Talent BY JULIE MARTENS FORNEY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Alex Anderson, NCCF


draws the eye into focal flowers. We create really different designs daily to flex our design muscles. It’s fun to watch cus- tomers’ reactions to those items — and it’s such a win when they sell.”


Skill I’m proud of mastering: “The customer service involved in wed- ding work, specifically matching floral creations to the uniqueness of each bride, whether small or large, colorful or muted, simple or extravagant. My bridal bouquets showcase best how I put my heart and soul into each one to make their day extra special.”


Where I find inspiration: “I have a lot of design books and tend to reach for them, but really, inspiration is all around us. I like to find inspiration in everyday items, either at home, around the shop, or out and about in the com- munity. A new ribbon, a texture or color can start my gears turning and inspire me to create.”


Shop Manager Ken’s Flower Shop Bismarck, North Dakota


> Creating floral designs every day fuels Alex Anderson’s passion for his work at Ken’s Flower Shop in Bismarck, North Dakota, a florist that’s been serving the local community for over 60 years. “I love the smiles we bring to people, or the hands we offer to hold through difficult times. That’s the most beautiful part of the job,” he says. With eight years in the floral industry, Alex feels he’s found his life’s calling and is intent on pursuing a floral career. Currently in training to be head


designer, he’s been investing in his education by taking classes with Sandy Schroeck through the Floriology Institute and the North Central Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). “I’ve earned the NCCF (North Central Certified Florist) credential, which is [the first step to achieving] the prestigious Certified Floral Designer,” he shares.


His to-do list includes taking more


design classes and attending the AIFD Symposium this summer. “I want to increase my design knowledge and expertise to bring the best, most updated florals to my community,” he says. “My motto is, ‘If you ain’t learning, you ain’t living.’ The day I’m not learning something new isn’t a good day.”


Designs I’m most excited about: “I enjoy traditional work but also love unique, asymmetrical shapes: fan styles, rounds or anything with a cascade or waterfall. I’m currently excited about experimenting with emerging new trends. For instance, I’m eager to push boundaries with color. I love trying unusual combinations — peaches and browns with oranges or throwing grays or blacks into things to add different tones — while achieving a cohesive look. “Our shop focuses on texture in


designs, typically including at least three different types of greens in arrangements. Teaming that texture with negative space


12 FLORAL MANAGEMENT | Mar/Apr 2026 | WWW.SAFNOW.ORG


When I’m not working: “I love to do anything where I get to be creative. At home, my boyfriend and I love to build LEGO projects. We have all the artsy, botanical LEGOs that have ever come out. I also take on the weird- est projects just so I’m doing something creative. I may take home a bunch of ribbons to play with, or maybe I’ll make a silk arrangement for my grandparents or our apartment.”


Advice to live by: “Be yourself in a world that doesn’t always support that. To floral industry newcomers, I say jump in head first. It’s a messy, beautiful and rewarding job, so it doesn’t feel at all like work. You’ll constantly learn and grow — and hope- fully continue. But it’s not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of time, dedication, creativity, brainpower and good taste. It can be stressful, but a little stress can be good. It keeps me motivated and gives me an edge.”


Julie Martens Forney is a contributing writer for the Society of American Florists.


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