Mornings with Mayesh: Inside NCSFA & Uncovering the Benefits of State Floral Associations

In the latest episode of Mornings with Mayesh, host Yvonne Ashton sat down with Lyn Graves, President of the North Carolina State Florist Association (NCSFA), to explore a resource often overlooked by many in our industry: state floral associations. These organizations offer a wealth of benefits that can significantly impact our careers and businesses, from educational programs to networking opportunities. In this enlightening conversation, Lyn shed light on the numerous advantages of NCSFA membership, upcoming events, and how being part of such an association can elevate your floral game.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of floristry, this discussion revealed why joining your state's floral association might be the best decision for your blooming career. Let's dive into the key takeaways from Yvonne and Lyn's insightful chat about the power of community in the floral industry.

Below are the podcast, video replay, and the show recap:

SHOW NOTES

• First, tell us a bit more about yourself and your flower story?
  
  
• Can you tell us about the history of the North Carolina State Florist Association and its significance in the floral industry?
  
  
• What are some of the key membership benefits that NCSFA offers to florists and floral enthusiasts?
  
  
• Could you share more about the NCSFA Certified Professional Florist School? How does this program enhance a florist's career?
  
  
• Can you give us a sneak peek into SPEECHLESS 2024? What can attendees expect from this convention?
  • Get tickets here: https://ncsfa.site/2024-convention/ 
    
    
• How does NCSFA foster community involvement among its members?
  
  
• Could you tell us about some of the exciting new program concepts NCSFA is introducing?
  
  
• For those considering joining a state floral association, what would you say is the most valuable aspect of membership?

