Floriology Institute | Innovative Floral Design & Business Education & Training

Angelyn Tipton, AIFD, CFD, GMF, PFCI

Floriology Education Manager and Lead Instructor

Angelyn's life story is filled with a deep-rooted connection to the floral industry. Growing up in her mother's flower shop, she became immersed in the world of flowers from a young age. At 16, she officially joined her mom's business, taking on the roles of a designer and delivery person, providing her with valuable hands-on experience.

Her journey in the floral industry expanded as she attended various state and national conventions, Over the span of nearly four decades, Angelyn has dedicated herself to staying updated on the latest floral trends through continuous education. Her active involvement in associations such as the Georgia State and Florida State Associations, along with her role as a Certified Evaluator for GSFA, showcases her commitment to the floral community. 

Her active membership in the American Institute of Floral Design is a testament to her leadership and dedication to the floral design community. She was elected to the Southern Chapter board in 2018 and served as AIFD Southern Chapter President in 2023/24

Angelyn's involvement in prestigious events like decorating floats at the Rose Bowl Parade for Fiesta Floats, working on projects for well-known entities like Miracle Grow, City of Torrance, Kaiser Permanente, and the Chinese American Heritage Foundation, highlights her expertise and creativity.

Currently serving as the Education Manager at Floriology Institute, Angelyn plays a crucial role in guiding students through their floral education journey and helping them prepare for certifications. As an instructor at the institute, she contributes to shaping the next generation of floral designers, fueled by her passion for education.

Angelyn's freelance work has taken her across the country, earning her awards for both wedding designs and floral competitions. Her impressive portfolio extends to television and movie projects, as well as features in industry magazines. Notably, her work has been published in the AIFD's Artistic Floral Design Book and the AIFD Guide to Floral Design Vol. III.

Alejandro Figueira Fernandes, AIFD, CEJ, CFD, PFCI

Floriology Now and hands-on design instructor

Alejandro Figueira Fernandes AIFD CEJ CFD PFCI es un miembro acreditado, diseñador floral certificado y evaluador/juez floral certificado por The American Institute of Floral Designers', estudia en Ikenobo Ikebana Society of South Florida. Alejandro es un concursante real de las Copas Florales más importantes de los Estados Unidos,

premiados en varias de ellas, ocupando los primeros lugares. Alejandro participó en la Copa del Mundo Interflora 2023 en la ciudad de Manchester, Reino Unido, representando a su país natal, Venezuela, actualmente se encuentra entre los 20 mejores diseñadores florales del mundo. En su participación, demostró sus innovadoras técnicas de diseño.

Fue invitado a formar parte del equipo de Instructores Florales para el desarrollo de la plataforma educativa en línea bajo el nombre de Floriology NOW perteneciente al Instituto Floriology ubicado en Jacksonville, Florida. Actualmente es miembro del equipo

de instructores del Instituto de Floriology. Mientras que Alejandro disfruta de todas las áreas de la industria floral, su pasión es la educación. Le gusta compartir sus conocimientos, es un presentador y educador de programas florales muy solicitado para profesionales de la industria. Nacido y criado en Caracas-Venezuela, Alejandro Figueira estuvo expuesto desde el principio a la belleza de la naturaleza. Alejandro fue criado entre familias que poseían empresas de paisajismo conocidas, lo que lo llevó a desarrollar una pasión por el uso de la naturaleza en un contexto artístico.

Alejandro Figueira Fernandes AIFD CEJ CED PFCI is a member accredited, Certified Floral Designer and Certified Floral Evaluator/Judge by The American Institute of Floral Designers', studies at Ikenobo Ikebana Society of South Florida. Alejandro is an actual contestant of the most important Floral Cups across the United States, Awarded in several

of them, occupying the first places. Alejandro participated in the Interflora World Cup 2023 in the city of Manchester, United Kingdom, representing his native country Venezuela, currently ranking among the top 20 floral designers in the world. In his participation, he demonstrated his innovative design

techniques. He was invited to be part of the team of Floral Instructors for the development of the online educational platform under the name Floriology NOW belonging to the Floriology Institute located in Jacksonville, Florida. He is currently a member of the Designers

Instructor at Floriology Institute. While Alejandro enjoys all areas of the floral industry, his passion is education. He enjoys sharing his knowledge, he is a highly sought-after floral programs presenter and educator

for industry professionals. Born and raised in Caracas-Venezuela, Alejandro Figueira was exposed from early on to Nature's Beauty. Alejandro was brought up between families who owned well-known landscaping companies, which led him to develop a passion for the use of nature in an

artistic context.

