The American Institute of Floral Designers® (AIFD®) is proud to announce that Michelle Aldentaler has been awarded the prestigious Inspire and Empower Scholarship, recognizing her outstanding dedication and enthusiasm for advancing the art of floral artistry. This esteemed scholarship, awarded annually by the AIFD® National Marketing Committee, provides individuals from various segments of the floral industry the opportunity to further their education by attending the AIFD® National Symposium.
Michelle is the owner of Moonflower Design Studio, located at 910 Main Street in Lino Lakes, MN. She holds an associate’s degree in Floral Business and Operations from Hennepin Technical College and has dedicated her career to the art of floral design. Her passion for competition has led her to Koehler & Dramm, where she was honored to win the Designer of the Year competition in 2019. Additionally, she has competed in the Minnesota State Fair Designer of the Year competition, consistently placing in the top ten. Her drive to challenge herself and push the boundaries of floral artistry keeps her continually motivated and excited.
For the past 11 years, Michelle has participated in Art in Bloom at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, including two years as a Professional Florist exhibitor. She has found immense joy in connecting with the community through floral interpretation and forming lasting friendships. In addition, she has expanded her expertise by freelancing with Green Goddess Floral, gaining experience in high-end weddings and cultural events while learning innovative techniques. These experiences have provided her with invaluable growth opportunities, which she continues to embrace with enthusiasm.
Michelle is dedicated to continual learning and believes in sharing knowledge with others in the industry. She recognizes the importance of staying inspired and values the educational opportunities provided by events like the AIFD® National Symposium. She looks forward to bringing back innovative techniques and fresh perspectives to her floral community in Minnesota. She envisions not only applying these new ideas to her own work but also collaborating with fellow florists to showcase and teach others.
Beyond design, Michelle is passionate about the growth of the floral industry, particularly the increasing presence of local flower growers. She strongly believes in strengthening the connection between florists and local growers to enhance the quality of designs and support small businesses. Additionally, she embraces personal and professional development, continually pushing herself to experiment with new styles and techniques that challenge her creativity.
This year’s AIFD® National Symposium, set to take place in Palm Springs, CA, is renowned as one of the most dynamic design education programs in the floral industry. Featuring a diverse lineup of educational sessions taught by leading floral professionals from around the world, the Symposium provides an invaluable opportunity for designers like Michelle to expand their expertise, explore new techniques, and connect with fellow creatives.
Established in 1965, AIFD® is dedicated to recognizing and promoting excellence in floral design, boasting a global membership of over 1,700 professionals. The organization continues to set high standards within the industry, fostering education and artistic growth.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Michelle Aldentaler on this well-deserved honor and look forward to witnessing her continued contributions to the floral world. To learn more about AIFD® and the AIFD® National Symposium, visit https://aifd.org.
We invite fellow attendees to welcome Michelle and celebrate her inspiring journey at this year’s Symposium!
Contact Michelle Aldentaler:
Moonflower Design Studio
910 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Phone: 651-328-3508
Email: Moonflowerdesignstudios@gmail.com