Connect

• https://ncsfa.site/
• https://www.instagram.com/ncsfa/

Transcript

Yvonne Ashton (00:01):
Welcome everyone to Mornings With Mayesh. I'm your host, Yvonne Ashton, and today we are diving into the world of state floral associations. Have you ever considered becoming a member of your state floral association but weren't sure about the benefits? Well, today is for you. We're thrilled to have with us, Lyn Graves, from the North Carolina State Florists Association. Lynn is here to shed light on the numerous advantages of joining a state association and to give us an exclusive preview of NCSFA's upcoming convention. Don't forget to drop your questions in the comments, and we'll do our best to address them during the live session. Also, if you're watching, would love for you to say hello and let us know where you are watching from. Also, before we get started, I wanted to share an update about our Afternoon of Flower Love Workshop with Kristen Griffith VanderYacht.
(00:52):
Due to the recent hurricane, we had to reschedule our Houston workshop to August 28th. So sad news, but the good news is with the change, we also had some seats open up. So here's your chance to come and learn from a fabulous author and celebrity floral designer. Also, don't forget, we are hosting a third workshop later this year in San Francisco, and you can learn more in snag your tickets at info.mayesh.com/workshops. And I'm going to go ahead, pop that in the comments for you. Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you join our email list. That way, you never miss out on our upcoming events, news and exclusive deals. So going ahead and dropping that in our comments as well. And now we're going to get started. I am so pleased to introduce to you, Lyn Graves. Welcome, Lyn.
Lyn Graves (01:45):
Good morning.
Yvonne Ashton (01:47):
Good morning. How are you doing?
Lyn Graves (01:49):
I'm doing pretty good for a Tuesday. I had to think what day it was, but no, I'm doing pretty good. I'm doing pretty good. Thanks for having me.
Yvonne Ashton (01:58):
Yeah, I'm so excited to have you here and just get to know you and about NCSFA. And before we get into all of that, can you just introduce yourself and share a little bit about your flower story?
Lyn Graves (02:13):
Sure. Or at least I can try to. So I was raised in the flower business. That's all I've ever known. It's the only job I've ever had to eat, drink and sleep, weddings of sorts these days. But when I was nine years old, my mother was killed in a car accident. My father had remarried, so they took three of the kids. They left me in North Carolina. So the lady ended up raising me, actually worked in a flower shop. I had to go back and forth to work with her every day, and that's kind of where it all began. And I set my first wedding up I was nine years old. I've done a little over 11,000 to date. I still can't wait to do the next one. Somehow that I find the energy to wake up every morning. But I kind of love it. It's in my blood. We do have a wedding studio in Raleigh. That's all we do, our events and weddings. And we sort of... Say my life's good. I'm loving flowers. We're definitely living the dream of sorts.
Yvonne Ashton (03:20):
Well, I'm very sorry to hear about your mother. But it led you to where you are here today. And 11,000 weddings. That's a stunning number. So congratulations on that.
Lyn Graves (03:34):
[inaudible 00:03:35]. Yeah.
Yvonne Ashton (03:35):
11,000. Wow. Do you have a favorite that stands-
Lyn Graves (03:42):
That's quite a few decades, however. Just saying.
Yvonne Ashton (03:47):
I know. I feel you on that. Do you have a wedding that kind of stands out over the time?
Lyn Graves (03:55):
The one that stands out clearly now is the one that we just did this past April, is by far the biggest wedding we've ever done. I mean, the flower budget was extremely hefty, and it was a major, major, major production. But it was flawless gorge, taxi to say the least.
Yvonne Ashton (04:17):
Oh, I can only imagine.
Lyn Graves (04:20):
But hey, I always say, if you can't figure how to do it, I can show you how. It scared me. It was just a matter of you have a one time shot. But we pulled it off. They were so happy, it was ridiculous.
Yvonne Ashton (04:30):
I love it. I love it. So let's get into the conversation. Can you tell us about the history of the North Carolina State Florist Association, and its significance in the floral industry?
Lyn Graves (04:43):
We are currently in our a hundred and, I want to say it's the third year now, but I won't say 102 for sure. That has been in existence back when I was growing up. So I've been a part of this organization for, again, several decades, and we'll leave it at that. But when I was growing up, I mean, that was the thing that you look most forward to. Everybody did all the competitions, everybody attended. I mean, you just dressed up. It was just... and the gala was just the most minded off the high for the next 365 days. I mean, there was nothing like going to convention. And back then there was all kinds of benefits, but there was all kinds of restrictions, et cetera. But when you talk to people that's been around, they will always say that that is what made them who they are today.
(05:33):
So once you got bit by that bug, it was pretty much over. We've had people that's been going for 30, 40, 50 years and hasn't missed it. It's pretty amazing. Of course, through time, things have died off. It used to be the leading one in the country. Everybody was jealous of NC. But now I think there's what 12 associations left in the country? Every state used to have one, but now not so much. So the floral industry has definitely had to evolve, and the associations are certainly having to evolve with it as well. That's what we're trying to accomplish here.
