SUNLIGHTING FLORIDA FLORISTS WINTER 2020

W I N T E R

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E D I T I O N

TO OUR PARTNERS AND UNDERWRITERS

AIFD

Fern and Foliage Direct

Gardens America

Passion Growers

AIFD Foundation

Fern Trust

Hilverda De Boer USA

Reliant Ribbon

B & D Supply

Flora and More

Jet Fresh Flowers

Rio Roses/Equiflor

Badash Crystals, Inc

Floral Greens Farmers of Florida

Keepsake Floral

SAF

Floriology Institute

Kennicott Brothers Tampa

Smithers - Oasis

Florist Review

Kings Wholesale

Flower Shop Network

Lion Ribbon

Flowers Central

Napco

FTD

Orlando Wholesale

Bloomnet Chrysal USA Designer Cut Flowers Details Flowers Direct Floral Greens Everlasting Flowers

Syndicate Sales Teleflora The Event Source World Flower Council

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FSFA ON THE ROAD CONTINUES! I am writing this message with great gratitude to our fantastic FSFA board members. Bringing floral education to you, our members, is so much more than just education. It’s also about bringing support, leadership, design talents, giving of time, love and compassion to all in our state.

We invite all of our neighboring states to become members of FSFA. We want you to be part of our family. The more the merrier!

Our incredible board members have been everywhere in our state. Bob Tucker and Andie Muller have done numerous design presentations at our wonderful member wholesale houses with great responses.

Members have gone to the ribbon-cutting ceremonies of new member business openings. Maria and Ana opened their new floral shop, Impekable Designs, in DeLand. Jackie Lacey, Bob Tucker, Bill Bobulinski, Gale West, Victoria Register-Hunter and Ashley Brant were in attendance. We wish them the very best in their new business!

The event at Flora and More in Miami was a great success! I thank all of our designers and commentators for sharing their time, knowledge and talent with everyone: Bob Tucker, Bill Bobulinski, Andie Muller, Jenna Sleeman, JP Varvarigos, Ralph Giordano, Varito Vasquez, Alejandro Figueira and Susana Ortega. Numerous wonderful teleflora events have been held throughout our state, with great success.

Everyone MUST attend our FSFA Mid-Season Summit January 2020 being held in Fort Walton Beach. Our hosts are Tim Ryan and April Ridge, who have been working hard for this great event. Our 2020 Designer of the Year event will be held at the Mid-Season Summit as well. Gardens America is our flower sponsor, Fern Trust Foliage will sponsor foliage and Smither Oasis will sponsor the hard goods. Very exciting! We need all of our talented floral artists to enter, and I cannot wait to see all of you shine.

Our Annual Convention will be held May 29-31 in Fort Lauderdale. We have a magnificent lineup of floral industry talent to share their knowledge with us to ensure our success in the future of floristry. Some of the talents who will be gracing our FSFA stage are Jacob McCall, sponsored

by FTD; John Hosek, sponsored by Teleflora; Donald Yim, sponsored by Bloomnet/Floriology, and Leopoldo Gomez, just to get you motivated to attend! Watch our Facebook page for all the exciting FSFA happenings.

We have so much to be thankful for with this great group of caring members whose main goal is to lift others up to succeed in all they do.

This is what life is all about.

Keeping up the momentum indeed!

Proudly, your president, Deborah De La Flor, AIFD, PFCI

IN THIS ISSUE 06 // A floral

showcase

The Flora & More Design Show featured FSFA panelists and designers.

08 // Ahoy, matey!

The Sylvia Cup had a “Buccaneers and Blooms” theme.

10 // Dream girls

Two sisters open a new shop, with association mentorship.

13 // The gift of flowers

The FSFA Cares Program helps people in need.

16 // On the road again

FSFA members travel the state to conduct shows and classes.

