Congratulations to the winners of the recently completed Floriology #TeachFloral Contest design competition, and thanks to all who participated! To take part in the contest, floral designers were asked to film themselves teaching a lesson about floral design.
The designers shared their insights and inspirations by posting their short videos to Floriology’s Facebook page with the hashtag #TeachFloralContest2019. A panel of certified floral judges then selected 15 designers for the final stage where they were asked to teach and film a lesson on design balance. The winners were announced in a Facebook Live video January 20, 2019.
Taking first was Andrew Stinson, AIFD, CFD. As the grand prize winner, Andrew will enjoy a VIP experience at the 2019 AIFD National Symposium in Las Vegas, including a five-night hotel stay, up to $750 for airfare and access to VIP gatherings and events.
Lea Romanowski, AIFD, CFD, CAFA, took home second place, receiving a premium registration at the AIFD National Symposium and $375 toward airfare. Third place, with a prize of one general registration to the AIFD Symposium and up to $375 toward airfare, went to Sharrai Morgan. Karen Williams was named the Florists Choice winner for garnering the most total likes on her video. She won a scholarship to the 2019 Floriology Institute course of her choice, including a four-night hotel stay.
Andrew wowed the judges with his series of educational videos that showcased his passion for flowers, skills as a designer, and creativity with a camera. His imaginative “Flower New Network” lesson on balance in the third and final round set him apart from a field of highly talented contestants. In his “fake” newscast, Andrew played three different roles in which he artfully educated and entertained viewers about the design principles of balance.
Making his first-place finish even sweeter is the fact that Andrew finished third in last year’s #TeachFloral Contest. He took the feedback he received from judges and came back even stronger for the 2019 edition. “This time around, I set out with the goal in mind that I was going to give it everything I had and try to push myself beyond my limits and outside of my comfort zone,” Andrew says. “I had a goal in mind and I am very honored and excited that my hard work paid off!”
“This honor reinforces why I started teaching 15-plus years ago – to make a difference,” says Lea. “It motivates me to continue teaching and mentoring when and wherever possible. I will always be committed to the education of future designers.”
“When you are a small business owner and sometimes can struggle, every gift of encouragement and support is vital to thrive,” states Sharrai. “But to know that my true authentic voice and its messages resonated with folks is the greatest gift of all!”
“The 2019 #TeachFloral Contest again has proven that we all have the ability to educate, stimulate and inspire others with our talents and creative abilities,” says BloomNet Director of Education and Industry Relations Jackie Lacey, AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI.
“The bar continues to be raised with each video from each participant and that is so exciting to see,” states Jackie. “Being able also to encourage and promote continued growth and development in the industry by offering an incredible AIFD Symposium Experience as the prize packages is a win-win for both the industry and the participant. As long as we continue to grow within our individual careers and continue to share with those that do not have the opportunities or resources that everyone may have, the industry as a whole will continue to grow.”