Our love, our designers
Designers of the calendar floral dresses
JANUARY- Velta Berzins, CAFA
Velta Berzins entered the floral industry 17 years ago after a successful career in the corporate world and in 2001 was awarded her CAFA designation. Velta decided to turn her creative talents loose participating in all shows and workshops and honing her floral skills. Unable to completely turn her back on her organizational skills, she is currently on the board of CAFA as the Treasurer, Office Administrator, and Director of the Student CAFA portfolio. She is also on the Boards of Flowers Canada. the World Flower Council and Chair of Retail Floristry at Seneca College. Her personal mandate is education within our industry and for blossoming florists.
FEBRUARY- Eric Wesseling, CAFA
Born and raised in Holland, Erik Wesseling has a natural love for flowers and the floral industry. He received his training in Holland before immigrating to Canada in 1993 and joined in CAFA in 1998.
Erik gained experience working in a number of florist shops before starting his own, Floral Buds & Design, in 2001, located in Woodstock, Ont.
Many of Erik’s designs have a European influence and when designing for this for the love of the bloom, Erik kept the February theme in mind while trying to create something unique that people could relate to.
MARCH- Brad Higginson, CAFA
Brad Higginson has been rooted in the floral industry ever since he began working with his father at Alma Florists Inc. established in 1952 in Toronto. He grew into the business and has since been the proud, third generation owner/operator of Alma Florists for more than 30 years. Brad graduated from the Floral Design program at Seneca College and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and Economics from the University of Toronto.
He is an active member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Academy of Floral Art CAFA and proudly participated with fellow CAFA members in floral creations at the Canadian Juno Awards and at the World Flower Council Summit in Nice.
Brad became an instructor and has since shared his flair for and extensive knowledge of the floral industry with many privileged students at Seneca College and the Canadian Institute of Floral Design.
Brad has been featured in numerous professional floral design shows and venues, including Canada Blooms. Brad’s floral designs have been featured in Canadian Florist magazine and he and his team of talented designers at Alma Florists have been featured on a number of occasions on City TV, CTV news, Global Television and in the Toronto Star.
APRIL- Anne Leeson, AIFD, CAFA
Started in the floral industry 1988-DESIGNER MONTE’S PLACE-GUELPH
Achieved flowers CANADA INTERMEDIATE DESIGN COURSE 1989
Achieved flowers CANADA ADVANCED FLORAL DESIGN 1993
Inducted into CANADIAN ACEDEMY FLORAL ART 1997
Winner of florist as gardener,CAFA COMPETITION 1998
2nd place 12 EMOTIONS-ART IN BLOOM 2000
Winner FTD MAPLE LEAF CUP COMPETITION 2000
Inducted into AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF FLORAL DESIGNERS 2003
Winner CAFA “ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW”DESIGN 2004
Represented Canada inINTERFLORA WORLD CUP IN AUSTRALIA 2004
CAFA CUP WINNER 2006
Director of education CAFA BOARD MEMBER2008-09
Designed in National shows in Canada and USA and England
Designer and teacher for local and national horticulture societies
MAY- Glen Fidler, AIFD, CAFA
Glen has been devoted and employed in the floral industry for more than 30 years. In 1994 he became a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers, and in 1995 joined the Canadian Academy of Floral Art. He has held a position as a board of director member for Flowers Canada and CAFA. Glen has been extremely active in the retail sector, for numerous upscale floral establishments across Toronto and the GTA. He has participated in various design competitions and earned many prestigious awards. Glen has travelled throughout Ontario creating concepts for Teleflora Design Programs. He contributes actively to the Horticulture Society of Markham, Richmond hill, Aurora, and Scarborough. For the past 16 years Glen is a part time Professional Development Instructor at Seneca College. Above all his accomplishments and accolades he is most proud of his volunteer fund raisers and countless efforts supporting humanitarian causes through his unique talent and generosity.
JUNE- Donna Gleeson. AIFD, CAFA
Donna Gleeson has been devoted to the flower business for 30 years. She was inducted into AIFD in 1994 and became a proud member of CAF A in 1996. Through the years Donna has been a respected judge and designer for Flowers Canada, The Tulip Festival and Canada Blooms. She has been active on the CAFA Board of Directors. Donna continues to expand her horizons with enthusiasm and dedication in the floral world.
