ALL-INCLUSIVE THREE DAY EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
The Retreat
WITH FOREVER WILDFIELD
Learn the design skills and operations that will assist you in mastering a distinct style, attract your ideal clients, and build a profitable floral business
September 10 - September 13
2024
Livingstone Farm 1860
Guelph / Eramosa, Ontario
The Retreat presents a comprehensive floral business and design workshop, guided by Alexandra Highet of Forever Wildfield.
Nestled in the tranquil ambiance of Livingstone Farm 1860 just outside of Guelph, it delivers an engaging opportunity for a small group of attendees seeking to explore, bond, relax, and flourish in pursuit of their dreams.
Livingstone Farm 1860 is a countryside oasis with updated finishes and quality amenities for us to relax and learn in comfort
"In the delicate dance of petals and stems, we find not just flowers, but the essence of our own growth and renewal."
Why Invest in The Retreat?
Creative Renewal
The Retreat provides a break from daily routine, allowing participants to rejuvenate their creativity and find fresh inspiration. Engaging in floral design in a tranquil and supportive environment can ignite new ideas and approaches. This break from routine allows participants to recharge, refresh, and return home with a renewed sense of energy and purpose
Self-Discovery
The Retreat offers a time and space for self-reflection and personal growth. Participants may discover new talents, interests, and perspectives as they immerse themselves in the art of floral design and connect with their creativity
Skill Enhancement
Participants have the opportunity to learn from an experienced designer, gaining valuable insights and techniques to enhance their floral design skills. Hands-on workshops and demonstrations offer practical experience and personalized guidance. Discussions around sourcing, recipe writing, tools of the trade, sustainable mechanics, and time management all enhance one’s skills too
Wellness Benefits
The Retreat incorporates elements of relaxation and mindfulness, promoting overall well-being. Time spent surrounded by nature and engaging in creative activities can reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and improve mental health
Valuable Business Insights
The Retreat often include discussions that go beyond floral design, offering valuable insights into efficient business systems, entrepreneurship, pricing strategies, marketing techniques, and more. Participants can acquire practical knowledge and strategies to enhance their business operations and profitability. This deeper understanding can empower floral entrepreneurs to make informed decisions, optimize their workflow, and achieve greater success in their ventures
Community Building
The Retreat brings together like-minded individuals who share a passion for flowers, design, and entrepreneurship. The supportive and collaborative atmosphere fosters connections, networking opportunities, and friendships within the floral community
THE RETREAT EXPERIENCE
Explore the Curriculum
FEATURE ONE
Design a Bouquet, Centrepiece, and Installation
Learn the Forever Wildfield approach to artistic floral design. Watch Alexandra demonstrate how she creates a bouquet and table arrangement. Participants will each design their own bouquet and table arrangement. Additionally, a large-scale floral installation will be created together. Hands-on guidance will be provided as you design each item.
FEATURE TWO
Business Questions Answered
As a florist, the role involves much more than just designing arrangements. Alongside our instructional sessions, Alexandra will answer any business questions you may have. There will be scheduled time to delve into topics such as business operations, marketing tactics, pricing structures, flower sourcing, and more. The goal is for you to leave feeling empowered with a newfound clarity for your business endeavours.
FEATURE THREE
Learn Tablescape Design + Styling
Alexandra will demonstrate her approach to tablescape styling with the arrangements that the group creates. There will be an in-depth conversation on tableware selections, space planning, guest experience, and sourcing unique styling and rental items that you can add to your inventory for clients.
Photography of You + Your Designs
To showcase the work you have created during The Retreat, we will have a photographer on site for one day to capture it all. New headshots, in-action photos, and snaps of your work with a styled tablescape and model. All of these photos will be available for you to use and keep.
