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It’s been Connie LeBlanc’s dream for almost 20 years, the moment she opened the doors to her first customers at Hearts Desire Flower Shop and Gifts in Houma. Being recognized for her hard work and dedication to a craft she’s continued to hone with each arrangement created would be a complete honor and on July 2, LeBlanc earned a spot among 62 others inducted as Accredited Members of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD).
But earning such a prestigious recognition, one that has been a long time coming for the Chauvin native, wasn’t an easy feat.
It all began when LeBlanc ventured into the world of entrepreneurship with the opening of small Houma-based porcelain doll studio. Although she loved putting together the beautiful collectibles and adding the tiny details to each piece, she soon realized the endeavor wouldn’t earn her a living.
“When that wasn’t enough to cover the expense of a storefront, I started doing silk [flowers,]” LeBlanc remembered. “When I started doing silks, people were calling and wanting fresh.”
Taking it as a sign, the florist sought out training at a New Orleans floral design school and eventually passed her licensing test, a requirement only needed in the state of Louisiana.
In 1995, LeBlanc opened Hearts Desire Florist and Gifts on Park Avenue, creating fresh arrangements for anniversaries, birthdays and just about any other occasion six days a week. She’s also spent considerable time in the competitive floral design arena and often takes home a top honor for her work.
This past year has treated the florist exceptionally well. In May, she took home the title of 2015 Louisiana State Florists’ Association (LSFA) Designer of the Year during the association’s annual conference in Opelousas, an honor given to the top three florists who create the most impressive arrangements from provided flowers and supplies. As the first place winner, LeBlanc has the opportunity to travel to Arkansas in 2016 to compete at Mid America, a design contest held in conjunction with the Arkansas Florists Convention and Trade Market. LeBlanc was previously named LSFA Floral Designer of the Year in 2011 and 2013.
Just two months later, the florist received word that that aforementioned dream had also become reality when the AIFD informed her that she would receive the highly coveted Accredited in Floral Design designation and be inducted as a member of the association during ceremonies on July 2 as part of the 2015 National Symposium “Journey” in Denver, Colo.
In order to be considered for the designation, florists must go through a series of preliminary requirements, such as taking a written exam and showing off their best work.
“They have you design certain pieces like wedding, sympathy,” LeBlanc said. “They give you the same amount of flowers and evaluators come and evaluate your work.”
The Institute, established in 1965, aims to advance the art of professional floral design through the opportunities and education provided to those in the industry. Accreditation through the organization is exceptionally selective and members must continue to meet continuing education requirements after induction.
“With over 1,500 members worldwide, AIFD recognizes those who have excelled in their floral design skills,” the Institute said in a press release announcing the new members.
The honor, one that puts her in an elite class with only a handful of other Louisiana florists, allows Leblanc to add the AIFD and Certified Floral Designer (CFD) designations behind her name, badges she now uses as a sign of pride and worthwhile determination.
“It’s the highest [recognition] you can receive in the floral industry, education-wise,” she said. “It let’s people know that you are at the top of your industry. You can’t get any higher.”