JULY- Rada Ristich, CAFA
Rada Ristich Cafa, has been in the industry 30 years
Owner-Head designer for Peter Paul's Flowers in Toronto, Ontario for 22 years
Sits on the Board of Directors and Is Director of Special Events for the Canadian academy of Floral Art
Proud Member and designer for the WFC (World Flower Council)
Cafa liaison participating and designing at the Ottawa Tulip Festival 2003-2006
Recipient of the Tulip Festival Presidents Award 2005
Designer & Product Organizer for the Canadian "Juno Awards" past 3 years
AUGUST- Sabine Calame, CAFA
A passionate floral designer from the Netherlands with a addiction to twigs. Living, breathing, teaching and sharing her love for floral art since 1988.
District Manager of 6 Gardenland stores adding that European view to all she touches. CAFA member since 2005, active CAFA Board member since 2006 and Secretary since October 2008. Art work featured in International Annual Floral Art 2006-2007 and two years in a row creating floral creations at the Juno's.
SEPTEMBER- Shawna McLachlan, CAFA
Shawna McLachlan began her floral experience in high school, but took over 20 years to return to it. In 1997, she studied at Humber College and returned to the retail flower shops. In 2002, she opened her own design studio in Cookstown, working with corporate clients, brides and customers who want beautiful flowers for any reason. She became a proud member of the Canadian Academy of Floral Arts in 2006.
OCTOBER- Deborah Franklin, CAFA
Deborah Franklin, CAFA, from Unionville, Ontario, began her career as a floral designer after graduating from the Seneca College Retail Florist program in 1995. and since then, has worked for a variety of retail shops and special event planners. Deborah is also an instructor for the Continuing Education Retail Florist Certificate program at Seneca College in Toronto In 2000 Deborah was inducted into the Canadian Academy of Floral Art and has served as a member on the CAFA Board of Directors from 2000-2007. Deborah currently holds the position of editor for the CAFA CHAT newsletter.
NOVEMBER- Patricia Patrick, AIFD, CAFA
Floral Training in England. Inducted into AIFD in 1987
Founded CAFA in 1992, have served as President and Member of the Board of Directors.
Involved in every annual show to date.Designed at AIFD Mini Symposium in Ottawa 1997 and the Philadelphia Flower Show 2007
Chaired AIFD mini Symposiums in Niagara Falls and Toronto in 1999 and 2003
Organized exhibition for the Queen’s visit in 2003 and the Agricultural Ministers Conference in 2009.
Canadian Chapter President World Flower Council
Floral Educator at Seneca College and for Flowers Canada at the University of Guelph
DECEMBER- Glendora Blake, CAFA
Glendora Blake CAFA is a freelance designer from Mississauga Ontario. She began her training at the Canadian Instituted of floral design, graduated from Seneca College with honours and completed the Intermediate Floral Design program at the University of Guelph under instructors Nancy Murray. AIFD and Tony Manders, AIFD, CAFA.
In 1995 Glendora won the Flowers Canada Gold Cup, in 1997 she was 1st place in Canada Blooms (class of 62 Wonderment), 2nd place "Florist as Gardener" competition and in 1998 3rd place "Florist as an artist" competition.
For the period 1995-20004 Glendora was a Board Member of Flowers Canada (Toronto Chapter) and in 2000 she was inducted into the Canadian Academy of Floral Art (CAFA) and is currently a member of its Board of directors.
In addition to attending continuing educational workshops with acclaimed international designers such as John Weisz (AIFE, PFCI),Hitomi Gilliam (AIFD,CAFA), John Haines (AIFD), Tor Gunderson (AIFD) ,Rene Van Rems, Klaus Wagner (AIFD), Fred Chlan (AIFD).
Glendora has taken part in many exhibitions, displays and competitions.
Freelance work has lead her to work on setting up displays in wholesale showrooms in the area.
She is currently teaching adult classes with the Dufferin-Peel board of Education and with Parks and Recreations in Mississauga.
Designers of Canadian floral dresses
British Columbia - Kevin Young, AIFD, CAFA
Kevin is originally from Trinidad and moved to Canada 40 years ago. He currently resides in Vancouver and loves the West Coast. His early training in the Fashion Industry and his diverse background and exposure to different cultures may be part of the reason for his creativity and interpretive design work. He is known for his creative, and sometimes, daring use of colour. Kevin has been in the floral industry for over 27 years. He is currently a freelance designer and instructor. He is very involved in his local industry at large and can be found at any floral function, either on stage or behind the scenes. He has been a feature designer at many wholesale shows across Canada and the USA. He was a stage presenter at the AIFD National Symposium 2005, Seattle, WA. His work has been featured in floral publications, art galleries and social event. Kevin was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 1991 and is a past President of the Canadian Professional Floral Designers Association. He became a member of CAFA soon after its conception. Kevin is highly committed to the promotion of education and design awareness in the floral industry, and the appreciation of flowers in our daily lives.
