The Montana Florist Association is proud to announce the winner of the AIFD Inspire and Empower Scholarship to Kayte Epperson of Bitterroot Flower Shop in Missoula, Montana. Kayte has been an integral part of the Bitterroot team since 2013.
“Hi everybody! My name is Kayte and I am the lead designer for Bitterroot Flower Shop in Missoula. I started working at Bitterroot as a university student, walking over to the shop after class and on weekends. As many of us did, I started by answering phones and helping customers. After a few years, I moved back to the design department and learned floral design from my more experienced coworkers. I’ve been designing for about ten years and my favorite part is creating something beautiful from start to finish and sending it out into the world. I love to learn and am so excited for this opportunity to attend the 2025 AIFD Symposium.”
As the winner Kayte receives a general registration to the 2024 AIFD Symposium “Reflections”. AIFD, American Institute of Floral Designers, is considered the most dynamic of the floral industry’s design education programs, this year’s AIFD® National Symposium, takes place in Palm Springs, CA and features a variety of educational offerings taught by the world’s leading floral design professionals.
The applicants were asked to fill out a short questionnaire about floral experience and goals and also to submit a letter of character reference to the scholarship committee.
Her boss Lindsay Irwin commented that Kayte is deeply committed to her craft and always eager to learn and grow. In addition to her role at Bitterroot Flower Shop, Kayte has taken the initiative to work with a local flower farm during the summer months. Her dedication to supporting local growers and promoting the floral industry is admirable. She has served as a bridge between local flower farmers and floral retailers, strengthening our connection.
Kayte transitioned from university student with an interest in floral design to the lead designer and department manager. When asked the question “What are your floral career goals?” here is what she responded with.
“I want to keep our flower shop successful and relevant in the community, and keep reminding people that flowers serve a special purpose in our lives that cannot be replaced with Amazon. I want to continue to learn and improve my skills as a florist, and continue to grow my worth and marketability. Eventually, I would like to have my own flower shop or studio where I can find my own niche in the community.”
Although Kayte has attended nine Montana State Florist Association conventions, this will be her first AIFD Symposium. We know Kayte will represent MFA and the floral industry well in Palm Springs this July.
