INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE
FLEURVANA June 2023
Season 2 - vol. 4
The Pride Issue
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Pride Month Welcome to the (June) Pride issue of Fleurvana Interactive Magazine! Fleurvana is Queer owned and operated. In light of the anti-LGBTQIA+ bills and laws being passed, it is more important than ever to take a stand and show our pride for our community. We must provide hope and inspiration for those who can't see a light at the end of the tunnel. This issue features designers who identity as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. These brave designers created stunning botanical designs inspired by different flags along with sharing their personal respective journeys. Happy Pride and enjoy our June 2023 Issue!
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GENERAL CONTACT
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL SHAWN MICHAEL FOLEY
Editor-In-Chief SHAWN MICHAEL FOLEY LLC
Publisher KAT CASTAGNOLI
Editor
CONTRIBUTORS SHAWN MICHAEL FOLEY MATTHEW BLIND KAT CASTAGNOLI BRUNO CAVALCA
PAGE 6
HANGING IN THE BALANCE PAGE 10
GARRETT SKUPINSKI PAGE 16
PRIDE CANDLES PAGE 22
DRAKE KUNZ
STACEY HALSTEAD
PAGE 26
I LI HSAIO
BRUNO CAVALCA
DRAKE KUNZ SHARON LA FAY
PAGE 32
NEVILLE MACKAY
I JUST WANT TO DESIGN
KYLE MAYER CARLOS MUINA CONNER NESBIT
PAGE 38
MICHELLE RECH
MATTHEW BLIND
DA’REEN REICHENBERG
PAGE 40
FABIAN SALCEDO GARRETT SKUPINSKI
SUBSCRIPTIONS Learn More
CONNER NESBIT PAGE 46
THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE: BODY ART RETREATS
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PAGE 52
I LI HSAIO PAGE 60
KYLE MAYER PAGE 66
RECALIBRATION: CREATIVE WELLNESS RETREATS PAGE 70
CARLOS MUINA PAGE 80
FABIAN SALCEDO PAGE 86
THE GAY 80'S PAGE 92
THE BOUTBOSS PAGE 98
DA’REEN REICHENBERG PAGE 102
MICHELLE RECH PAGE 108
FLEURVANA+ PAGE 114
STACEY HALSTEAD PAGE 120
KAT CASTAGNOLI PAGE 126
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Featured LGBTQIA+ Artists
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About the Cover
I found designing the cover for our first official Pride Issue to be more challenging that I expected. I wanted to incorporate the beauty of the diversity in our LGBTQIA+ community, but I also wanted to have a statement about all of the anti gay & trans laws being passed in the United States. I call this piece "Hanging in the balance". They can try to push us off our platform and silence us, but we will always rise because we have hope. We have always been here, and we always will be! I used a mix of botanicals for this design, both natural tones and also foliages I hand painted with acrylics. The armature is created with foraged branches & grapevines.
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Garrett Skupinski
Non-Binary Flag
Garrett Skupinski Cf, is an internationally recognized designer as a Floral Fundamentals Ambassador along with winning many design awards internationally with Team USA and individually.. His love for experimental design styles, unique large scale displays and international design techniques is evident in his work. Garrett’s passion for floral education and design has taken him throughout the United States, Canada, and multiple countries in Europe learning, teaching and competing. To be a freely floating firecracker jellyfish through the infinity of the ocean and illustrious alchemy of an exploding star, you’ll find the inspiration to this non-binary influenced design.
The yellow, white, lavender and black of the non-binary color arrangement carry’s across both hardgoods and fresh materials. As a non-binary person who’s ever changing experience of gender it was important to
express every large and small experiment in the varied scales of products. Some highlights of this design are the hyper fragrant nano orchids and the starched tissue paper.