Yvonne Ashton (06:11):
Awesome. Good to know. Good to know. And 100 plus years, that's also amazing. I love hearing that type of story and obviously that history is so important and would love to hear kind of from you, what are the key membership benefits that NCSFA offers the florist and floral enthusiasts? Or is it open to just professional florists? How does that work?
Lyn Graves (06:39):
Okay, so back in the days of [inaudible 00:06:43], we had 300... It was very, very tight. I mean, you had to have a retail flower shop, you had to have a cooler, you had to have delivery vans, you had to have designers. It was very strict to keep things in line. Over time, all those things have kind of gone out the window. So in January, we changed the bylaws again, and open our doors past North Carolina so anyone can join. It'll always stay the North Carolina State Florists Association concentrating on opening our doors to South Carolina and Virginia, because they do not have a floral association and they are hungry. So we already have people registered from both those states. We have a girl coming up from Mississippi. The thing that really stood out to us when I took over a presidency, I was at one of the local wholesale companies.
(07:34):
I had gone to sign the invoice and was coming back around the corner and there was this young black girl there. She couldn't been more than five foot from ear to ear. And she says, "Are you Lyn Graves?" I went, "Yes." She said, "With Fresh Affairs? I went, "Yes." She was just like I had walked in was President of the United States or something. She was just in awe. But she was so energetic, her work looked flawless, but she was doing it out of her home. She traveled to every state for education, paying thousands and thousands of dollars and didn't even know she had a state floral association.
(08:13):
So we have been trying to get it out that we're in existence to enthusiasts. You don't have to be a flower shop, you can be a design, you be a garden club, you be anybody that can appreciate the love of flowers and then put it into a format to try to help train, develop, promote the future of the organization through this new blood that we definitely need to get the goalpost moved.
Yvonne Ashton (08:42):
That's so great to know. So you opened up the borders, and we also can include floral enthusiasts into that group, which I think is awesome. And when people join, what are the benefits of joining for them?
Lyn Graves (08:59):
Well, that's a very good question. So in the most recent years past, there really hasn't been a benefit to membership except you had to be a member to go to convention, which you had to pay for. Of course, the guests could come for like 50 bucks more. So we never could understand what the benefit of membership was. So our first focus in turning this thing around, A, was getting the website changed, and then B, to change the way that we look at things. So we really needed that new blood to come in. So we had to loosen up our borders. We had to find reasons for membership. Membership was only 149, so it wasn't that was a big investment, but what was the benefits thereof?
(09:51):
So this year, we kicked in a couple of design programs. We did one in January with Abby Chick from Virginia. We've done several hands-on workshops this year. We have done several competition workshops this year. Next year we're already working on that stuff to even push it further so that people have a benefit year round, not just sort of like the icing on the cake, but we're trying now to get all the layers of baked, et cetera, before we can ice everything.
(10:21):
But the reception has been great. I mean, people definitely have noticed a difference. Our website definitely has a presence to it. Our social media definitely has a presence to it now. So I think we're on the right path. It's just taking some time to elevate, and that's when our partnership with Mayesh came into play, that they were willing to help us promote [inaudible 00:10:42] that kind of stuff, which we truly span for again, decades. So this is just a win-win for both sides. And I really do appreciate this opportunity.
Yvonne Ashton (10:56):
Yeah, no, I love it. I love it. And obviously, we love Abby Chick. She is one of our past Mayesh design stars.
Lyn Graves (11:02):
Oh yeah, she's great.
Yvonne Ashton (11:02):
Yeah, well-
Lyn Graves (11:03):
She's coming to convention as well. She's already registered.
Yvonne Ashton (11:06):
Awesome. That's very exciting. Very exciting. Can you share more about the NCSFA Certified Professional Florist School and how does that program enhance a florist career?
Lyn Graves (11:20):
Sure. So that's nothing more than accreditation. It's based on this Texas State Florist's Association's school process. So we go everything through Texas. They basically are, I don't want to say funding us, but helping us foster us to do this. So it's always been based on the Texas format. It's divided up into online courses, so you have to take a final exam and then a final arrangement. Once you go through though, I want to say a seven or nine online courses, then they have... And you could do that strategic online at any given point that you're ready. And then the school itself is always held in March. It's a three-day school. It's very intense on just basic design rules and principles of design. But when they finish that, they have it down pat to a science. So I did go up to Greensboro Kernersville at this last one.
(12:15):
