Since 2003, Eileen Johnson and her team have been bringing master florists and students from all over the world to FlowerSchool New York. Their mission is to “help people live a richer life through flowers,” and they certainly succeed. The school offers classes for enthusiasts and professionals, at all levels and focuses. Eileen compared her school to a cooking school, where master chefs come to share their secrets. FlowerSchool does the same thing, just with a different aspect of entertaining and hospitality - flowers! The professional program here is really central, with weeks of training, often involving internships with local florists and study abroad trips to places like France and Holland.
This industry has often been very singular, with florists usually working alone to hone their own unique style. FlowerSchool has created a community of florists - among both teachers and students - out of previous competitors. Many unexpected paths cross here. When we visited FlowerSchool, we met students from Mexico, Brazil, Trinidad, and South Korea - all in the same class. One could only imagine what kind of beautiful arrangements could emerge from the intermingling of so many unique cultures. A peaceful place of creativity and collaboration, FlowerSchool New York is truly a side street gem.