OFFICERS / DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT

Deborah De La Flor AAF AIFD CFD PFCI

WINTER 2020

PUBLISHER

Jacob McCall EDITOR / ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

PRESIDENT ELECT

Jackie Lacey AAF AIFD CFD PFCI

Robert Tucker ADVERTISING/EDITORIAL INQUERIES

sunlighting@fsfanow.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Jacob McCall AAF AIFD CFD FSMD TREASURER

William Bobulinski

PRODUCED BY

SECRETARY

April Ridge AIFD CFD FSMD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Robert Tucker

akersmediagroup.com 352.787.4112

AIFD CFD FSMD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tim Ryan FSMD Mimi Livingston Gale West FSMD Andreia Muller AIFD CFD FSMD Jamie Lers Ralph Girodano AIFD CFD FSMD Joyce Petty AIFD CFD FSMD Jenna Sleeman AIFD CFD Alejandro Figueira AFID CFD Victoria Register - Fern Trust - Grower Representative Janet Justus - FTD - Allied Trade Representative

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CONTACT THE BOARD

executivedirector@fsfanow.com

Sunlighting Magazine, 2020. Published annually by the Florida State Florists Association. All editorial contents copyright 2020 by the Florida State Florists Association. All rights reserved.

Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of the Florida State Florists Association.

Florida State Florists Association’s

May 29 - 31, 2020

Featuring

Bonaventure Resort and Spa 250 Racquet Club Rd, Weston, FL 33326

For more information and registration go to

floridastatefloristsassociation.com

Donald Yim AIFD

Jacob McCall AIFD

John Hosek AIFD

Leopoldo Gomez CAF

International Designer

Petaling their goods Floral design is showcased as art.

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or the second year in a row, the Florida State Florists’ Association’s vendor partner, Flora and More of Medley, Florida, opened its incredible facility to FSFA for an open house and design show.

The morning program started with a panel discussion about the care of orchids and houseplants and how to market them in a retail florist. The panel of speakers consisted of Deborah De La Flor, AIFD, CFD, PFCI,

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from De La Flor Florist & Gardens in Cooper City; J.P. Varvarigos, of Wellington Florist; and Jenna Sleeman, AIFD, CFD, of Infinite Gift Flowers & Events. The hourlong program was well-received by those attending. Many in the audience actively participated and shared their ideas, as well.

After lunch provided by Flora and More, the Design Show took to the stage. FSFA members who were the featured designers included Alejandro Figueira AIFD CFD, Susana Ortega AIFD CFD, Varito Vasquez AIFD CFD, Andreia Muller AIFD CFD FSMD

and Jenna Sleeman AIFD CFD. Each designer showed various ways to use the orchids, plants and containers available at Flora and More. FSFA is honored to have such incredible designers as members. All the designs were over the top.

To conclude the day’s program, Flora and More provided all the plants, materials and containers for each participant to design a terrarium to take home. The hands-on class was expertly taught by J.P. Varvarigos.

FSFA would like to extend a huge “thank you” to Flora and More for opening its beautiful facility and providing outstanding hospitality and generosity.

Florida State Florists Association //

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51 st Annual

Sylvia Cup Competition The pirate themed competition takes over the SAF 135th Annual Convention in Amelia Island, FL.

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n September 20, 2019 the 51st Annual Sylvia Cup Competiton was held at Amelia Island, FL. FSFA was well represented by members Jacob McCall AIFD, Varito Vasquez AIFD, Andreia Muller AIFD, Alejando Figuriera AIFD and Bob Tucker AIFD. The Society os American Florists' (SAF) Sylvia Cup Competiton is the longestrunning, live, National Floral Industry Design Competition. The Theme for the 2019 competition

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was "Buccaneers and Blooms".

The contestants were asked to complete 3 pirate themed pieces in the course of two hours.

At the end of the competition, Donald Yim AIFD CFD PFCI from Vancouver, Canada was named the 51st Winner of the Sylvia Cup. First Runner-up went to FSFA Member Bob Tucker AIFD CFD FSMD from Leesburg, FL and Second Runner-up went to Alejandro Figueira AIFD CFD from Davie, FL. Congratulations to all!

