Find Your Local Florist:Everything you want to know about flowers!
We spent our weekend at the Tennessee State Florist Association Convention in Franklin TN. What a show it was this year! So many unique designs to recharge florists with all the creativity to last all year!
How often do you get to be surrounded by as much world-class floral design as you can handle for multiple days?! Not only the presentations, workshops and competitions, but even the dinners are full of eye candy! Every where you look, no two centerpieces are the same!
Flower Shop Network interviewed the wonderfully creative Rae Griffith, AIFD, ICPF of True Colors Floral Artistry in Springfield IL. She was chosen as our very first Illinois Florist Spotlight — congrats Rae!
Flower Shop Network: How long have you been a florist?
Florist: About 23 years, although it’s been in my heart/mind since I was a small child. Flowers have always been a passion.
Flower Shop Network: When did open your flower shop in Springfield?
Florist: Dec 3, 1993
Flower Shop Network: What are your floral specialties?
Florist: Weddings, events, and everyday… in that order. Design wise, non-traditional vased work, tropicals (I have a tropical cooler). Bright and colorful.
Flower Shop Network: What is your favorite flower?
Florist: Gardenia, although in the spring, French tulips can give the gardenia a run for the money.
Flower Shop Network: What is your favorite wedding bouquet?
Florist: Lots of silver wire, bling and crazy! Very non-traditional.
Flower Shop Network: What would you say are the top flower trends in Springfield Illinois?
Florist: Fun, bright and lush. Gerbs are the hands-down favorite, still, but customers are looking for familiar flowers with an artistic twist.
Flower Shop Network: How have you used the Illinois state flower in your designs?
Florist: I have not. It’s the wood violet. Although, I did make a large violet out of rice paper and cover it with cutup purple statice (ala rose parade float) for one of our state senator’s inauguration parties.
Flower Shop Network: What has been the best part of being a florist in Illinois?
Florist: Hmm… probably my customers. I like being close to the St. Louis and Chicago area (all within a short drive), and our floral association. I think it is one of the best in the United States.
Flower Shop Network: Do you have a floral design philosophy?
Florist: Don’t know if it so must a philosophy as a attitude. Never stop learning. I take classes, go to conventions and try to read all that I can about what is going on in the world, as far as floral design trends. To be a relevant and growing business, you must keep changing with the times, or you will be left behind. You cannot continue to do things the same way year after year and expect to grow your business. [Read more…]