Renato Cruz Sogueco AAF, PFCI

Vice President of Digital Strategy, Floriology Now instructor

Renato serves as Vice President of Digital Strategy and Education at BloomNet, a premier florist services company. His primary role is to serve florists by developing customized services and solutions focusing on search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media, content marketing and mobile strategy to help them build web traffic and engage customers. He also serves as lead educator for new technology, digital marketing strategy and business, consumer and demographic trends at the Floriology Institute in Jacksonville, FL. Prior, he served as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Society of American Florists (SAF), the floral industry’s trade organization providing marketing, technology and government relations for flower growers, suppliers, wholesalers and retailers.

Sharon McGukin, AAF, AIFD, PFCI

Floriology Now and hands-on design instructor

Sharon McGukin (Mac-Goo-kin) AAF, AIFD, PFCI is internationally-known for her floral expertise and southern charm. Audiences are entertained by her informative design presentations featuring the latest floral trends and how-to techniques.

From the small-town florist to the international designer, Sharon’s flower adventures have led this energetic floral designer around the world as a presenter, trend-tracker, home décor industry consultant, speaker and blogger. She has decades of experience with flowers across the US, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Decorating Rose Parade floats, designing flowers in the White House Flower Shop, or working with designers from around the globe – this floral fashionista has flower stories to share!

Michael Gaddie AIFD, CFD, KMF

Floriology  Instructor

Michael Gaddie is a prominent figure in the floral industry, with over 33 years of experience in the business. He has held various leadership roles, including past president of KFA (Kentucky Florists' Association) and past Convention Director for many years. Michael's contributions to the industry were recognized in 2010 when he was inducted into the KFA Hall of Fame, an honor that acknowledges outstanding achievements and service in the floral industry.

As a highly skilled floral designer, Michael has received several accolades throughout his career. In 1996, he was named Designer of the Year, a prestigious award that recognizes exceptional talent and creativity in floral design. Michael's passion for the craft has led him to continue pursuing excellence in the field, and in 2000, he was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD).

In addition to his leadership and design skills, Michael is a successful business owner. He and his wife Pam own Lloyd's Florist, a thriving floral shop located in Louisville. The couple took over the business in March of 1999 and have since expanded its reach, providing top-notch floral arrangements to customers in the region.

Overall, Michael Gaddie's impact on the floral industry is undeniable. His leadership, design skills, and business acumen have made him a highly respected and influential figure in the field.

 Gina Thresher AIFD, CFD, EMC, IMF

Floriology  Instructor

Gina Thresher, AIFD, EMC, IMF is a distinguished figure in the floral design industry, renowned for her expertise as a designer, freelancer, and educator. With a rich background that merges creative flair with entrepreneurial acumen, Gina has cultivated a career that spans over a decade, marked by her dedication to the craft of floristry and her role as the CEO and Owner of From the Ground Up Floral. A native of the Pacific Northwest, she is deeply rooted in her love for all things floral, embracing a feminine style of design that reflects her personal aesthetic and passion for nature's beauty.

Gina's journey into floristry began somewhat serendipitously in 2008 when she took on the task of creating the floral arrangements for her own wedding. This experience ignited a fervent passion for floral design, leading her to pursue it as a career. Her innate extroversion and Gemini spirit have fueled her energy for engaging with people, making her not only an outstanding designer but also a charismatic educator and speaker.

Gina's floral educational background is impressive, marked by her graduation from the Cycle 4 of the European Master Certification (EMC) program, where she honed her skills in nomenclature, horticulture, and the art of translating visual art into floral designs. Her study focused on the extensive principles and elements of design, laying a solid foundation for her creative endeavors.

Alexander Campbell

Floriology Now Instructor

Alexander Campbell is a content creator, professional florist, and social media influencer who currently resides in Miami, Florida.