When I walked in, they had just finished their funeral piece. I mean, they all were pretty much having to make it as it was on the stage presentation. But that work was so much better than what we had at our DOY competition the year before. So that just was another red flag that we've got the potential there.
(12:34):
We just got to get these people young and we've got to educate them and give them the opportunity to grow, and the means to do so. I mean, we have opportunities for them to learn, et cetera. We can't sit back and bitch, because they're not doing it correctly. So that's kind of where we are. It is just sort of taking this new blood and trying to mold it and get it in the right spot, and then put them in positions of leadership, sort of see what we can find out there. Because there's so much talent. You just got to find their right talent and put them in the right seat on the bus in order for that bus to head in the right direction. We truly have made some serious progress. I just wish this year could be two or three years long, so we get done a little bit faster, but change does take time.
Yvonne Ashton (13:23):
Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. So with the program, how often is it offered, or can you start it when you want to start? [inaudible 00:13:35].
Lyn Graves (13:34):
You do the online classes when you get ready. The school is done once a year, and we normally can handle like 15 to 20. It hasn't been a problem. Everyone that took the course this time did pass. So we are pinning three people at the gala this year. They're always pinned at the gala, but have passed everything and have completed their... So they'll have their certification pinned. It's not something that I ever did because I didn't necessarily think that was important to me. I might do it one day just out of curiosity, but for these young people, I mean, it's just a great educational base and you can just take that basic information and just sort of put you own spin to things.
(14:21):
But you got to kind of know the right way to start. And that school really, and Stephanie Garrett's always been the educator for that, well, last few years. And she's very patient and very good at it. But it is a good thing. I mean, education, I don't care what kind of education it is, it's never wasted. I mean [inaudible 00:14:43] always learn something more than others, but you always learn something.
Yvonne Ashton (14:47):
Absolutely.
Lyn Graves (14:48):
You've been doing it for 40, 50 years, you still with... I learn something every day.
Yvonne Ashton (14:52):
Yep, exactly. That's the beauty of life. Okay, great. That's so great to know. Can you give us a sneak peek into Speechless 2024? What can attendees expect from this convention?
Lyn Graves (15:08):
Actually, the more, I think... Speechless 2024, the more overwhelmed I'm getting. We have taken this year as an opportunity to throw everything at the convention, but the kitchen sink. So normally, they've tried it as a one-day convention. Normally it stands around two, we're going to, three. Years ago it was always three. So that retail flower shops and wedding people could get through their Saturday and then kick Sunday, Monday versus trying to kick golf Thursday on a Friday night when people had to operate. So back then it made sense. Plus this way we get all the trophies engraved and present them already engraved, not have to... It just makes it a little bit more real and personable.
(16:00):
However, we have nine designs shows in these three days. We have eight breakout sessions, which everything is... To deal with weddings [inaudible 00:16:13] from photography planners to venues to social media concepts to website designs, to AI programs to business management, to table-scapes, bouquets to altars, I mean anything to do with the waste. So we're kicking on Saturday night with the welcome party rehearsal dinner. And so we've go all the way through everything, including the bridesmaids luncheon, et cetera, up until the "wedding reception", which will be the gala. [inaudible 00:16:43] in a minute, but that's going to be mind-blowing. And then we're actually going to end up with actually live wedding cake cuttings and that type of thing. So it's really truly all wedding-based, basically because I've got those connections that I knew I could get a lot of support to make this convention.
(17:01):
[inaudible 00:17:05] people have something to look forward to. Give them the inspiration to move forward, and then every year we can just sort of build on it. So right now, our focus, of course, is membership. Our focus now of course, is attendance to this convention, because we've got to hit some certain numbers to make this thing work. But things are looking pretty good. Things are looking pretty good. We're very excited. It's just a lot packed in. We're having seven meals served as well. So every program is going to be wrapped around a meal, so we're not wasting any time at all. Basically got 30 minutes eat and 15 minutes to move from room. To room. So we're looking really forward to it. It should be to die for. Should be-
Yvonne Ashton (17:47):
Yeah, it should leave people speechless.
Lyn Graves (17:49):
Yeah. Speechless 2024 came from Dan and Shay. The country guys. It was their wedding video and it shows everything from her getting ready to dress, to walking down the aisle, the smiles, the connections, the ceremony, the kiss, the cake. I mean, it just had everything in it that I really wanted to portray, but just a lot more flowers than what they had. That's where the Speechless 2024 came from.
Yvonne Ashton (18:17):