Pride to me is a voice. A voice to continually fight and celebrate my own and others rights to marry. A voice to the human rights of transgender people. A voice to the future generations of queer people just trying to find their way through an aggressive world. Value your time and the energy you give to others. Your time is your most sacred and valuable currency you give to the world and can never get it back.
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Sharon La Fay
Pride Candles
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Drake Kunz
Red
Drake had the privilege of growing up surround by nature in the mountains of a small town near the Idaho and Wyoming border. With his great grandmother a florist of over 60 years and grandmother, an artist, and mother growing up in that flower shop, it was no surprise that the love for all things green and blooming would find it’s way to his heart. Working in several shops over the years helped round out his vast knowledge of the industry. He took the leap and opened his own business and is the proud owner of The Fairy God Florist in Salt Lake City in Utah. After graduating from the Floral Design Institute he tested at the AIFD Symposium and was awarded with his CFD (Certified Floral Designer) credentials.
“Art is everywhere if you know how to look for it, and never forget that even the most beautiful flowers grow from dirt.” -Drake Kunz
I love the intense power and passion from the color red. It is powerful, passionate, and even conveyed as a warning in some circumstances. I wanted to do something different and dynamic from my every day designs.
Pride is a reminder for me of the brave souls that came before me. Those who stood their ground and demanded to be seen and heard. Those who walked through hell so we could have what we do today. "That even the most beautiful flowers grow from dirt."
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Bruno Cavalca
Orange
Bruno Cavalca is a Floral Designer and Botanical artist working out of Delta, British Columbia and in the greater Vancouver area. He has an immense passion for sustainable floristry and eco design, and is constantly seeking to learn new ways to push the boundaries of art, beauty, and environmentally friendly practice. His work is often inspired by his natural surroundings and he strives to create simple execution in complex structural work. In those rare times he is not working, he can be found tending to his orchid collection, enjoying time about town with his partner, or Walking their tortoise, Dewdrop. So Orange really isn’t my color haha. Which is why my partner pushed me to do it. Challenge myself.
Truth be told this is not the original design I had in mind. “The original design didn’t work and the materials for the structure failed miserably haha. So, panic, redesign, and more panic later. I thought, I’m going to make myself a “bridal” bouquet.
So this is my modern take on a traditional bridal posey. I love making things look like they’ve grown wright out of the ground. So a structure of willow branches with a moss nest (supported by chicken wire) was a no brainer for me. I wanted to create something very raw, fluid and natural. Something that’s often missing in the beautiful, tight Trad posies. I simply incorporated some of my favourite flowers in varied shades of orange.
From a strong orange, to a burnt mustard, or a peachy orange, I realized the beautiful blending spectrum of colour (oooh spectrums, we can apply some deeper meaning to that since it’s pride!) . It’s not just traffic cone safety orange that I loath. I just had fun with it! I made something I’d love to carry down the aisle.
This is a tough one for me. I’ve never felt particularly drawn to the surface meanings of Pride. I was raised in a super conservative environment. It rubbed off on my personality I guess. I can’t do bars or clubs, (I’m epileptic so the lights would not agree with my health), and parades are very overstimulating for me, and trigger huge anxiety. Haha, many people would probably find me extremely boring but the truth is that upon coming out I found myself not only isolated from the ways I grew up, but also from the majority of queer spaces and groups. I’ve had to find my own meanings in Pride. Or else, I have to admit I’ve been a little resentful at times that there are so few spaces I can actually participate in
(save for my hometowns cute pride picnic my partner and I attend, which helped me feel like I belong). As I’ve grown up since then however I’ve realized that to me, the most personal part of “Pride” is that I simply don’t need to be afraid anymore. Not in public when I hold hands with my amazing, supportive partner; who is my safe space. More importantly as well, not of myself. I spent so much of my teen years hateful of myself, and of anyone who reminded me of this reality I was desperately trying to bury. It caused me nothing but pain. Once I allowed myself not to be afraid, I discovered so much beauty.
