TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF FLORAL DESIGN?
By college degree, I am a nurse and work at one of the top hospitals in the country. Being a nurse, there isn't much room for creativity, but I first dipped my toes into the world of events by organizing a charity fashion show. From there, it snowballed into starting 33 Munroe, which now is predominantly a wedding planning and floral design business. Working with florals allows me to have a creative outlet, taking me out of the world of medicine and into the world of flowers. Working with florals is like painting, you start with one brush stroke - or in this case one flower - and slowly but surely create a unique piece of art.
WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR FIRST FLEURS DE VILLES EXPERIENCE?
I was thrilled to hear that Fleurs de Villes was coming to Boston for the first time! We have such incredible talent here and are not always given opportunities to do something new and exciting. It gave us a chance to flex our creative muscles in a different and unique way, and it was a bucket list item of mine to create a floral gown! It was nice to be given some direction, but even better to be able to run with it. It challenged me in new ways, and gave me the chance to think outside the box, use new mechanics and techniques, and work with florals and dried/preserved products in new ways.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY TIPS FOR CREATING AT-HOME FESTIVE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS?
Some of our favourite winter florals to use for holiday arrangements include hypericum berries, hellebores, tulips, quince (be careful, the branches bite back!), lilies, paper white, and amaryllis (which make great gifts on their own!). Evergreens are also great to work with because they last! My top tip would be to find a local event or class to take. We created an event called "Booze and Bloom" where our guests have a little bubbly and we teach them tips and tricks to create at-home arrangements. I’d also recommend using foam as it’s easier for beginners to work with, and allows for structure and creating larger pieces. Get your florals or greenery from local farms to support small businesses, however Trader Joes and Whole Foods are good spots to get more unique blooms to work with, if you don't have a stand close by. Have fun with it - open your mind and allow your creativity to flow. When we do classes, we often see beautiful personalities shine through the arrangements created!
WHAT'S THE MOST UNUSUAL OR EXOTIC FLOWER YOU'VE WORKED WITH?
I have had more than one request for mushrooms. Although not a flower, it took me by surprise at first. However as we began our flower selection and when it was time to incorporate the product, it became one of our favourite things to work with! Earth tones as well as purple and maroon hued blooms bring out the various shades that a mushroom cap and stem provide. Trust us - it's cool!