Michele Peters, AIFD, Named 2018 AXA Executive of the Year
This year’s Executive of the Year Award recipient is the oldest of 6 girls- and grew up surrounded by laughter, love and a little bit of chaos! The child of hardworking parents, this person witnessed the value of hard work. Raised in Castleton NY, she graduated from Maple Hill High School, honing her craft in work study. As a young girl, she created arrangements in her basement with her grandmother; she has always been part of the floral world!
After years of working and learning, she opened her own shop, Ambiance Florals & Events, in 2005. A family affair, her parents, sisters, and husband all work with her to make sure the business is a success!
This year’s recipient has a robust and impressive resume. In her professional world, she has earned AIFD status - American Institute of Floral Designers- the equivalent of a PHD in the floral industry! She is also involved in community events such as the Capital Region Garden and Flower Show, which she has chaired. Channeling her entrepreneurial spirit, she created a new flower show in Albany, “Cathedral in Bloom” that had an extraordinary inaugural debut this year. Her shop is a member of the Capital District Wedding Association where many work together as a team to make an event fly. She takes time out of her busy days to visit preschool classes, where she talks about colors, types of flowers, and creates small arrangements with the children. She also teaches floral classes at nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and Senior Community Centers across the Capital Region.
She also gives back to several other worthy organizations including, but certainly not limited to, the Red Cross, Senior Services of Albany, the Regional Food Bank, the Unity House of Troy, many VFW’s, as well as participating in a number of Go Red for Women Events. Her motto? “You have to give to get.”
She is currently a table captain and one of AXA’s newest board members. She is a wonderful ambassador for this organization and her enthusiasm is infectious.
They say that while people join organizations for a variety of reasons- they stay because of how they feel. This year’s recipient is in the business of making people feel good- and truly lives it. Congratulations to AXA’s 2018 Executive of the Year – Michele Peters!
Please visit http://www.ambianceflorals.com/ for more information on Michele and her shop!