We are chatting with Manuella Tollis, a Toronto-based freelance floral designer, currently working at King West Flowers, a trendy flower shop at King and Bathurst. Manuella creates unique designs for every occasion and budget. Today she is sharing with us her passion for her craft, and how it has enabled her to find her bliss.
1. Good morning! Tell us what got you started in your business.
I used to be a wedding planner and while that started off to be a fulfilling job, over time I realize that it lacked a creative outlet and I found myself slipping into misery because of it. I made the decision to find something that would make me smile every single day. I took a course in floral design, loved it, and decided to try it as a profession. I feel more fulfilled and more thankful than I ever thought possible in a career and I will do this until it doesn’t fit anymore, which I hope is never.
2. I hope so too, because your work is amazing! As a florist surrounded by beauty every day, you must have the best job; there must be no stress!
Flowers are used to convey a million emotions, and as a florist I have to channel each of those emotions as they’re being felt. No matter the occasion, I have to choose appropriate combinations of colours and textures to impart the right feeling, but there is so much more to it than that. For example, with sympathy flowers, it’s about honouring and thanking the person for the life that was lived and all the ways they touched the world. If I have done my job well, the soul will be properly honoured and the families will be comforted. That is the best part of me that I can give.
3. Wow… and you know, I have to say: your emotion really does transmit in your work. What you do is very creative. What are some of your favourite out-of-the-box ideas you’ve been able to share with your clients?
Flowers are very personal! No matter what type of event you are planning, or sending flowers for, just because certain things are tradition, doesn’t mean that you must have them. Keep sight of your own tastes, or the personality that will receive the flowers. Don’t be afraid of being unconventional, dare to be different and let your individuality guide your choices.
4. What do you love most about your profession?
Floral design is more than a job for me, it’s a necessity of life. As a florist, I have been given the freedom to explore all facets of my passion and love for this profession, and share it with the universe. I’m thankful that each day I get to send a little piece of me out into the world. Even though I may never meet the recipients of my flowers, I get to have an impact in people’s lives in a very positive way, and there is nothing better than that.
5. When people come to you to consider partnering with you, what is the one thing you want them to know about you and your work?
I love to start off by talking about their wish list. Tell me what you want to have as though budget is not the main concern. I will always do all that I can to tweak and change items to fit a budget, but every client deserves to have what they love for their occasion.
Manuella Tollis can be reached on facebook at www.facebook.com/Manuellacreations or by phone at 416-508-6719. King West Flowers is located at 720 King St W, Toronto, 416-203-1258. www.kingwestflowers.com www.facebook.com/kingwestflowers
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