and best friend, Patsy
Hopkins, sister, Diane Galick, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was
loved by all and will be greatly missed.
I must have flowers, always and always.
Claude Monet
Memorial contributions may be made to the Allied Florists of Houston
Scholarship in Memory of LaVon Bankhead through the Texas Floral
Endowment, PO Box 170760, Austin, TX. 78717
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 18
B
Basil K. Holt
asil Holt was born on September 5, 1942 to Willie Lee and Charles
Edgar Holt in Dallas, Texas. Named after his great-uncle on his
mother’s side, he spent his early years growing up between his
parents’ house and his grandparents in Oak Cliff with his younger brother
Lyndon.
He graduated from Adamson High School, where many of his life-long
friends also attended. Basil and, his first wife, Shelia had two children, Basil Jr.
in 1962 and Robert in 1968.
Basil’s parents founded Holt’s Florist in Dallas. Basil and his brother
Lyndon worked in the flower shop as young men learning confidence and
customer service skills in front and flower design in back. Both Basil and
Lyndon had strong ties and board positions with the Texas State Florists’
Association and the West Texas New Mexico Florist Association. Both of these
associations would provide a base for Basil’s professional career and strong
bonds of friendship.
From Holt’s Florist, Basil would launch his lifelong career in the floral
industry. His mother Willie Lee was one of the first employee’s for startup company American Floral Services (AFS) based out of Oklahoma City,
founded by Herman Meinders. Basil would join American Floral Services
a short time later as a salesman in California for the first year and would
take over the region of Texas and surrounding states afterwards. Basil was
very proud of his friendship with Herman and the two maintained a close
relationship through Basil’s life. Three generations of Holt’s would eventually
work at AFS.
For his 33 years with AFS, Basil traveled extensively. Someone once
remarked that Basil had visited every town in Texas at least once. It was not
uncommon for Basil to be away for weeks at a time and he routinely drove
100,000+ miles a year. He achieved Salesman of the Year multiple times with
AFS. Basil established many close friendships among his customers, coworkers, and sales peers from his time on the road.
Basil is preceded in death by his brother, parents and grandparents.
Basil is survived by his sons, Basil Jr. and Sheila Odom, Robert and his wife,
Jennifer; granddaughter, April Holt Ramsey; his girlfriend, Jeanie Wilson, her
daughter, Vicki Sicula and her husband, Steve and their children, Katie and
Jack; Jeanie’s son, Michael Wilson and his wife, April and daughter, Shayla.
2015 Texas Floral
Endowment Scholarship
Applications
Available at
TSFA.org
TSFA Calendar of Events
MARCH
8 Daylight Savings Time Begins
17 St. Patrick’s Day
20 First Day of Spring
22 AIFD South Central Design Forum,
3 Good Friday
4 Passover Begins
5Easter
7 Level 1 High School Floral Certification Testing, Snyder, Texas
Testing, James Madison High School, San Antonio, TX
TSFA Finance Committee Meeting Conference Call 3:00 pm
Level 1 High School Floral Certification
Testing, College Station High School,
College Station, TX
Administrative Professional Day
“The Art of Bouquet Making” a hands-on
wedding class. Instructor J. Keith White
AIFD. Held at the TSFA School of Floral
Design, Houston, Texas. Go to tsfa.org
for registration information.
8:30 - 4:00 PM, Pike’s Peak, Houston
24 Texas Floral Showcase
“Basics 101…Anything But Basic”
uBloom.com Flower Expert
J Schwanke AAF AIFD PFCI TMF
Hilton Garden Inn-Temple
1749 Scott Blvd | Temple, Texas 76504
For registration information, see page 12 of this issue, online at tsfa.org or call 512.834.0361.
28 Level 1 High School Floral Certification Testing, Manor ISD
28 Wedding and Prom TRENDSPIRATION
with master florist Jackie Lacey AIFD
held at Dallas Design Supply. Featuring
new floral products, visual how-to’s
and audience participation.
11:00 am – 1:00 pm. No charge to
attend. Lunch is available for purchase.
RSVP to Dallas Design Supply
866.878.8778 or via Facebook.com/
DallasDesignSupply
29 Palm Sunday
MAY
APRIL
14 Level 1 High School Floral Certification 15
18
22
25
2 Level 1 High School Floral Certification Testing in two locations:
Klein ISD Service Center, Klein, Texas and Skyline High School, Dallas Texas
5 National Teacher Day
10 Mother’s Day
17 TSFA Board of Directors Meeting held at the TSFA School of Floral Design in Austin. 10:00 am
25 Memorial Day (Observed)
TSFA Advertisers
Inside Cover BloomNet | 866.256.6663
16Freytag’s Florist | 800.252.9145 | www.freytagsflorist.com
16 Heights Floral Shop | 713.862.8811 | 800.723.3252 | www.heightsfloralshop.com
16 McShan Florist | 800.331.3349, ext. 7931 | www.mcshanflorist.com
Back Cover Teleflora | 800.421.2815 | www.myteleflora.com | 800.291.1061 | 512.834.0361
16 Tubbs of Flowers | 800.288.1978 | www.tubbsofflowers.com
16 Vast America | 800.383.3338 | www.vastamerica.com
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 19
drop-shipping got you down?
cheer up with teleflora.
When other floral companies are turning their backs on you, rest assured that we’ll always have
yours. In fact, we are now the only major floral service that channels 100% of all orders to local
florists. We’ve been a faithful partner for over 80 years, and we’ll continue to support you for
years to come. So smile—our future together is looking bright.
myteleflora.com
©2015 Teleflora. All Rights Reserved. FM12319
The Bloomin’ Texan | March 2015 | 20
(800) 421-2815