In myself, and in a spectrum of people who bring so much color, and love to the world. So… yea. I still have much to learn on my journey. All I know is, I’m so thankful to no longer be afraid. Take your time. Breath. Just take your time, and learn to make peace with yourself first. Worry about the rest of the world later.
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I JUST WANT TO DESIGN It's time to get excited about your designs again! Does your design business just feel like an obligation? Do you roll your eyes or cringe whenever you have to design for your clients? If you're like many creative entrepreneurs you probably feel like the artistry you loved has become just another stressor, like you’ve lost your passion for your art and your designs are repetitive and boring. You may even wonder if design is still right for you or if it’s time to call it quits before you get trapped. Well think again!
Shawn Michael Foley Fleurvana Founder, Author & Mentor
Order Your Print Copy You can fall in love with your design business all over again! In this book, author, designer and life coach, Shawn Michael Foley AIFD, PFCI teaches you everything you need to know to stop feeling trapped and thrive creatively so you can get your career back on track. Through Shawn's A.R.T.I.S.T.I.C. Journey, you will learn how to:- Reconnect with your creative flow in 8 easy steps- Handle and sidestep your stress and frustrations to boost your productivity- Stay on track with your creative goals and ideasRemember what excites you about design- Rekindle the love for your work and for your business. Order your copy and relight your spark for your design business!
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Matthew Blind
Yellow
Matthew "Coach" Blind is a dedicated floral designer who takes pride in transforming flowers into living works of art. As a full-time freelance designer, he has honed his skills by learning from esteemed florists across the country. Matthew's arrangements are heartfelt expressions of color and texture, carefully crafted to bring beauty to any setting. Based in St. Louis but available nationwide, Matthew remains committed to his craft, striving to create exceptional designs that touch hearts and inspire joy. The yellow stripe in the pride flag symbolizes sunlight, signifying positivity, brightness, and the energy of the LGBTQIA+ community. It represents the hope and optimism for a better future, where all individuals are
treated with equality and acceptance. It is the life-giving force that shines upon us and allows us to become our truest form. “However, as queer people, we haven't always been able to live openly in the daylight. It was out of the "Pansy Craze" of the late 1920s and early 1930s that queer nightlife really took
roots and the LGBTQIA community was forever strengthened. This wall-mounted design started with a gold wire basin. Hand-made, yarn-wrapped vines weave throughout, mimicking the swirling rays of the sun. Filling the attached test tubes are fresh yellow pansies, ranunculus, and tulips from a local, queer-owned flower farm in St. Louis.
To me, pride means freedom; the freedom to be the version of yourself that you've always dreamed of being, and the comfort of living in that freedom. The most vocal haters are always the most jealous.
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Conner Nesbit
Green
My name is Conner Nesbit, owner of Leuca Floral. We are based in Layton Utah, but have traveled all over the country for weddings and events. I love to be outdoors and surrounded by nature and I tend to incorporate little found treasures from these excursions into my work. You’ll often see bugs, bones, mushrooms and even shed snake skins. For this design I wanted to replicate a kind of creeping/slowly emerging feeling. I wanted things to vine and twist around. I also wanted to incorporate similar curves and lines that you see often in art nouveau pieces, more specifically Alphonse Mucha. In this design I used a suspended piece of chicken wire as the base, Dried Lotus leaves, Pieris Japonica, Statice,
Green Hypericum strung on wire, and Anemones ‘Mount Everest’. Pride to me is a community of love and acceptance. It is a family.
Growing up gay in a conservative Christian household I carried a lot of unwanted shame and guilt for many years. Being part of a community filled with so many courageous individuals who have lived their life to the fullest and unapologetically despite
being told not to is inspiring and has helped give me courage to do the same. "You are so loved. Exactly who you are. Exactly as you are. You are so loved."
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Shawn will also teach you how to create amazing videos and imagery using simple apps and your smartphone. Additionally, you will learn how to market and monetize your artistry.
