By Shamay Andrich AIFD CFD, President NW Regional Chapter
When asked to highlight a past AIFD Northwest member, I immediately reached for our Membership Book — my personal bible for connecting with our members. Within those pages lies our history, our artistry, and the foundation of who we are today.
From the class of 1971, two names still shine brightly: Phillip Hernandez and Richard Brabham, AIFD — both still active and inspiring within our NW chapter.
Memories from 1971: Richard Brabham, AIFD LIFE
Richard recalls his induction vividly:
“Symposium was held at Cal Poly, with the final night at the historic Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. We decorated themed suites like The Rock Cave, Safari Room, and Cloud 9 — each bursting with creativity. The banquet was under a massive copper tree adorned with orchids, and the night’s entertainment featured stunning floral headdresses from the Las Floristas Ball. When they began announcing new inductees alphabetically, I thought I’d been skipped… until my name was called at the very end! It was an unforgettable, emotional moment — a dream realized.”
Reflections from 1981:
From the class of 1981, several members remain active — Betty Walton, AIFD, Steven Brown, AIFD, and Ikuyo Nakase, AIFD among them. Betty and Steven continue to teach, mentor, and create with unwavering dedication.
Ikuyo Nakase, AIFD , writing from Japan, shared her remarkable journey:
“My grandfather, J. Sekiye, was among the earliest Japanese floral designers. I followed in his footsteps, I found 5 AIFD referrals, submitted my portfolio and credentials to be inducted in Los Angeles in 1981. I later presented in New York — a show featuring a Yumi Katsura wedding gown and earning a standing ovation. The friendships I made through AIFD remain strong to this day. Now, in my 70s, I’m revisiting my family’s legacy through zikamori(Japanese table design), a tradition my father began.”
You can still visit Hanaju Florist, her family’s historic shop founded in 1870 — its Meiji-era façade unchanged and its garden café welcoming visitors in Tokyo.
A Lasting Bloom
To Richard, Ikuyo, Phillip, Betty, and Steven — thank you for sharing your stories, your artistry, and your decades of dedication. You’ve shaped not only the floral landscape but the very heart of AIFD. Your legacy continues to inspire future generations of designers as they step into the spotlight and join our ever-blooming community.
