Community Over Seclusion
Why you should join the NCSFA
Written by Anna Keck
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As florists, we are tough, we are strong, we are creative, and we are independent. If there were a catchphrase for florists, I think it would be “I can do that myself!” And sure, you can. You can find educational materials and classes, go through numerous trials and errors in your designs and mechanics, and suffer through business missteps and challenging customers… And you will survive on your own, because we are florists and that’s what we do–but why would you if you didn’t have to? That’s how I feel about being part of the North Carolina State Florist Association; I don’t have to do it all alone.Â
I could find my own educational opportunities, lectures, design workshops, and business resources, but why would I when the NCSFA brings them to me? And often available for free or at a reduced cost with my annual membership. Additionally, they handle the legwork of finding educators, vetting their credentials, and ensuring the information provided is current and relevant. All you have to do is show up and learn. And hopefully leave inspired! From design shows to small group workshops to online educational materials, the Association puts it all at your fingertips. NCSFA wants you to learn and expand, to become your best creative and business-savvy self. And once a class or specific opportunity is over, being a part of the organization means continued support and connection. Possibly more valuable than the education received at these events is the friendship and networks you can create.Â
One of the best environments for creating and fostering connections is the Annual State Convention. The first year I attended the convention, I did so on a whim, happy to get out of the house for a few days. What I found was just the beginning of a string of amazing experiences over the next two years! At the 2023 Celebrate convention, I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with both peers and professionals in the industry. I attended design programs led by industry professionals like Jackie Lacey and Jerome Raska, in a setting that was intimate enough to have a conversation with them afterwards, and even share a table at lunch! It all showed me how important community is in a tough, creative industry like ours.Â
After attending the 2023 State Convention, I was lucky enough to be awarded a scholarship through the NCSFA and AIFD to attend the 2024 AIFD Symposium! Now, that event is a big ticket with an international draw, featuring 4-5 days of large-scale stage shows, breakout educational sessions, workshops, and social events. However, the best part of my attendance truly was spending more time and continuing to build friendships with folks I had met the previous summer at the NCSFA state convention!Â
After that experience, I couldn’t wait to attend the next North Carolina state convention, Speechless 2024, and throw myself into it as much as I could! After seeing the inspiring Floral Fashion stage show at the Symposium by Julia Rose, I decided to enter the Body Flowers competition at our state convention, creating a floral capelet of flat fern and foraged botanical elements. This was my first floral competition, and I was delighted to win my category! Serving to ignite my fire to enter more competitions and continue to push myself to create more unique designs. I also signed up to volunteer in the work room and got to work one-on-one with celebrated designer Ace Berry. The openness with which Ace shared his skills, ideas, and mechanics was refreshing and inspiring, and seeing designs I helped create featured on a mainstage presentation was incredible!Â
Now, in my area, there are numerous florists and studio-based designers, but finding a sense of community, commonality, friendship, and support can be challenging. At these conventions, you become immersed in the industry in a way that is so uplifting and inspiring. Surrounded by industry professionals (even some whose careers you may have followed for years!), everyone is there to talk shop, to share ideas, and commiserate on the specific challenges of our very unique industry, and uplift you to keep going and be the best florist you can be. Being surrounded by a community that WANTS TO SEE YOU SUCCEED is an experience that I don’t think many of us get these days, but that’s what the NCSFA is all about. Sure, you can find success on your own, but why would you if you didn’t have to?