Welcome to Fleurvana’s Human Experience: Body Art Retreat! This is an exclusive opportunity to learn from internationally published botanical body art designer and mentor, Shawn Michael Foley. This three-day retreat will be offered in 4 different sessions during Summer & Autumn of 2023 to offer you the best flexibility to attend. During this intimate retreat, you will get individualized mentorship and instruction to sharpen your skills while designing on live models and shooting your own editorial designs.
The retreat includes lunch, beverages, coffee, tea, and snacks, as well as all botanical products and tools necessary for the sessions. The sessions will be held at Shawn's home studio, intentionally kept limited to ensure personalized attention for each participant. Join us for this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the best botanical body art designers and mentors in the industry. Register now to secure your spot!
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Editorial Level Design Design, Shoot, Edit, Market & Monetize your artistry.
Food & Drink Lunch, snacks, coffee, beverages & spirits are all provided. All dietary restrictions and preferences are accommodated.
Tools & Materials Journals, botanicals, essential oils, hard goods & tools are all provided with your registration.
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Body Art vs Floral Fashion Learn More
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I Li Hsaio
Blue
I Li Hsiao AIFD EMC is an award winning freelance floral designer that has been in the floral industry for 30 years. Created centerpieces for Opera Ball of Lyric Opera of Chicago. Assisted Jim Moretz AIFD with American Floral Art School in Taiwan. He has made arrangements for Oprah Winfrey at her residence in Chicago, HARPO studio and farm. I Li was inducted into AIFD in 2018. He was part of the team that made centerpieces and decorations for FTD World Cup gala in Philadelphia, USA. Started his EMC journey in 2020 and received the certificate in 2022. Participated in Flower As Art show at Loyola University’s D’Arcy Gallery, Petals and Paintings at Krannert Art Museum, Philadelphia International Flower Show,
Arts Botanica, Arts In The Elements at Meadowbrook Hall and many other exhibits. I Li taught floral workshops at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Callaway Gardens in Georgia and Fort Vancouver Rose Society at Washington.
Inspiration: looking up through some branches at the blue sky with various shades and tones of blue puffy clouds. Design: My intention was to make a monochrome expression with various shades and tones of blue. I created a hand made chicken wire construction with dark blue and teal aluminium wires. Then, I added some midollino extenders that are made with blue yarns and wrapped water tubes with blue yarns to provide a contrast in textures and emotions. I used strings of blue bullion wire and beads to add more interest, also a few blue zip ties for line. I put various blue flowers in the water tubes.
Lastly, I wrapped a thin blue glitter thread around some part of the construction. I want the viewers to look at the piece and be able to see the various interests at different angles, a visually rich tapestry of texture, colors. Botanicals: Muscari, Veronica, Anemone and Eryngium Pride means that I am proud of who I am. As a queer person, I’m proud that I am able to add a spark to life as who I am at all time. I want to let you know that you are a worthy person. Full of wonder, magic and possibilities. Believe in yourself and know that there’s always other people that believe in you.
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Kyle Mayer
Purple
Kyle Mayer is the lead designer for Lake Harriet Florist in Minneapolis, MN. I chose the color purple as a way to branch out from a color palette I’d normally choose. I thought the color purple would be a great choice because it holds special meaning to me as it’s my sister’s favorite color and I would like to pay a sort of homage to her. It is also the color of wisteria blooms which hold a special meaning for me and my partner. I drew inspiration from the long, chain-like inflorescence clusters and used that inspiration to mimic their form and shape by using florals with a natural structure that is similar as well as manipulating hyacinth blooms inorganically to form draping chains of purple opulence.
“Pride for me means unity and togetherness. We as LGBTQIA people have to face a lot of adversity in our daily lives, and Pride is an annual reminder that let’s us know our struggle is not in vain and we are not alone. We have each other. Pride celebrations are a beautiful thing bringing people from all walks of life together.