FEATURE FOUR
FEATURE FIVE
Dine Together
All of the meals we share will be in a spirit of community building and beauty. Plans for an onsite chef for our final dinner together [night 3] are still being finalized, with the rest of the meals catered or prepared. The last evening’s dinner will include an enchanting dining experience, nestled outdoors at a beautifully styled tablescape for us to enjoy together. This is a great opportunity to reflect on your experience and ask any lingering questions before we depart the next morning.
All meals, snacks, and beverages for the duration of The Retreat are included.
Photos Credit: Megan Laura Photography
Planning + Styling: Vivian Lyttle Events
Flowers + Styling: Forever Wildfield
Lune 1860 Editorial 2023
The Itinerary
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All attendees are welcomed to Livingstone Farm 1860 from 4:00 PM onwards. There will be a time for introductions, dinner, and group discussion on curated business topics
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We’ll gather for breakfast and then start with our first flower design class. Alexandra will demonstrate how to design a bouquet, in her signature style. Each attendee will then make their own bouquet with guidance from Alexandra. After everyone has completed their bouquet, there will be a break for lunch and some free time. Later in the afternoon, we will gather again for a centrepiece demonstration and each student will then create their own, as we discuss various business subjects. After this design session, we will have a break before dinner, followed by a fireside conversation and lesson.
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After we have gathered for breakfast, everyone will participate in designing a group installation outdoors. The professional photographer will arrive on site to capture all of the content planned. Other activities planned throughout this day are free time for a swim or nap, lesson on tablescape styling, chef’s dinner, and business Q+A periods.
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A simple breakfast in the morning, with check-out by 11:00 AM. Any individual floral designs are able to be brought home by participants.
The Finer Details
Investment
Shared Room: $2900 + tax
Private Room: $3500 + tax
The Retreat is designed for an intimate group of participants so that individual attention can be provided throughout without compromise
What’s Included
Three days of instruction and demonstration from Alexandra of Forever Wildfield. Individual bouquet design, individual arrangement design, and a group installation.
Scheduled time for business conversations, with thought-provoking exercises and challenges
Accommodation at Livingstone Farm 1860 for three nights in either a shared or single room. Please note, there is only one room with shared accommodations available. The beds in the shared room are twin size. The private rooms either have a queen or king bed.
Meals - three breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners, snacks, and all coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic drinks.
All materials needed for designing - flowers, silk ribbons, compote / vase to keep, table setting rentals, and professional photography of your work.
A digital download of The Retreat curriculum / notes / and discussions will be sent to participants following the end of The Retreat.
What’s Not Included
Flights and transportation to and from Livingstone Farm 1860.
Payment
Secure your spot with a 50% deposit. A minimum of 3 participants is needed in order for the workshop to proceed, so please hold off booking any flights or transportation until this has been confirmed. If the minimum is not met, a full refund of your deposit will be returned to you.
Once your spot is secured, your payments are non-refundable. If, in the unfortunate event, you are no longer able to attend The Retreat, we encourage you to transfer your spot to another florist.
The balance of payment will be due one (1) month before the The Retreat start date. An invoice for payment will be sent to each student.
Reserve Your Spot
Reserve Your Spot
Meet Your Host
Hi! I’m Alexandra, owner and designer at Forever Wildfield.
I started in the wedding industry thirteen years ago, with over nine years focused on designing as an event florist for premium events at some of the province’s finest venues. When I first started out, I truly felt I was out on my own. It took years of trial and error and a commitment to excellence to get to where I am now - a thriving floral business that operates on my terms.
Why Trust Me?
I am deeply passionate about nurturing fellow aspiring florists. My goal is to impart the knowledge I've accumulated over the years, empowering you to approach both your artistic endeavours and business ventures with confidence. My approach revolves around fostering a culture of service, humility, and selflessness, where I can uplift and support others in realizing their full potential, ultimately contributing to the collective prosperity of our industry. There's space for everyone in this journey. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reset after a setback, know that you have the opportunity to thrive. I am committed to supporting you to the best of my abilities, so you too can achieve the success you aspire to.