We asked each of our 2020 inductees to tell us a little about themselves. Take a minute to get to know these 10 inductees and stay tuned for more to come!
Irasema Carranza AIFD, CFD
San Mateo, California
My fascination with flowers began as a young girl growing up in Cuba, where brilliant colored tropical flowers blossomed almost everywhere. I came to the US with my family in 1968. While studying floral design, I participated in student competitions at other symposia and worked in the flower room. I learned about AIFD and their recognition worldwide and benefitted from their Foundation, having received two scholarships. I wanted to challenge myself to become part of this organization and ultimately give back to rising designers. I can’t wait for the induction ceremony next month!
Eun young Kim AIFD, CFD
Seoul, South Korea
I am teaching flower arrangements and I love this job.
Ellie Grande AIFD, CFD
Tomball, Texas
I grew up in the cotton fields of Texas and fell in love with nature. My mother instilled in me that life is easier the more you know so I have a yearning to learn all the time. AIFD brought my two worlds together – a desire to learn the mechanics of my craft and the ability to push the boundaries of traditional design and nature. Throughout my 25 year career I have always wanted my designs to bring nature to someone’s space. I am inspired, honored & humbled to be among the few of AIFD. I found a group of people that speak my love language – the language of the earth, the flowers and design.
Donna Tall AIFD, CFD
Moscow, Texas
My name is Donna Tall, I am the owner of SadieAnn’s Floral Designs located in the small town of Corrigan, Texas. I was lucky enough to grow up with a very artistic grandmother named Sadie, who embedded that love of creating within me at an early age. I now love all things flowers to a point of obsession possibly. Out of the shop I am a wife and mother of 2, a 16-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. I cannot express how honored and extremely blessed I feel to be AIFD. Excited to see what the future holds.
Debra Sherwood AIFD, CFD
Oswego, New York
Having owned my shop for 26 years, I am a Floral Artist who is still passionate about my job. Each event or occasion is an opportunity to give my best talent to my customers. In my quest for AIFD accreditation, I have learned so many lessons. Put love into every creation, be prepared, work hard and never give up on your dreams.
Danelle Ariaz AIFD, CFD
Manteca, California
I am an Agriculture teacher at Lathrop High School and have been teaching for 20 years. I currently teach a lot of floral classes and have about 200 kids each year who take floral from me. I have passed the CCF through California State Floral Association a few years ago and I first got my CFD in San Francisco in 2011.
Joanna Kalina AIFD, CFD
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Floral Designer of 8 years. President of the Iowa Florists’ Association. Photography enthusiast. Excited to keep growing in design technique and creativity as an AIFD designer!
Joan Marie Driscoll AIFD, CFD, mmfd
Canton, Massachusetts
I am so happy to be a part of such a warm, enthusiastic and very talented group of floral artists. I learn every day from someone in my extended group of floral friends. I am so pleased that at 60 years young, I am still excited about the path I have chosen and that learning new things has broadened my horizons and allowed me to participate in so many wonderful opportunities, such as AIFD. Thank you to all that have inspired me throughout the years and continue to inspire me each and every day!
Jennifer Harvey AIFD, CFD, CAFA
Canada
Jennifer Harvey is the Past President of the Canadian Academy of Floral Arts -CAFA and has been in the floral industry for 23 years. She is one of the top freelancers in Canada, designing, consulting and teaching at shops, studios and events all over North America. She is a columnist for Canadian Florist magazine and writes for several industry magazines & blogs. Her work has been featured in all over the world. She is the floral director of Canada Blooms, one of the world’s top garden shows in the world! She has designed for celebrities, royalty, members of parliament, and prominent political figures.
J Ross Railey AIFD, CFD
Bay Minette, Alabama
J Ross began working as a delivery driver in a local flower shop where his passion soon lead to becoming a floral designer. He graduated in 1992 with a degree in Agricultural Economics and Business Management from Auburn University and continued to freelance. J Ross currently works for Wind Creek Hospitality as the Creator of Excitement. He enjoys using everything he learned about nature growing up to create works of art for the casino.