Alberta - Lea Romanowski
Lea Romanowski CAFA AIFD CAFD, a 26 year veteran of the floral industry, won her first FTD sponsored competition in 1984 at a local convention and was "Hooked". Believing that being competitive helps keep a designer "On their toes creatively" has won 14 awards in the last 10 years, including local, provincial and Industry magazine competitions. Lea was inducted into AIFD in
2003 and CAFA 2004. Currently a Floral Design Instructor at Mount Royal College, stage designer and owner of "Designing on the Edge Inc. in Calgary Alberta. Lea's studio specializes in innovative Design and Décor for corporate events, themed parties and weddings.
Lea thinks "As designers we are blessed to be part of an industry that celebrates nature's incredible beauty, what a gift we have to share"
Saskatchewan - Jean Buick AIFD. CAFA
Owner of Connie's Flowers Ltd, in 1977.
Now a freelance designer from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with 44 years experience. Has taught floral design and horticulture for 3 years and Interior Design with flowers at several Collegiates at grade 12 level. Commentated approximately 30 bridal shows also while designing bridal bouquets. Graduated from The American School of Floral Design, Chicago ILL and .the William Kistler Success Seminars with Frankie Shelton. Held all the offices in FTD Saskatchewan for 5 years, Design competitions entered and placed 1st and 2nd place and has been a presenter at numerous functions including wholesalers.
Manitoba - Veena Sagoo
VEENA SAGOO CAFA - SAFU
Inspired by natures beauty and creativity in her fashion designing career, veena was moved by the challenges in the floral world and got her initial training and experience in Kenya and UK. Veena’s enthusiastic approach and originality in design got her to lead the Kenya floral club and after encouragement achieved her judging credentials from South African becoming a SAFU member.
After immigrating to Canada in 2003, veena managed to gain further experience in the floral industry by working at various florist shops and attending institute courses to achieve the prestigious CAFA credentials in 2005.
Veena is currently the head designer and owner of a floral shop ARK FLORALS based in Oakville.
Ontario - Inta Taurins, CAFA
Inta Taurins entered the floral industry 35 years ago while still in high school when she attended the Flowers Canada Design School and worked in her sister’s flower shop part time. This experience encouraged Inta to continue acquiring additional skills leading her to take further instruction at The Pauline School of Floral Design, Toronto; Seneca College’s Floral Program, and then on to majoring in Fine Arts at the University of Toronto. She has attended floral courses throughout North America, earning the FTD Master Florist Certificate and in 1999 accreditation to the Canadian Academy of Floral Art (CAFA), where she served as President from 2006-2008. Her love for the industry motivates her to be actively involved in a number of related organizations such as Flowers Canada, Toronto Chapter; The Canadian Tulip Festival; and has proudly participated with fellow CAFA members in floral creations at the Canadian Juno Awards and at the World Flower Summits in Latvia & Nice. She has won numerous awards, has taught Visual Merchandising and Display at Seneca College, is an accredited floral judge and continues to lead workshops and special interest courses. Inta currently manages a large floral business in Toronto, and is an instructor at the Canadian Institute of Floral Design. Inta’s passion to ‘learn more’ continues as well as her desire to mentor future floral designers.
Quebec - Chantal Blondin, CAFA
Chantal Blondin was born in Gatineau Quebec where she began her floral career in 1994. Directly out of school with a thirst to learn and a passion to prepare exemplatory work, Chantal works in every capacity of the establishment. From delivery person to full time florist he desire to succeed sees her become executive director of Fleurs signees where she has led a team of amazing designers for more that fourteen years. Under the tutelage of Maitre fleuriste agree Joel Marc Frappier they have signed some of Canada’s most amazing events. Throughout the years Chantal perfects the work with foliage and directs the establishment to the art of European styling.
Chantal Blondin participated in many competitions to include Tulip Explosion where she gathered a panoply or awards. In 2004 she earned the title of Grand Laureate at the Canadian Floral Hair Competition. In 2005, Chantal brings her floral talents to Nice and prepares a Floral Hair Conception that represents Canada at the Battle of the Flowers. In 2006 Chantal is part of the Canadian contingent that traveled to France to prepare a floral float that was acclaimed and received the highest accolades of the parade.
