Welcome to RENDEZ-VOUS - monthly inspiring chats with our celebrated global florists. Here, we are highlighting the delightful Ana Isabel Vivas who works with her daughter, Anais, and their team in Miami. Their super chic fresh floral mannequin for Neiman Marcus was named Best in Show at our Fleurs de Villes ROSÉ event.
WHEN DID YOU START ANISKA CREATIONS?
Ana: My family left Venezuela five years ago and moved to Miami. My daughter, Anais, is an award winning pop star - she won Best Female Artist at the Venezuela Music Awards in 2013 and 2014 - and we became frightened by security threats and the political situation. We left everything behind and came to the United States looking for a safer future. My husband and Anais were born in the States so we were American citizens. It wasn’t as difficult for us as it is for so many.
Anais: My Mom was very sad for the first two years. She couldn’t feel at ease. One day, out of economic need but also trying to give her joy, I opened an Instagram account for her to show her work with flowers and hopefully get some jobs here and there. To our surprise, two days later she got her first client, and from then on it hasn’t stopped growing. I joined her as a business partner that first year and now we work together full time on Aniska Creations. Flowers have truly given us a new beginning and we’re both so happy!
WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER YOUR LOVE FOR FLOWERS?
As a child! My mother had a farm and we were always surrounded by flowers.
IF YOU WERE A FLOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A ranunculus. They get better with the passing of time, and I like to believe I do too!
WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL ARRANGEMENT YOU HAVE CREATED?
Both of my daughters bouquets for their weddings. Seeing them walk down the aisle with the bouquet I designed for them made me so happy.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP FLORAL TIP FOR OUR FLEURS DE VILLES GUESTS?
Give yourself time to look at the flowers and truly enjoy and analyze them. They carry so many secrets and that’s where I find the passion to create.
WHO INSPIRES YOU FROM THE WORLDS OF ART, FASHION, ENTERTAINMENT OR DESIGN?
So many artists! I love fashion designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Alice + Olivia, and Rodarte. I love the style of Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and JLo - you can tell they love flowers!
HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE FLOWERS INTO YOUR PERSONAL STYLE – FASHION AND/OR HOME?
Ironically I don’t wear flowers very much, I tend to wear neutrals. I’m pretty much working all day and I need very comfortable clothes. But at home I have flowers and plants everywhere! I spend the first hours of the morning taking care of my garden and moving plants and flowers around. I love lots of orchids, ferns and pretty much any plant that has an interesting color, shape or texture.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF THE PERFECT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT TO RECEIVE?
A beautiful centerpiece for the dining table. I love sitting for lunch or dinner with a beautiful arrangement to look at - it’s also the perfect conversation piece when someone is visiting.
IS THERE AN OUTSTANDING FLOWER THAT HAS PLAYED A ROLE IN KEY MOMENTS OF YOUR LIFE?
Tulips and roses have always been around. I have memories of them ever since I was a child.
WHAT SCENT DO YOU WEAR? USE IN YOUR HOME?
I love the smell of roses, lavender, peonies, gardenias. I have candles with those scents all over my house and studio.
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