Awesome. So if you guys want to find out more about the convention, go ahead and click on the link I just popped into the comments. And then also I'm showing you on the screen. But Lyn, I think you said there's nine design sessions and a bunch of breakout sessions. Can you name some of the ones that you're very excited about? Some of the people that are involved with it and kind of what they're talking about?
Lyn Graves (18:41):
You have ACE Texas, Christie Young's coming in from California. We do have a couple of designers that are relatively North Carolina natives, one being Morgan that works with Holly Chapel quite a bit. She's got a great business over in Hillsborough. And then Jeffrey Sorels out of Dunn is actually coming in. He's got, I don't know, 250,000 followers on TikTok or something crazy like that. So he really picked these people based on their social media, [inaudible 00:19:15] and their contract says they have to promote it six times before and two times after.
(19:19):
So we're hoping that's going to help spread the word faster because they have such a social media presence. And that's kind of what we were missing. But there's two things about the shows that are going to be slightly different, and I'm excited about the concepts they're in. One of the competitions that has always been the cream of the cream, the big boy is the Jim Tradeaway North County Interpretive Cup competition, where you're giving a piece of artwork. One year we did music. Any kind of artwork to interpret with flowers.
Yvonne Ashton (19:56):
I love those types of things.
Lyn Graves (19:57):
[inaudible 00:19:58] is a big boy. And then you could win it three times and go into Hall of Fame. Michael and I both are in Hall of Fame. But that's something we always look forward to. But over the years it has sort of gone down, because people are sort of intimidated. And so this year, instead of having a competition that people happening and then go to a program, this year, we're taking that competition and turning it into the program. So we're having full production, which we've never had before. So we're having cameras going around doing up-close shots of things to be projected onto the screen. And then we have Terry... Lost Terry's last name. Lord, just let me [inaudible 00:20:41].
Yvonne Ashton (20:42):
That happens, especially when we're live.
Lyn Graves (20:44):
So she's coming down, she's very knowledgeable. She's on a FID education stuff. So she'll be talking about that. We'll have a couple of cut people out on the floor. The competitors can't talk, but we can talk about their stuff. And I think that will give the people the opportunity. They'll come in for the last hour and 15 minutes of it. They can see how it started, how it's built, et cetera. They can actually [inaudible 00:21:10] perhaps next year, those numbers will double. And the other one, Barry West out of Merle's Inlet, most people have heard of Barry. He travels all across the US, has some phenomenal stuff, has establishment sounds phenomenal. He has 3D people that work on his renderings. He has carpenters, his own photographer. He's got one wholesale usually that will just travel across the state and take his flowers for him. Craziness.
(21:39):
But we reached out to him to see if he would do a podcast with South Carolina for us, and that's when I just asked him if he would consider coming to state. And he said yes. So he's coming in a day early. He's not charging us to do it. He used to be a part of the NC State. That's how we started. So it's going to turn in... I turned over the gala to him, which is saying a lot for me to turn over the biggest event of the convention. But he has produced the renderings for it. I mean, the process is phenomenal. So that Monday [inaudible 00:22:14] in the same room, while all these things are happening as far as the room transforming. So he is going to do a two-hour program on all the place, the whys, the hows, all that kind of stuff.
(22:30):
They can see the flowers starting to be installed. They can see the floors being wrapped. They can see the 3D renderings. We're actually going to throw the lens down on the tables and set some the flowers out. So when they're there, they can see the behind the... They're going to leave. And then when they come back that night and the doors open, then they'll see the end result. To me, that's an educational opportunity within itself. Because you walk [inaudible 00:22:54]-
Yvonne Ashton (22:54):
Absolutely.
Lyn Graves (22:55):
"Oh my God, this is beautiful," but you have no freaking clue how it happened. And most people don't realize how much work it takes to make that happen. But there's a value for that knowledge. As florists, I look at things different. Flowers are great, but if the link's not right, the flowers aren't going to be nearly as effective. If you get a client understanding that vision and trust you to pull it together, all you got to do is have the resources and the partners to know who to call.
(23:26):
And that's what we're trying to do here is let people know there's a world out here pulling in our NACE contacts, photographers, wait planners, et cetera, trying to get these people to understand there's more than just funeral work when it comes to... And there's money being left on the table. So this is the uptake everything to the next level. Maybe not all of it, maybe pieces of it, but if somebody says, "Do you know any good DJs?" Now, they'll have a great list of people they've actually heard and talked to. We're bringing in harps and jazz and saxophones, jazz trios. We're having a full band at the gala. We're having pianos. I mean, we're putting in every single program. We'll have different linens and chairs and lighting and the whole nine yards. Paper products. So every experience is different.
(24:13):