Photo courtesy of Tabitha McCausland O'Neill

Andie Muller, CFD, FSMD Lead Designer Certified Flower Designer Florida State Master Designer

10781 Stirling Rd, Cooper City, FL 33328 Contact: 954-434-1717, WWW.DELAFLORGARDENS.COM Owners: Gus & Deborah De La Flor

www.eventsbytheflowerstudio.com

321-422-0823

MID-SEASON SUMMIT SCHEDULE SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2020 7:00AM 7:00AM

7:30AM 8:00AM 8:30AM 10:00AM

CONVENTION REGISTRATION OPENS REGISTRATION FOR CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM ORIENTATION FOR CERTIFICATION EXAM VENDOR SET UP CERTIFICATION EXAM TRADE FAIR OPENS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020 7:00AM-9:00AM 9:00AM-10:15AM

CRITIQUES FOR EXAM PARTICIPANTS STAGE PROGRAM

10:30AM-11:45AM

STAGE PROGRAM

PRESENTED BY ANDREIA MULLER AIFD AND BOB TUCKER AIFD

12:30PM 12:30PM 2:00PM-4:00PM 4:45PM-6:00PM 6:00PM 7:00PM

EXAM CLEAN-UP LUNCH (ON YOUR OWN) DESIGNER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION COCKTAILS WITH THE VENDORS DINNER DOY FINAL 4 ON STAGE

12:00PM 1:30PM-2:45PM

LUNCH PROGRAM

2:45PM

PRESENTED BY JACKIE SMITH JOHNS AIFD

CLOSING REMARKS

PRESENTED BY VARITO VASQUEZ AIFD

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Dreams really do come true FSFA supports grand opening of sisters' new shop.

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n Nov. 12, 2019, sisters Maria and Ana Servigna watched their dream come to life. After designing for more than six years in the living room of Maria’s home, the sisters realized their dream as they cut the ribbon for the grand opening of their new shop, Impekable Flowers & Event Design, in DeLand.

Maria was the recipient of the Florida State Florists’ Association Jackie Lacey AIFD mentorship.

“The mentorship was the most fantastic thing to happen,” she says. “It has truly opened the door to the industry.”

As part of the mentorship, Jackie spent time working with Maria and Ana before the opening to make the shop picture-perfect for the festivities.

“One of the best things about being a mentor is the joy of watching those you share with grow,” Jackie says.“It does not always happen right away, but over time with careful process

and continued practice.

Maria and Ana have the passion for flowers, combined with the desire to spread floral happiness and the gift of heartfelt generosity for others. They were willing to take a leap to follow their hearts. As a mentor, I want to continue to be there as they make their dream take flight. That is why we give back to the industry that gives us so very much.”

Several other FSFA members also attended the grand opening celebration to show their support.

The Servigna sisters are originally from Venezuela. They came to the United States in the early 2000s to pursue graduate degrees at the urging of their parents, farmers who always stressed the importance of education. Maria is a part-time professor of Spanish at Stetson University, and Ana is a full-time professor of anthropology.

The florist business is a natural outgrowth of Maria’s childhood.

As a teenager, she spent every

day after school in her mother’s nursery and tended to the flowers and plants. This was truly the love of her life!

“Maria and Ana have the passion for flowers, combined with the desire to spread floral happiness and the gift of heartfelt generosity for others.” —Jackie Lacey

Florida State Florists Association //

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Joyce Petty

Elaine Ridge Owner

Alyce’s Floral Design

CFD, FSMD, PCF

Certified Floral Designer Florida State Master Designer Professional Certified Florist

alycesfloral@gmail.com alycesfloral.com 224F Eglin Parkway NE Ft Walton Beach FL 32547 850-862-8331

132 South Main Street Atmore, AL 36502 AtmoreFlowerShop.com AtmoreFlowerShop@yahoo.com LOCAL 251.368.2538 CELL

Rambling Rose Florist Ronald Davis, Owner RamblingRoseFlorist@yahoo.com 10030 SR 52, Huson, FL 34669

RamblingRoseFloristFL.com

727.378.6920

ALL THINGS CREATIVE

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Atmore Flower Shop

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251.253.1138

B lo o m i n with philanthropy FSFA assists with wonderful causes.

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nspired by Ann Martin, AIFD, the first recipient of the Florida State Florists’ Association (FSFA) Humanitarian Award and the person responsible for founding the AIFD Foundation Florida Florist Fund, President Deborah De La Flor established the FSFA Cares Program. Ann, with the help of many FSFA members, raised more than $100,000 to help Florida florists who could not pay medical bills or were affected by catastrophic events.

The purpose of the FSFA Cares Program is to bring awareness of members of the state association who work with their local nonprofits.

Many of the FSFA members work behind the scenes tirelessly helping those in need and volunteering their time to spread smiles with the gift of flowers.