When you’re feeling defeated or discouraged, focus on whatever it is that brings you joy and inspiration until it leads you back where you feel whole again. I’ve been there too, and those things for me always keep me company and remind me of who I am and why I do what I do.
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It took me 5 years to recover from burnout because I didn't take the time to work through it while it was happening.
Meet Your Host: I'm Shawn Michael Foley. I help florists & artists get over their B.S. to harness and reconnect with their badass creative energy.
During my active recovery I became a certified Reiki Energy Healer & specialize in guiding creatives through deep transformation. I'm hosting this recalibration retreat so you don't have to go through it the hard way like I did.
In 2018 I hit full career burnout head-on. I was creatively, physically, emotionally, & even spiritually exhausted.
Join me in my own home for this cleverly designed 3-day immersive to empower your artistry, refresh your spirit, and ascend into the amazing artist that you are!
I was over worked, unappreciated & worst of all, I started to hate designing.
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Refresh & Recalibrate Relax, regenerate and recalibrate your connection to your creative power.
Food & Drink Lunch, snacks, coffee, beverages & spirits are all provided. Dietary restrictions & preferences are accommodated.
Tools & Materials Journals, botanicals, essential oils, hard goods & tools are all provided with your registration.
Channel Your Creativity
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Botanical Mandala Learn More
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Carlos Muina
Brown
Carlos Muina is the creative director and esteemed head florist, spearheading the artistic endeavors of Petal Productions, a leading floral design company based in Miami. With almost three decades of experience in the industry, Carlos's passion for botanical beauty and unwavering dedication to his craft have made him and Petal Productions a sought-after talent, known for their exceptional creativity and artistic vision. Carlos's journey in the world of flowers began in the 1990s in New York City under the mentorship of the Susan Holland. Through this invaluable experience, he honed his skills, refined his techniques, and developed a deep appreciation for the transformative power of floral design.
As the Creative Director and Head Florist at Petal Productions, Carlos's visionary leadership sets the tone for the company's artistic direction. His keen eye for detail and his ability to seamlessly blend innovation with classic elegance result in breathtaking floral installations that captivate and inspire.
Under his guidance, the team at Petal Productions creates immersive experiences, infusing events with an air of enchantment and beauty.
My design is entitled: Find Your Light. My inspiration for this design resonates from this current climate, especially here in Florida, with the “don’t say gay” bill and so much anti LGBTIA legislation here and around the country. It is increasingly important for us to find our light! Let’s not let these Dark times extinguish our flame. The different Shades of brown came from dried oak leaves, dried tree hydrangea, swamp lilies, brasilia, dyed preserved ferns, toffee and symbol roses. Then for the touch of drag, stem dyed tulips and stem dyed sweet pea.
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Fabian Salcedo
Black
Fabian Salcedo, a graduate of the University of Texas, began his love of all things floral in 2005 starting off at a local, well-known floral shop washing buckets in Austin, Texas. Always enhancing his craft, he attended the Floral Design Institute in Seattle, Washington. He thrives on the creative process as well as the teaching, sharing, and learning involved in that journey. Seeing himself as an artist first, who draws on flowers as his medium, Fabian is able to translate visions and ideas into reality to create stunning and unique designs. In 2019 Fabian teamed up with Monarch Event Group to start their floral division and is currently the Creative Director of Monarch Florals; inspiring innovative designs one event at a time.
I was excited to interpret the black color in the flag for multiple reasons. As a gay man of color, I obviously wanted to represent my community to the best of my ability.
Also, the idea that black is the combination of all colors inspired me. For this reason, I added a few highlights of color to some of the painted black items for contrast and dimension. Black dahlias take center stage accented with painted anthuriums and dark rubber plant foliage. This design speaks to my style as I love to use interesting plants in my work when I can. The Alocasia cuprea and the burgundy ripple Peperomia are incorporated using black yarn to create kokedama. Finally, I alluded to a rainbow with the black midolino detail that brings movement in from the left side of the design. To me, pride means not being ashamed to show love and be loved by whomever you choose.