Before relocating to Madrid, Spain in 2016, he lived in a variety of locations including Wales, England, and Finland. He earned a First-Class Honors degree in Russian and Finnish from the prestigious University College London (UCL), where he majored in Russian literature. He worked as an English teacher for several years and became a florist after finishing his course at the most recognized flower academy in England- London Flower School (LFS). 

Alex was the first and only florist in the world to gain over 1 million followers on TikTok, a position he has held for over two years. Alex was also the first florist in the world to work as a full time influencer. Throughout his impressive career, Alex has been hired to be the face of social media campaigns for many world renowned brands, including Disney, Marvel, Amazon Prime, Nintendo, Instax, Saks Fifth Avenue, Warner Bros, and many more, consistently bringing in multiple 5-figure marketing deals and contracts. 

In addition to his large social media presence, Alex has been hired to design events all over the world and is regarded as one of the most prominent and influential up and coming young florists. Past jobs include work in the Pompidou Center, Paris, the Ritz hotel in Madrid, Harrods in London, the Disney parks in Orlando, Palacio Santa Clara in Lisbon, amongst many other prestigious venues. 

Alex’s first book, Flower Academy, was released on July 16th in the US and became an instant bestseller, reaching number one on the charts of new releases that week. Throughout his career, Alex has been featured in multiple media outlets including the BBC, NPR, El País, Neo2, Thursd and many more.

Alex has become an esteemed social media influencer because he has deeply identified a specific niche in the floral industry that aligns with his interests and passions. His aim has always been to connect as many people as possible, especially the younger generation, with his one true love in life- flowers- something on which Alex has always worked tirelessly. His work on social media is thus heavily influenced by pop culture, the media and all things relevant to a younger generation, taking the emphasis off flowers and more onto the creative aspect of floristry. 

Consistently creating high-quality content, engaging with followers, building a strong personal brand, and networking within the social media community are crucial steps that he has engaged in to gain traction and grow his loyal following. Alex is thus characterized by his authenticity, transparency, and the ability to connect with followers on a personal level, which are key factors in establishing credibility and influence as a social media influencer. His studio is a testament to his passion, skill, and dedication to the art of floristry.

Jackie Lacey AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI 

Floriology Now Instructor

Jackie Lacey has over thirty-five years of experience in the retail floral market and floral education field. His portfolio includes an extensive background in the retail floral market and wedding/event design experience. Most recently he has been the lead consultant and director to provide distinctive event/wedding planning and décor for a Chicago Event Company and currently an advisor and Education Specialist for Floriology Institute, Fitz Design, Fiorology Mexico and Industry leader in market trends, current design trends, industry education and retail marketing.

Sandy Schroeck, AIFD, CFD, PFCI

Floriology Now Instructor

As the owner of Trend On Design, in Eden Prairie, Minn., Schroeck lives by the mantra “educate, inspire, influence” and it shows. She thrives on the energy of a crowd, and she’s passionate about introducing even seasoned floral professionals to new products, creative mechanics and design techniques to become more innovative and profitable designers.

Sandy Schroeck is an award-winning designer, trend watcher and educator with extensive experience in the floral industry.  Having gained professional retail and wholesale experience during her career, Sandy has a unique perspective for the promotion of successful floral and gift businesses. With a strong belief of excellence in design, Sandy is a member of the American Institute of Floral Design.

Donald Yim, AIFD, PFCI

Floriology Now Instructor

With a passion for flowers, a sense of exploration and an eye for beauty, Donald has been in floral design for over 20 years and is now the Creative Director of West Van Florist in Vancouver, Canada.

Deeply influenced by the eastern and western cultures, Donald has his unique approach to floral designs and aesthetics, which has caught a lot of attention from the industry and media.  Throughout all these years, Donald has featured in all sorts of floral shows and in many internationally-renowned magazines.

Donald's humorous and friendly way of tutoring has made him one of the popular education specialists in the field, thrilling the participants with his trendy ideas and techniques.  To share his passion further, Donald has created a YouTube channel, where he shares his floral journey, as well as many design ideas and industry knowledge to the world.