The NCSFA provides two main categories of floral education. The first category is the hands-on North Carolina Certified Professional Florist (NCCPF) school, which offers a pathway to obtaining your North Carolina floristry certification. We also offer a variety of hands-on design workshops throughout the year.
What is NCCPF and how does it benefit me?
- Gain a fresh perspective of the floral industry and your business
- Learn how to capitalize on popular trends happening daily
- Get re-inspired in areas of management, sales and marketing
- Educate yourself on new methods to promote your industry, your specialties and your shop
- Network with peers who have witnessed and experienced the challenges in the floral industry
- The ability to recognize the ever-changing climate in the floral industry, while having the education to take advantage of those changes and use them to your advantage
- Receive your NCCPF certificate to frame and display
- Special recognition at the NCSFA annual convention
- National recognition as a Certified Florist by the National Alliance of Floral Associations (NAFA) with your name added to their registry
Upcoming Workshops
March 11-13, 2025Â
NCCPF Hands-On School with Stephanie Garrett, AIFD, NCCPF, CFD
March 14-15, 2025Â
Floral Fusion: The Experience (Advanced Workshop)
Discover the place where art and floral design converge!
Location: The Venue at HighRockÂ
Time: (14th 9:00 – 5:00) (15th 10:00 until complete)
Flowers and Lunch Provided. For more information and images visit @ncsfa on Instagram and Facebook.
March 30, 2025
Blooms and Business:Â Wedding Concepts and Retail Business insights
Hands on workshop and Design Show
Location: Cyn-Mar Wholesale Pine Level, NC
Cost: Free to Members of NCSFA
Meet Your NCCPF Instructor:
Stephanie Garrett, AIFD, NCCPF, CFD
Stephanie Garrett, AIFD, NCCPF, CFD, is a veteran florist with over 20 years of experience. She has won many awards over her career, including winning State, Regional and National Designer of the Year as well as being a two-time Jim Treadaway Cup winner and a two-time Harwood Cup winner.
She began her career in retail working with Pat Murray, AIFD and Jacque Penny, AIFD at a flower shop in Durham, North Carolina. She was afforded the opportunity to study under designers like, Gregor Lersch, Tor Gunderson, Hitomi Gilliam and Phil Rulloda, just to name a few. She attributes her success in the industry to her involvement in the North Carolina State Florists Association, mentorship she has received and being an apprentice to some amazing designers.
Stephanie has worked with some large event companies, like Blossoms Events in Murrells Inlet, SC, David Tutera and Fresh Affairs of Raleigh, NC. Upon the birth of her son, Stephanie returned to the retail world, where she managed a high-end shop in Durham, NC for many years.
When asked about her long career in the floral industry, she replied, “It has been my true honor to grow, learn and serve my fellow designers and the public. I have enjoyed all the many years of being a part of so many celebrations filled with joy but also sorrow. Sharing the beauty of flowers brings communities of all facets together.”
Stephanie is currently serving as the Vice President for the North Carolina State Florists Association and is the instructor for the North Carolina Certified Professional Florist School.
Meet Your NCFSA Education Chair:
Joseph Barnes, AIFD, CFD
A native of Eastern North Carolina, Joseph embarked on his floristry journey in 2006, bringing with him a deep-rooted passion for the art and beauty of floral design.
His dedication and love for flowers has not only shaped his career but also led him to achieve the prestigious accreditation as a designer from the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD) in 2022.Throughout his career, he has been honored with numerous awards, notably being a two-time winner of the Jim Treadaway Interpretive Design Competition. These accolades reflect Joseph’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of floristry.
Residing in Raleigh, NC, he actively contributes to the floristry community as the Education Chairman on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina State Florists Association (NCSFA). His role allows him to share knowledge, foster learning and encourage the growth of fellow artists. He firmly believes that the art of floristry is ever-evolving. As such, he continuously seeks to learn and embrace new aspects of the trade, aiming to inspire and be inspired by the boundless creativity and innovation that defines the industry.