"Your journey may not get you there as fast as you'd like, but if you keep pushing there's no limit to what you can accomplish."
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Neville MacKay
You’re a Florist AND a GAY? (What it was like Back in the Day)
I’ve been a florist a very long time…. I’ve also been gay for a lot longer. Although it was at times rather challenging back in the day, we live in such a different world now, and though there is a lot of room for growth and improvement, I celebrate our progress with every stem I cut in our shop. My husband, David, and I have owned and operated our little floral shop, My Mother’s Bloomers, here in Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada for over 30 years and in that time have seen a vast improvement in how people treat and react to a LGBTQ+ person in a flower shop. When we first started business here, things were kept more quiet and reserved and when someone wanted to send flowers to their “friend”
there was a silent wink and a nod. Now, no one really cares, and if they did, well they’d be out of here pretty quickly. We have our Pride flag waving outside, and people know us both from our many years of philanthropy and for being in the public eye. (I’ve been a guest on a local television show for over 25 years) Gosh, we even had our wedding live on television and radio for all to witness, so when I say we are out, we are OUT! My darling floral family, David and I live a life filled with love and inclusion here, but it wasn’t always so of course. Let me go back some more years to the days when things weren’t perhaps as positive as they are now. I started in the retail floral industry in the early 1980’s in Western Canada.
Now, in that time things were really conservative to start with and perhaps even more so in the manly oil and cattle environment of Alberta. At the first floral business I worked, I knew well enough not to tip the boat, because that was the way things were then in pretty much every business. I remember pretty early in being asked a lot about girlfriends; do I have one, DID I have one etc…. I already learned from my older brother who I shared a place with (also “a gay”) that the best way to survive was to NOT be your authentic self in public….save that for Friday night at the “Club”. I had a good friend, Peggy, who was also my hairdresser, who became my “girlfriend” as a way to keep my job.
(her boyfriend didn’t mind, thank goodness) I befriended a lovely older lady at work who said she had two sons who weren’t married…one was a hairdresser and the other a window dresser, and that they, like me, had many people questioning their sexuality. Neither were gay (said she) and when I met up with them at the club, we would joke about how one had a “roommate” for over ten years. My oh my, when I think of what we did to get through the days. The owner of the first shop I worked in decided to have a consultant come to the shop, and part of the process was to interview the staff.We were asked how well we got along with each other and other personal things like girlfriends, etc.
I did my best acting ever, or so I thought…until I was called to the office. My boss showed me the report, and more specifically, the list of recommendations that would help improve the business. I will say too, that before I was shown this paper, I was told that my job was safe as the consultant got it wrong, as my boss had met my girlfriend. On the first page, written in large bold print, highlighted, was “FIRE THE *F-Slur*!”. Well, let me tell you, that left a stain! When I got home that night, we toasted my “girlfriend” and laughed into the night that yet again I had dodged a bullet. I started in the Floral Industry (and my adulthood) at the start of the AIDS crisis, so the fear of losing your job and/or place to live was real,
let alone the fear and devastation of seeing so many wonderful friends die. I remember a florist I knew who got HIV/Aids and passed quickly, as most did in the early days, and of all the chatter and hatred from so many about it. (Ignorance isn’t always bliss, is it?) Again, it was a different time and one where we had to keep quiet more than we wanted to, simply out of survival. I got to do some demonstrations at the Calgary Stampede and as a 20 year old was thrilled at the opportunity to get up and design on a stage. We all wore a big ribbon that said “Ask a Florist” so people could ask floral-related questions.
