Rooted in Floristry. Designed for Growth.
Where craft meets
Education
Fleur University® exists to elevate the art and business of floristry through structured education, thoughtful mentorship, and real-world application.
Our Goal
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Our Founder
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Our History
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Our Mission
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who we are
IN HONOR OF
CHUCK BANNOW AAF, AIFD
Fleur University® honors the legacy of Chuck Bannow AAF, AIFD, founder of the Bannow Flower School and Bannow Flowers in Utica, Michigan (est. 1974), whose dedication to floral education shaped generations of designers. His belief in structured learning and shared knowledge continues to inspire our mission today.
As a two-time recipient of the Chuck Bannow Award from the Great Lakes Floral Association, our founder is honored to carry forward his belief that education is the heartbeat of this industry. Fleur University® stands as part of that continuing legacy—where knowledge is shared, craft is honored, and the next generation of floral designers is empowered.
The mission of Fleur University® is to provide affordable floral and event design courses, resources and educational materials to planners, florists and event designers through effective coaching strategies, an approachable spirit and a sincere desire to develop contributing members of the floral and event design industry.
OUR MISSION
Founded in 2019, Fleur University® was created from a deep respect for the art, discipline, and structure of floristry, as well as the educators and mentors who have contributed to the industry for centuries. Foundational floral education has long existed and continues to thrive through schools, instructors, and professional organizations dedicated to preserving the craft and passing knowledge forward with care.
Floristry itself is rooted in a long and diverse history, including a rich African American tradition that spans centuries. As documented through historical research and works such as Black Flora, African Americans have played an enduring role in floriculture and floral design—from early gardeners and growers to professional designers, educators, and entrepreneurs. For many, this knowledge was cultivated through lived experience, community exchange, and self-directed learning, forming a continuum of practice that has sustained the craft across generations.
Over time, it became clear that there was an opportunity to expand access to structured floral education—particularly in regions where designers often rely on informal pathways despite carrying deep creative and botanical knowledge. Fleur University® was established to support this need by offering structured, affordable learning opportunities rooted in foundational principles and real-world application.
By organizing education into clearly defined tracks supported by textbooks, tools, and intentional progression, Fleur University® aims to strengthen the educational ecosystem while honoring both the craft and the histories that shape it. The goal has always been to support florists with accessible, high-quality instruction that respects tradition, values lived expertise, and ensures that foundational knowledge continues to be passed forward with integrity and care.
OUR HISTORY
Floristry is not new to us—it is knowledge we have always carried forward.
The primary goal of Fleur University® is to provide a clear, structured path for floral education—one that eliminates guesswork, reduces overwhelm, and restores confidence in both learning and practice. Through defined tracks, required learning tools, and purposeful progression, students are empowered to understand not just how to design, but why design works.
OUR GOAL
I founded Fleur University® after decades of working within the floral and event industry—as a designer, educator, and lifelong student of the craft. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from generous mentors, established institutions, and fellow educators who have helped shape my understanding of floristry as both an art and a discipline.
As I continued to teach, mentor, and support designers—particularly those in the Midwest—I began to notice recurring challenges. Many talented florists lacked access to affordable, structured education close to home, and others struggled to find learning pathways that balanced creativity with foundational knowledge and real-world application. The issue was never a lack of passion or talent, but rather the need for clearer frameworks and accessible opportunities to build confidence over time.
Fleur University® was created to support that need. It exists to complement the broader floral education community by offering intentional learning paths, foundational resources, and thoughtful instruction that honors the craft while meeting designers where they are. My goal is simple: to help florists grow with clarity, integrity, and respect for the traditions—and educators—that have shaped this industry.
Shaped by experience, education, mentorship, and dedicated to supporting the next generation of florists.
OUR FOUNDER
est. 2019
Amber Kirkland AIFD, CEJ, CF, CFD
The Fleur Coach™ since 2019