The AIFD Foundation annually awards grants and scholarships to floral design students and professional floral designers. One of the newest scholarships is S.H.I.N.E. (Scholarships Help Inspire Nurturing Education). This scholarship offers professional floral designers the opportunity to continue their floral design education through a specialized mentorship with some of the absolute best floral designers in our industry.
Angelyn Tipton AIFD CFD GMF received a S.H.I.N.E. scholarship in 2022 and has just completed her mentorship with Chris Norwood AIFD AAF PFCI of Tipton and Hurst, where she learned not only about producing large-scale events but also got a peek at the production of “Happy,” Tipton & Hurst’s extremely popular daily social media videos featuring Chris Norwood AIFD.
“It was a wonderful learning experience,” Angelyn shared of her time working with Chris and his team to create an over-the-top event, which was not, by the way, held in Little Rock. She picked up a few quick tricks such as painting the backs of phalaenopsis orchids to ensure that creases do not show, as well as ways to add a bit of pizzazz to a utility floral container, elevating it to perfection. She is ready to share her newfound skills with her numerous students as well as discovering unlimited possibilities through new container vendors.
There was invaluable insight in “all the little things that Chris did not even realize he was teaching,” Angelyn shared. The graceful way that the team dealt with the pressure and the out-of-the-box thinking that Chris demonstrated were things that could not have been learned without this type of mentorship.
The event that was produced was actually five hours away from Tipton and Hurst’s main location in Little Rock, Arkansas, which made thorough planning the key to success. However, no matter how well laid the plans, there will always be an unanticipated challenge. Chris demonstrated that “having a great team that takes directions, works independently and picks up the slack is a must,” Angelyn said. Angelyn was very thankful for the opportunity to experience this type of mentorship. The AIFD Foundation is privileged to be able to provide a variety of learning opportunities through numerous scholarships and grants. May 1st is the next opportunity to apply for a S.H.I.N.E. Scholarship. You can find information on all of the available grants and scholarships at aifdfoundation.org.