A group of also 20-something lads came up to me and asked, “Do you have to be GAY to be a florist?” and I responded, “No, but it sure helps!” I know it sounds kinda funny now, but I was truly afraid because of their comments afterward and had to get escorted out of there. That’s one of many times I had a close encounter with an angry person(s) and even writing this brings back awful thoughts and memories….I am a very lucky person. I don’t want you to think that it was all a dreadful horror movie, because it wasn’t. I have many wonderful memories from those days, and am thankful to all the incredible people I got to work with and did flower work for.
In fact, I had to really think because some of the less than happy events as I chose not to remember them at all. I do remember asking an older gay person one night how they kept such a big smile and were always full of laughter, which, by the way, always made the rest of us feel better… They said, “Honey, NEVER let them break you…that’s when they win! Now, go shake your ass out on the dance floor and have fun!” I did just that. That dear person died from AIDS related complications not long later. Since I got here in Nova Scotia and we opened our shop, the only real negative memory I have is when I heard our store manager interviewing a potential employee and asking if they had a problem working with someone from the “Gay Society”!
(What/who?) That was, of course, the LAST time those words were spoken in our store. Other than the occasional drive by “*F-Slur*” being yelled, life became easier, and quickly too once I started being on television and people saw I was not a “threat”.
There is always some good that can come from bad experiences, and we just need to move forward and do what we do best and never let the bad win. Remember what we get to do for a living: We get to Share LOVE Through the Beauty of Flowers. What a blessing.
I told people never to tolerate me, but to accept me, and they did….and the ones that didn’t really didn’t mean anything to me anyway.
SO , go turn up the music and shake your ass on the dance (or kitchen) floor!
I’ll have to have a massage and a bit of therapy after writing this, so I hope you all can take from my experiences the importance of keeping strong, the need to keep going and the art of being kind to others even when they are not being kind to you.
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Da’Reen Reichenberg
Light Pink
Da’Reen Reichenberg is a queer and quirky Mother, Wife, Artist and Florist that loves to collaborate with other local and creative small business owners. She originally studied Fashion at American River College in Sacramento and finished with her Certificate in Fashion Illustration. It wasn't until she was hired at Madison Avenue Florist as the customer service chick in 2016, that she realized her true passion, Floral Design. Da'Reen spent 3 years learning everything she knows from the best florists in Sacramento; some who had been in the Floral Industry for 50 years! With that knowledge, she gained the confidence to start Daisyhead Florals in 2019 which specialized in providing floral arrangements for events, creative projects and weddings for all couples!
“Da’Reen has worked with brands such as Michaels, Mustella and Rose Inc. and has become known as the colorful florist of Sacramento. After Kevin fell in love with pottery, they decided to be a walking Lifetime Movie and join forces to create Poppy + Pot in 2022.
When I think about pride, I think about strength. Strength to live authentically & be your unapologetic self. I also think about the importance of love, friendship & community.
We get to choose our family; our beautiful, eccentric, colorful & supportive family. Living in a world where if feels like acceptance is at an all time low, we have each other to lean on & we all know there’s strength in numbers.
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Michelle Rech
Light Blue
Michelle is a 33 year old floral designer based in Portland Maine. I knew I wanted to make my design soft and delicate because as soon as I decided to be part of this project I knew I would have to be soft and delicate with myself as this is the first time I’ve publicly acknowledged my bisexuality. I chose elements I could color shift because so much of my design style is me spray painting things. I knew I would want to honor that side of my art while also keeping the florals more based in reality than I usually do. I couldn’t help but add some metallic accents though! Being a femme woman I added a draping bow to my design and channeled a vision of myself laying
on a fluffy white cloud to elevate myself to honor my truth. It was complicated making this- it isn’t my boldest design by any means but I needed to make it this way because being soft and sweet with myself was such a big part of this project.
Pride means everything to me. Pride is being part of a community that is bigger than myself. Being part of this community openly the last few years has been so incredible. I have found the most incredible friends and supporters here. I never thought 15 years ago I would tell anyone I was bisexual. I spent my whole life feeling so uncomfortable with who I was for a lot of reasons and the more I move closer to my authentic self the more complete I feel. It’s important for me to be my truest self so I can fully show up for the community and be present with my friends and loved ones.
