It’s always fun to know a little more about the Texas State Florists' Association's amazing presenters than what their bios reveal. In this new series of feature articles, TSFA takes you beyond the bio and shares just a little bit more about each of those who will add to your layers of learning throughout the year!
Meet Rocio Silva AIFD CFD PFCI
Rocio Silva will co-present two bilingual sessions at the Texas Floral Expo on June 27-29, 2025.
Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, is Silva's home. She was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in 2011 and is a member of the Mexican Council of Judges in Horticulture and Design. Silva holds the Professional Floral Communicator International designation from the Society of American Florists. She judges countless competitions as an AIFD Certified Evaluator and Accredited National Garden Club Judge. Silva is a past president of the Latin American Society of AIFD Members; a co-founder and director of the Instituto Mexicano Técnico Floral, which is the first floral design school in Mexico; and a floral designer for Oasis Floral Mexico.
What is your first memory of flowers?
Coming from a family dedicated to the floral industry, my first contact with flowers was at a very young age since I practically grew up in the flower shop.
What experiences led to your interest in the floral industry?
Growing up surrounded by flowers, I had the opportunity to explore all aspects of a floral business, from cleaning, sales and billing to administration, delivery, and event design and decoration. Each experience enriched me and guided me into the floral world that I experience today.
What contributed most to your design education?
The lack of formal floral education in my country led me to seek workshops, courses and diplomas in other countries, which shaped my current perspective on floral design.
What has been your favorite job in the floral industry?
Being an instructor has undoubtedly been the most rewarding job and the one that has allowed me to travel the world. Sharing and learning is my passion.
What do you consider your area of focus in the industry, and what led you to that decision?
In my culture, we are not used to being evaluated or judged, which makes me admire those who have the courage to put themselves in that position. We must remember that the only way to grow is through feedback. My advice is to be brave and showcase your talent. It is unique and unrepeatable, and that is your power.
Understanding floral design at the highest level, what do you predict to be the greatest constant and the greatest change?
The greatest constant in the floral industry is, without a doubt, the expression of emotions. We are the industry of feelings, and that will never change. The biggest shift in the industry is personalization, allowing clients to interact and make decisions regarding color, shape, style and more.
What role do you see yourself playing in the future of floral design education?
I see myself continuing my work, providing guidance based on experience and learning from new generations every step of the way.
I had the opportunity to create and founded the first floral school in Mexico, and today, after 20 years, we have graduated more than 12,000 people across the country. Many of them use what they have learned as a means of livelihood. It is a great pride to have contributed to self-employment in my country.
Texas Floral Expo
Registration is open for the Texas Floral Expo! Join your floral family at the South Shore Harbour Resort in League City on June 27-29. At this conference, industry-leading presenters will share the latest tips and trends in multiple demonstrations, business sessions and hands-on workshops.
Don't miss these sessions presented by Rocio Silva AIFD CFD PFCI!
Saturday, June 28, 3:15-5 p.m. — Mastering the Secrets of Sympathy Florals
Learn to design heartfelt funeral arrangements with elegance, intention and an increased knowledge of symbolism in this bilingual hands-on workshop. Explore the techniques that support artistic creations that are long remembered. Underwritten by Smithers-Oasis.
Underwritten by Smithers-Oasis.
Sunday, June 29, 9:45-10:45 a.m. — The Secret Language of Sympathy Flowers
In this bilingual presentation, explore the delicate art of crafting floral designs that honor life and offer comfort, insights into meaningful blooms and timeless arrangements.
Underwritten by Smithers-Oasis.