Every meal experience is different from a buffet to plated to family style, to Cuban food to all kinds of stuff. So we've thrown everything at it, but the kitchen sink, and I just hope and pray to God it pays off.
Yvonne Ashton (24:29):
It sounds absolutely amazing. And I would love to experience that.
Lyn Graves (24:35):
We'll have seats available. But Mayesh is-
Yvonne Ashton (24:37):
Awesome.
Lyn Graves (24:38):
... tipping in quite a bit and there to help us with some of our procurement and what have you there, petitions, et cetera. So they're really stepping up as well. And they're going to now do one, I think... I'm not sure if she says she's doing it herself, I think she's going to do it herself. But Mayesh is going to help us with one of the breakout sessions showing how to order online. Not promoting Mayesh, but just promoting the online part to make it a little bit easier for people to follow it. So that was a great partnership for them as well. It helped [inaudible 00:25:13] put it out there for everything they've done for us in the course of the year as well. So it should be phenomenal. It really should be phenomenal. The value is ridiculous. If you add it all up, it's like 32, $3,400 for 5.99. It's the deal of the day.
Yvonne Ashton (25:28):
Yeah, yeah. That sounds amazing. And honestly, the part where you were talking about how people are going to be able to see how a very large production is created and started, and the behind the scenes, that's so invaluable, because a lot of people are intimidated by those larger events. Because how do I do that? How do I pull it off? And to be able to see that is so invaluable. So that's really exciting.
Lyn Graves (25:49):
I think the concept's great. I think they're going to... We even go ahead and set the tables up how they'll be for that night, say, "Hey, we don't have to do the room twice." I can't hardly wait.
Yvonne Ashton (26:02):
We just got to come-
Lyn Graves (26:03):
I'm looking forward to Tuesday morning when it's over.
Yvonne Ashton (26:05):
Yeah, of course.
Lyn Graves (26:07):
[inaudible 00:26:07] to get here. Yeah, of course. Of course.
Yvonne Ashton (26:09):
I have to take a vacation. I hear you. We just got to comment from Amelia on Instagram, she said, "As a new Virginia DC florist, this session has been so helpful. I look forward to looking for this event." So Amelia-
Lyn Graves (26:23):
Awesome.
Yvonne Ashton (26:24):
Yeah, hope to see you there.
Lyn Graves (26:25):
Amelia, welcome. We hope you can make it. Absolutely.
Yvonne Ashton (26:27):
Yeah, that's awesome. Okay, so all of that is amazing. Can you also share a little bit, Lyn, about how NCSFA fosters community involvement among its members?
Lyn Graves (26:41):
I just was based local chapter for two years, and NACE was very much into community support, so to speak. Some organization, it might be for women, it could be for homeless people, it could be whatever the case may be. We always had a charity of sorts that we promoted for that year. So anything that we were doing, fundraiser, raffles, whatever we always kept in my mind, our big fundraiser always went, proceeds with... We're trying to bring that concept into the North Carolina State Florist Association. It never has done that before. So where we're kind of starting, especially through the pandemic, we want to start a disaster help line type foundation of some sort to be determined. Promoting and having funds put aside for one of our members that has a fire, they have some kind of destruction, hardships, at whatever one, they'll then build back faster. Now they'll probably set some kind of scholarship fund of sorts.
(27:53):
People sort of donate to that and sort of build it up as such. But that's kind of where we're going to start there. Just everything is really been based this time around on membership and the value thereof. So, I think it just says something about that we care about our members enough that if something unforeseen happens, we got your back past that point, Stephie will be our next president we've been talking about a little bit. She's really into those type things too. I think she's got a couple things she's wanting to try. But anything that can do to give back to the community, that has to be anything huge. But it puts a good feeling in your soul. So flowers definitely make you happy. This just makes me happy to be able to help someone in some capacity. So it's really the beginning stages. We're going to start with our membership first, then we start building on that, and then maybe every year we can just do a little bit more, a little bit more, a little bit more.
Yvonne Ashton (28:52):
Sounds great. I love that. I think that part is so important. Just always be giving back and figuring out how to do that and just how to be better. I know you guys also have some new exciting program concepts for NCSFA. Do you want to talk about that a little
Lyn Graves (29:10):
Bit? Yeah, that's the ones I was referring to for... and the... can't skip over on that. And the presentation for the gala, just a different way of turning that around. We are bringing in addition to that for some of the other... most of the other programs are pretty straightforward. We are adding in professional models this time. We are bringing in nicer dresses this time. We are just trying to... people call me bougie, but we're just trying to raise the bar enough that these guys are really stepping up. I want to be a part of this. I mean, we know the values there. We know what we're trying to do here. We just got to get people on board. So we feel like if they just get there and get bit by the bug and they will truly leave speechless, it'll be over familiar. I mean, it's just a matter of starting and build and they shall come. Build and they shall come.