Chantal is an accredited judge certified in 2006.
In 2007, Chantal became the fifth Quebec resident to be inducted into the CAFA.
Over the years Chantal has been instrumental in the success of the floral preparations for the Junos, the Governor General’s investiture, Celine Dion, Shania Twain and most of the country leaders that visit Ottawa to include Tony Blair and Vicente Fox.
Prince Edward Island –Sun Ja Park, CAFA
Sun Ja Park, cafa, also known as Sonia Park, has been involved in the floral art and design industry for 20 years. Originally from South Korea, Sonia has a degree in graphic design and incorporates this experience when creating floral works of art. Sonia has also attended private floral institutions to enhance her skills and to learn new trends in contemporary European, North American and French-Canadian arrangements. She incorporates a wide variety of hard goods into her style such as bamboo, twigs and branches, in effect, blending harmonious and contrasting arrays of accessories with natural greens. In October 2008, Sonia was inducted as a new CAFA member. Together with her husband Paul and family, Sonia is the owner of Dépot des Fleurs in Montreal and has served the community for the last seven years.
Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia - Marijke Engel AIFD, CAFA
Marijke has worked in many aspects of floral design, from design show presenter and commentator,
doing display work for wholesale companies, working in retail shops, and holding the senior postion in
a large event company.
Upon completing the Retail Florist program at Seneca College, she entered the floral industry, and also
became a board member of Flowers Canada - Toronto Chapter. Marijke was a board member from
1994 - 2005, and was the Chapter President from 1999 - 2001. She was inducted into the Canadian Academy
of Floral Art (CAFA) in 1997, and held a position on the board of directors of CAFA from 1997 - 2006, with the postion of board secretary for most of that time. Induction into the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD)in 2001 was the realization of a goal set years before as a student at Seneca College.
Marijke presently owns her own event decor company.
Food and flower dress
Ryan Jennings
Ryan Jennings is a hedonist. For him, it’s the pure joy of good food and good friends that feed his habit. He’s what people call a professional foodie and lives to eat, drink and entertain. He has an insatiable drive to share his joy with the world.
He writes about the pleasure of eating and entertaining in his column “Ask a Foodie” for 2: The Magazine for Couples and is a regular contributor to publications including The Globe and Mail, Toronto Life, dine.TO and canadianliving.com.
He makes consumers drool by working his food styling skills for clients such as Timothy’s, President’s Choice and Toberlone and he designs custom cocktails for private parties and corporate clients alike. Add to this the fact that he’s the author of the bestselling cookbook, Cooking with Booze (Whitecap 2006) and the much anticipated follow up, Entertaining with Booze (Whitecap 2008) and it’s evident that he really does live to eat and drink!
Born in Hamilton, Ontario and raised in a small town, his passion for food was sparked as a child in his mother’s kitchen, where she taught him the delicate art of making pastry, cakes and cookies. It’s funny, Ryan’s career in food started without him realizing! While at Ryerson University, where he studied journalism, he also attended the Bartending School of Ontario and discovered another passion—that for mixing and designing drinks. As a server in restaurants and positions for some of Toronto’s finest caterers, Ryan developed an expert knowledge of how great food should look and taste. This experience led to working as food editor for the fashion magazine ELLE Canada. His experience, combined with his interests in interior design, gardening and travel combine to create his unique brand of style, which is apparent in his recipes, columns, restaurant reviews and table-scapes.
Body Painter
Matthew Wellfedartist Hennebury
Matthew paints on naked people for a living.
Hailing from the province of Newfoundland, and living in Ottawa as since 91, he has
always been involved with art in one way or another. Having come from a fairly long line
of hard working people in the family, Matthew has chosen to take a slightly different
route.. and focus on having fun at work. He believes, as many do, if you truely enjoy
what you do, it's not work at all. Body painting is like eating a big juicy steak...
it takes a certain amount of effort, but it's hardly work.
Matthew has been body painting since June of 2006, where he started painting for a weekly
event at MTL night club in downtown Ottawa. That event carried on for over a year. During
that time, he helped many people break out of their shells, and bare the painted naked bodies
for all to see. Stemming from the success of the weekly event at MTL, Matthew has now
performed for over 30 clubs around Canada, in Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland.