It’s ok to not be ready to come out. There isn’t a timeline for everyone and your story doesn’t need to follow any particular script. Whether you come out at 5 or 55 it doesn’t matter. Sometimes it is brave to just sit where you’re at and process it on your own time. The community is ready when you are :)
FLEURVANA+ Experience the power of creativity with Fleurvana+
MORE THAN A MEMBERSHIP! Fleurvana+ is not just any floral membership – it's a movement! We believe in embracing technology and innovation, expanding your personal creativity and artistry, and promoting an un-hustled approach to sales and marketing. As a member, you'll have access to a range of exclusive benefits that will help you elevate your floral business and take it to new heights!
COMMUNITY Monthly community calls with our founder Shawn Michael Foley are just one of the many perks of joining Fleurvana+. Ask questions about design, flower care, preservation, sustainability, theory, and more. You'll also have access to our private Facebook community, where you can connect with other floral artists, share your successes and victories, and support each other in your creative journeys.
THE ACADEMY But that's not all – our Academy of Floral Arts releases new classes quarterly, all of which are included with your membership. Also, Fleurvana+ members get access to exclusive classes that aren't available anywhere else! And if you miss a class, don't worry – you can always catch up with our Hall Pass, which gives you access to our entire library of previous classes.
BUSINESS & STRATEGIES Running a creative business can be tough, which is why we also offer classes on productivity, profitability, and mindset – all specially curated for the creative mind! And if you need help demystifying social media, we've got you covered with simple strategies you can implement to grow your following. Unlock productivity like you've never experienced before by using the power of A.I. Write blogs, sales pages, email campaigns, and create custom marketing strategies in a fraction of the time!
DELICIOUS DISCOUNTS And of course, you receive some exclusive perks. As a Fleurvana+ member, you'll also receive a delicious 25%-50% discount on our in-person immersive experiences, workshops, and retreats.
THE LIBRARY And did we mention our interactive magazine featuring intimate interviews with creatives, artists, floral designers, botanicals, and industry professionals? It's like a bouquet of fresh inspiration delivered right to your inbox! Download our entire library of Fleurvana interactive Magazine to view on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
FLEURVANA'S MOTTO "Creativity is not just a talent, it's a mindset. It's the ability to look at the world in a different way and find something new & beautiful in it. Embrace it, let it guide you, & watch as the world opens up in front of you." Learn More
FLEURVANA
Stacey Halstead
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Starting in the floral industry over 20 years ago Stacey got his start working for an excellent floral studio in St. Louis and has since worked as a freelance designer for some of the best event and retail florists in Missouri and other states. With a serious dedication to improving his craft he constantly seeks out opportunities to assist, and learn from design educators that are pushing the floral arts to new heights. His work has been in print as a photo stylist in Florist Review Magazine ads and has been featured in Central Missouri Bride Magazine. Stacey sums up his design philosophy as “excellence is design that reflects the uniqueness of the client.”
As the parent of a trans child, Pride to me is mostly about the “T” these days. Even with supportive parents, it is difficult and seriously dangerous out there.
A society or movement is only as good as its most vulnerable members are treated. Let’s keep doing better.
FLEURVANA
Kat Castagnoli
Lesbian Flag
To me, Pride means a deep acceptance of yourself and others, exactly as they are. It means embracing diversity in all its beautiful shapes, shades and colors.
It means having the courage to speak and stand for what you believe in – even if the world thinks differently – and to never, ever let anyone else dim your light or the light of another. Pride to me is always my wife, Kylie, the love we have in our life and the love we have of the LGBTQIA+ community.
JUNE 2023
JUST BE YOU
FLEURVANA SHAWN MICHAEL FOLEY LLC 2023©
