By LINDA WHITE, Posted in the Toronto Sun May 2, 2007
She was at a crossroads when she decided to relocate her family and follow her dream of becoming a floral designer. But winning top honours in a provincial competition assured Anissa Nashkewa that she could blossom in her new career.
"I was overwhelmed, to say the least," she says of her first-place finish in the bridal
category at the 17th annual student floral design competition, hosted by the Ontario Flower Growers Co-operative in Mississauga in March.
"It was a challenge. We didn't know what flowers, greenery and branches or accessories we would be using until just moments before the clock started. We had two hours to plan our design and use of materials and construct our arrangement," Nashkewa says.
"Our design had to incorporate the theme of the competition, which was royal wedding. We had to make use of at least one of each of the materials provided or we risked losing points."
The annual student floral design competition attracted teams from Conestoga, Algonquin, Mohawk and Seneca Colleges. "There is nothing traditional about the competition," says Dorina Idvorian, co-ordinator of Conestoga's retail florist program.
"It covers the basic rules, but you go a step further. Students look into the creative part of their lives. The competition allows us to think a bit outside the box."
Nashkewa moved from Saugeen First Nation near Owen Sound to study at Conestoga in Kitchener. "I wanted to fast track through the program, which typically takes two years to complete," she says. "I want to complete it within a year so I can quickly start working in the industry."
The mother of six had worked in business and accounting before working as a teacher's assistant at an elementary school. "I was at a crossroads," Nashkewa says. "I was passionate about flowers and the industry and decided to follow my heart."
Conestoga's retail florist program is a part-time certificate program that combines floral knowledge with design and business skills. Nashkewa will graduate at the end of August. She is currently completing the first of two field placements at Belmont Flower Market in Kitchener. "It's a really unique shop. We do a lot of weddings and mixed bouquets and create very contemporary designs. I'm enjoying it so much."
Idvorian encourages students to push the envelope. "Many people believe traditional designs will always sell, but I believe there is a need for people within the industry to upgrade their skills," Idvorian says. "Floral workshops are one way to do that. To be successful, you must fill the needs of the customer once you've identified what they are. Don't just assume their needs."
What makes a great design? "It will change with trends," Idvorian says. "People are now looking for simplicity in their lives, for example, and that's reflected in arrangements. Floral designs have to closely follow trends in interior designs and in our lives."