Catholic Maker Spotlight: Florist, Cecilia
CM: How did you first discover your passion for flowers, and what inspired you to start creating floral arrangements?
Cecilia: I have always loved flowers. They always gave beauty to the home, or Church or Wedding venue. My oldest sister, Marina loved flowers too and was working for a flower shop. It sparked my interest some 20 years ago. I went to a local florist that had been around since my childhood and that was are go to place, Haru Florists, a Japanese owned business. I wanted to learn about how they made beautiful arrangements happen. From the picking, to the packing to the end product. The picking, gathering and processing were the hardest. When I actually decided to do things for myself, I decided to offer my time to the Church. I found out, what I could and could not do and then I went to work. My arrangements weren't necessarily the best, but I loved that they were for God and our Blessed Mother and for the Images that were there. I was happy to see them up and honor God. That was when I knew, this was my calling. I have been working for the Church for about 7-8 years.
CM: Can you tell us about your first experience arranging flowers for a major event? What did you learn from that experience?
Cecilia: My first major event was my first wedding, I was so excited! I had to prove to myself that I could do it. The Flowers were for the Church and Wedding party. There were specific needs from the bride, like special medals for her bouquet, wrapping her rosary, the flowers for the Blessed Mother and the colors she chose, pastels. The bride came along with me. We made some choices. Explained to her why to pick them. She was appreciative of my knowledge. It was good to know that she trusted me.
I learned how to listen, budget my time and the clients time. Give good advice so everyone understands and give yourself time to get everything done and rest.
CM:What advice would you give to someone who wants to turn their passion for flowers into a career?
Cecilia: I advised to research, work for another florists to learn all you need to know. It's imperative to really know what you are doing. Keep learning new ways to do things, be open to change. Learn the business so you can do it well.
CM: Flowers often carry symbolic meanings and evoke emotions. How do you choose the types of flowers for your arrangements, and what messages do you aim to convey through your work?
Cecilia: Most of my work is for the Church. All flowers are colors for the season, or a special feast day or a Novena to the Blessed Mother, as well as Easter and Christmas. The Church has it's seasons and I work according to them. White is for High Feasts and joyous times. Red is for Martyrs or certain Feasts for Our Lord. Purple is for penitential times. But there is a time to use any colors. It is my hope that people realize this when looking at the flowers that are up. I also try to use religious numbers in the stems I use. 12 for Mary - Crown of 12 stars or 12 Apostles. 3 for the Holy Trinity. 5 - for the wounds of Christ. 7 God's perfect number. It doesn't always work out that way, but many times it just does.
CM: Can you share a memorable experience where your floral arrangements made a significant impact on someone’s special day or event? How did that experience affect you as an artist?
Cecilia: I have only done weddings and they all were memorable in there own way. But one stands out and the Church flowers were complete opposite of the reception. After it was all said and done I loved how the little vases came out. It was perfect. She and her husband were loving it. I was happy she was happy. It taught me to be open to be different. That not everything has to be uniform. It's ok to step out of the norm.
CM: In what ways has working with flowers influenced your own personal growth or faith journey? Has your work deepened your connection with God?
Cecilia: I never knew until now the meaning of the flowers for the Church. But I realized, over time, that they are God's creation and very much have a part in the Mass, They show the Sacrifice of the Mass as theygive beauty but also, wilt and completely drain themselves of life. (SIDE NOTE: All flowers upon the altar must be cut flowers - no potted plants).
CM: Looking back on your journey, what are the key lessons you’ve learned through your experiences as a florist, and how have they shaped your vision for the future?
Cecilia: I have enjoyed this journey very much and will continue as God wills it to be. Flowers are God's gift of beauty to the world, I am just here to show them in different ways upon His altar.
