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14 Feature March | 2023 FR : Tell us a bit about your career and how you started in flowers. NZ: I have had a love affair with flowers since I was a child. rough the years, I have designed and grown many flower gardens and enjoyed cutting from my gardens and creating flower arrangements. In 2011, I enrolled in floral design classes at Parkland College, a community college in Champaign [Illinois], because I wanted to learn to design professionally. When I completed the courses, my husband did not want me to open a flower shop because I was 53 years old at that time, so I started doing weddings for family and friends, and that developed into a home-studio business—and a full-time job. FR : What sources inspire your creativity and influence your design style? NZ: My flower beds and nature have always been the inspiration for my lush garden-style designs. FR : Do you have a favorite flower? NZ: I am a sucker for all full- petaled blooms such as roses, peonies and Ranunculus. I fell in love with garden roses when I planted my first bush about 35 years ago. It was 'Madame Isaac Periere'—an old heirloom Bourbon rose— and it completely charmed me with its huge blooms, full-blown blousy shape, deep pink/magenta hue and intense raspberry fragrance. FR : What current floral trend excites you? NZ: I am excited by the "muddy" hues that blend so softly and beautifully together, and I love the whimsical, less-formal design styles that mimic nature. FR : Do you have any advice for someone just starting out in the flower industry? NZ: Get some professional training on the basics— principles and elements of design, flower care, wiring techniques and so on. Also, develop a set of terms and conditions for your business; be kind and helpful but firm so you don't get taken advantage of. FR : What are your business plans for the future ? NZ: Last year, I celebrated my 10th year in business and turned 63. Because my husband and I have 13 grandchildren and my parents are elderly and needing more help, I have scaled back the business to accepting only one wedding per weekend, with a minimum dollar requirement. at is working well, and as long as I have the health and energy, I will continue to bring couples' wedding visions to life. If they can dream it, I will find a way to create it!