Cory Lonsert

Bellefontaine's Cory Lonsert won the floral designer competition on Style's Make it Big TV show.  Lonsert and two other up-and-coming designers competed on the show that aired Saturday morning on Style.  For winning Cory traveled to New York to be mentored by the world famous floral designer Preston Bailey.

Each contestant had two hours to decorate a table, entrance piece, gifts for every guest at that table and room decor for a dinner party.  As a surprise during their two hours the contestants were introduced to the host of the party Hitomi Gilliam (a famous floral designer).  As a surprise during the design Gilliam asked for a special gift for one of her guests who was having a birthday.

All three contestants had their ups-and-downs with the tight time frame, but Cory rose to the top with his professionalism and detail along with including the other members of his team and working well with them.  Gilliam was impressed with his design too.

The judges for the event added to the overall prize when they revealed before naming the winner that they too would employ the winning contestant. 

Judge Rich Salvaggio of "Flowers &" magazine said he was so impressed by Cory's design that he will have Cory do an eight page spread for his magazine.

Judge Ruth Moyte of Extraordinary Events said she will feature Cory on her website that will expose him to thousands of potential clients.

The end of the show featured some highlights of Cory's trip to New York meeting with Preston Bailey.  Bailey is considered as one of top planners in the world.  He has such clients as Oprah, Donald Trump, Uma Thurman, Joan Rivers, Liza Minnelli, Matt Lauer, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas.

Lonsert started his designing career in Bellefontaine at Arleen's Flowers on South Main Street.  The shop is operated by his mom Sue Moshos.  Cory recently moved out west to pursue a bigger career in floral design and with winning this competition he is well on his way.  Congrats to Cory on his big win and best of luck in the future.