In October 2019, FSFA partnered with Sunshine

Foundation in Davenport.

Sunshine Foundation’s sole purpose is to answer the dreams of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children ages 3 to 18 whose families cannot fulfill their requests due to the financial strain that the child’s illness may cause. Sunshine Foundation’s most popular request is a trip to Orlando to visit Disney World or one of the many theme parks.

The Sunshine Foundation pays for transportation of these

families to their Dream Village in Davenport to house them, provides expense money as well as tickets to the theme parks.. Since 1976, more than 41,000 children have realized their dreams.

With donations from vendor partners, FSFA provided the centerpieces for Sunshine Foundation’s 10th annual gala.

FSFA was proud to be a small part of this incredible event knowing that somewhere out there ... a child will realize his or her dream.

"We are so incredibly grateful to the Florida State Florist Association for the stunning flower arrangements for our gala. Your generous donation will help the Sunshine Foundation fulfill the dreams of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children" — Wanda Curtis, Dream Village Director

Florida State Florists Association //

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Make 2020 Fabulous with FernTrust Foliage With over 120 foliages available daily along with our patented ColorFresh and the best drop in bouquet selection in the industry, FernTrust is your one stop shop for everything foliage!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook: FernTrust Inc. Instagram: ferntrustinc Twitter: @FerntrustInc

Events by Miss Daisy Robert Tucker AIFD, CFD, FSMD 1024 W. Main St., Leesburg, FL

352.787.6806

EventsByMissDaisy@gmail.com

“Whatever Your Occasion, Let Miss Daisy’s Make It Special!”

Theresa Bushnell Owner and Floral Designer 352 854 6711

Artistc Flowers of Ocala

8075 SW Hwy 200 Unit #105, Ocala, FL 34481

www.artisticflowersofocala.com email: artisticflowers@live.com When you want that Artistic touch!

Florida State Florists Association //

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M o m e on the Road Floral education is taking root across Florida.

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he Florida State Florists’ Association’s Momentum on the Road Program was in full force this past fall with educational programs all over the state, including Miami, Orlando and Tampa.

In September, FSFA partnered with Orlando Wholesale Florist to host a holiday open house.

John and Sally Kobylinski and the entire staff generously

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opened their doors to FSFA. Orlando Wholesale Florist featured incredible floral products and new items they would be offering for the upcoming holidays.

Andreia Muller, AIFD, CFD, FSMD, and Bob Tucker, AIFD, CFD, FSMD, joined forces to present two holiday-inspired stage shows. But it takes an army to pull off not one, but two stage

winter 2020 // floridastatefloristsassociation.com

entum shows. Andreia and Bob were assisted by Maria Servigna, Ana Servigna, Bill Bobulinski, Ashley Brant and Brian Wirtz. Needless to say, there were a lot of creative minds at work preparing for the show. The hit of the show was the “Little Shop of Horrors” segment inspired by Ashley.

While Andreia, Bob, Maria and Ana were working on the “serious” designs for the show,

Ashley, Bill and Brian had fun “playing” with skulls and eyeballs for the entire selection of Halloween designs. As you can see from the pictures … they had way too much fun.

In October, the duo of Andreia and Bob were at it again in Tampa. Kennicott Brothers – Tampa (formerly Nordlie Wholesale Florist) rebranded its facility with a grand reopening

Florida State Florists Association //

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holiday open house. Shannon Greenhalgh, general manager, opened the beautiful facility to clients and members of FSFA. The morning started off with a hands-on class taught by Andreia and Bob. More than 30 students learned how to make specialty bows, twist aluminum wire into armatures for corsages and boutonnieres, and design bouquets using curly willow as an armature. All of the products used in the classes were generously donated by Kennicott Brothers – Tampa. After a catered

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lunch, everyone in attendance was treated to a holiday stage show from Andreia and Bob. Seventeen holiday designs were presented.

The proceeds from the hands-on class and raffles at both events raised more than $1,500 for the scholarship and education fund.

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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS

WE HAVE AN UNCOMPROMISING EYE FOR DETAIL AND HAVE BEEN COMMITTED TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR FLORAL PARTNERS SINCE 1969!

305 640 2390 www.gardensamerica.com

REBATE PROGRAM

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