The South Central Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers® (AIFD®) is pleased to announce that Falyn Cordeiro, CFD, AMF, has been awarded the Inspire and Empower Scholarship, recognizing her exemplary dedication and enthusiasm for the floral arts. Falyn submitted a stunning floral design into the Frankie Shelton Cup Competition, centered around the theme Connections, and rose to the top with her artistry and vision.
Congratulations, Falyn, on being named the 2025 Frankie Shelton Cup Winner and the recipient of the AIFD Inspire and Empower Scholarship!
Falyn is the owner of Falyn’s Flowers in Gentry, Arkansas. She opened her shop in 2023 after gaining valuable experience at Siloam Flowers in Siloam Springs. That same year, she earned her Arkansas Master Florist (AMF) certification and shortly after achieved her Certified Floral Designer (CFD) designation. She is an active member of the Arkansas Florists Association and an award-winning designer.
In addition to her floral talents, Falyn has a deep love for horses and is a former Rodeo Queen. Her passion, creativity, and dedication to the floral industry make her a shining example of the next generation of floral leaders.
About the 2025 Frankie Shelton Cup
The South Central Chapter of AIFD® was thrilled to bring the beloved Frankie Shelton Cup Competition online for 2025! For the first time, designers from across the country could participate in this prestigious event, honoring the legacy of the late, great Frankie Shelton.
Frankie was more than a floral designer—she was a mentor, innovator, and passionate advocate for the floral arts. Her love for the industry extended beyond arranging blooms; she cherished the connections she built with people, sharing knowledge and experiences with colleagues and students alike.
This year’s competition theme, Connections, was inspired by Frankie’s passion for bringing people together through floral artistry. Designers were invited to explore the concept through:
• People and nature,
• Generations passing down knowledge,
• Cultural traditions expressed through flowers, and
• The emotional impact of flowers during life’s moments.
Entries were judged on creativity, technique, use of flowers, and how well they captured the spirit of Connections. Congratulations to All Our Winners! A heartfelt congratulations to all who competed! Special recognition goes to: • Kathy Rodocker, AIFD, and Kirstin Garbee – tied for 2nd Place • Ellie Grande, AIFD, EMC – 3rd Place Winner
We are so proud of all the talented designers who honored Frankie Shelton’s legacy through their artistry.