Yvonne Ashton (30:09):
Awesome. So for those considering joining a State Floral Association, whether it's the NCSFA or the other, I think you said 19 across the country-
Lyn Graves (30:28):
I think it's 12 or 13 now.
Yvonne Ashton (30:28):
... is that the number? 12 or 13. Yeah.
Lyn Graves (30:33):
[inaudible 00:30:34]. Used to be like 39, 42, or so [inaudible 00:30:34] back then. It used to pretty darn strong. But it takes a lot to keep an association going. And if your membership starts dying off or interest starts dying off, your programs die off. I mean, people have... it's got to be something to make it worthwhile, and that's what we're trying to make sure that we have there for sure.
Yvonne Ashton (30:51):
Yeah. So what would you say is the most valuable aspect of becoming a member of your local or state floral association?
Lyn Graves (30:59):
In my mind, it all comes down to education. This year for our convention, everything that is done, I just kept saying it has to be educational. I don't want to see five being flowers on stage. "Oh my God, that's beautiful." I want to be that room going, "I know how to do this, or I saw how this was done." So to us, especially with the school and what have you, the state florist association has really been very keen on education. They just kind of fill off the wagon as far as offering the education. So we're making plans now to get that up and running. To me, there's nothing more valuable than education. Some people think they know it all. Simply not true. I'm old as dirt and I learn something new every day. So I think as long as we give people the tools to work with, and listen to what they're asking for. For instance, this year, one of the biggest comments that came in, people wanted to know how to take better pictures on their phone.
(32:04):
Something so simple. James Walters, one of my favorite photographers of all time, he's actually doing that segment, and he's photographing the whole entire week. But he's going to the grocery store and getting two bundles of flowers. He's taking one to a floral designer, let her make an arrangement however she wants to and take pictures on her phone. He's going to take a bundle of flowers home, and make an arrangement [inaudible 00:32:30] and take pictures on his cameras with the lighting, and then show those two during that presentation and the pros and cons of each one. So which is it going to be? Flower design is more important, or lighting and print. So I think that is just going to be a very interesting concept to see how that pulls out. So that type thing is kind of where we're headed. It's not so much... or shattering stuff, but it takes a little things to build mountains.
Yvonne Ashton (32:59):
Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. And I think the one thing that I love about state associations is that education is so important and oftentimes, you guys have very affordable quality education. So I think that's important too. There's a lot of things out there that are very expensive, or just kind of really hard for people to be able to do, but they want to learn. They want to be better, whether they're just getting started or just to get inspired again, it's always good to do those types of-
Lyn Graves (33:35):
Just like motivation to gauge one more foot before the other one. Sometimes it's hard.
Yvonne Ashton (33:40):
Yeah. Just to get out of your bubble, really. That's why I like going to things. I don't get to travel a ton with my little one still here, but when I do, it's always... like what you said, I love it. I'm always excited to go home, but I love it and it's fun to get out of the bubble, and I'm always thankful that I did it. So I think that's a really great membership value proposition too, is just a way to get out there, network, get some education, and get inspiration. I love it. Do you have any closing words for us, Lyn, before we wrap up?
Lyn Graves (34:19):
I really don't. Again, I want to thank you for this opportunity. I do want to tell all the listeners to know that our doors are open. You don't have to be a member to come to convention, just cost you a couple hundred dollars more. So you can join and still save money and have more benefit of the convention. But hotel rooms are available at special rate through Friday. They extend it to Friday. So now figure it out if you're going to come or not. But I promise you it'll be the best investment you ever made, and when you leave, you truly will be speechless and you will be on board. It promises to be just a magical, magical three days.
Yvonne Ashton (35:00):
Awesome. Well, I can't wait to hear all about it. I know we have some teammates going from Mayesh, and I know they're very, very excited. We're so happy to help support the convention and you guys, and I wish you the best. And everyone, just so you know, I put in the link again for the NCSFA site for the convention, and then also, if you want to connect with them on Instagram, you can go to... Instagram is just NCSFA. That's their handle. Super simple and easy to remember.
Lyn Graves (35:34):
All kinds of information too.
Yvonne Ashton (35:36):
Yeah, yeah. Connect them and follow them. And that's a wrap, guys. So thank you so much, Lyn, for coming and taking the time to join me this morning to talk about this, and just looking forward to continuous conversation on education, floral associations and the importance of them in our industry. So thank you so much.
Lyn Graves (36:00):
No, thank you. Pleasure was totally mine.
Yvonne Ashton (36:02):
Awesome. Great. Well, that's a wrap, guys on today's show. Stay tuned for the next show and I will see you all soon. Have a great day. Bye, everyone.
Lyn Graves (36:10):
Bye, guys.