After the hustle and bustle of our show at Hudson Yards New York, we catch us with Lisa Plociniak of New Jersey-based A Touch of Elegance, first time Fleurs de Villes florist and winner of our Best in Show, Florist Favorite, and Fan Favorite awards.

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WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR PASSION FOR FLORAL DESIGN?

When I was younger I never really considered myself a “creative person”. I worked in the restaurant industry. I moved my way up the ladder to a management position within a corporate restaurant, which was not a creative role at all. I realized I had taken for granted my previous position, where at least I was brainstorming menu ideas and drink recipes, and I had loved making an over-the-top display for our holiday buffets. Once I no longer had that creative outlet, I needed to find it elsewhere. I started going to the craft store on my days off and “playing” with flowers, making arrangements, wreaths and gift baskets. I started slowly giving my “masterpieces” as Christmas presents. I made a holiday wreath for my own front door and a neighbor offered to pay me to make her one. I barely broke even – but I loved every minute of making it. I applied for a part-time holiday position with a florist making wreaths. I would walk through the workroom in awe of the beautiful designs everyone was making. I just loved it and I knew I had to make this my career.

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TELL US ABOUT THE CREATIVE PROCESS OF BRINGING YOUR DAISY BUCHANAN MANNEQUIN TO LIFE EN FLEURS.

This was our very first time designing for Fleurs de Villes. We honestly had no clue what to expect or where to begin. Once we got our assignment – Literature – we brainstormed a few ideas. Being a lover of The Great Gatsby, I thought Daisy was the perfect figure to bring to life. The iconic style and fashion of the roaring 20’s was something I felt that everyone would recognize, and if we nailed the design it would be well received. The most challenging part was getting the right mix of materials - there was a lot of trial and error. I think the details that stood out the most to me were her accessories, such as her headpiece, jewelry, boa and belt. Her bodice was also meticulous, with many labor hours put into it. It was truly a team effort. We had multiple designers blending all of their talents together creating a true work of art!

IN NEW YORK, AND FOR MANY OF OUR NORTHERN HEMISPHERE READERS, JANUARY AND FLOWERS DON’T IMMEDIATELY SEEM TO MIX. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR BRINGING FLOWERS AND NATURE INTO WHAT CAN BE A GLOOMY MONTH?

Although there is not a lot “blooming” outside, you can still embrace the season. First off, January and February in my head are minimalist months. A stark contrast to the holiday season. Simplicity is key – a simple vase of branches and winter greens is a wonderful statement piece. It is also a great time of year for some Holland Tulips. I myself will pick up a couple of bunches of tulips and put them around the house. I also have a lot of green house plants in all shapes and sizes all throughout the house. Amaryllis and paperwhites are wonderful seasonal blooming plants you can have as well.

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WHO INSPIRES YOU FROM THE WORLDS OF ART, FASHION, ENTERTAINMENT OR DESIGN?

I find myself drawn to timeless elegance. I love European architecture and design. I love the mix of classic and modern. My favourite artist is Van Gogh, any and all of his flower paintings make my heart sing!

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HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE FLOWERS INTO YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

In my home I am obsessed with flowers and botanicals. I have a statement wall in one of my rooms that is oversized roses and peonies. Most of my artwork & home decor has some sort of botanical element. I love Art Nouveau-inspired decor. I am obsessed with my outdoor gardens. We have only been in our home for 5 years, yet we’ve invested so much time and money into all of our flowers and landscaping, it looks as though we have been there for 20 years.

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IF YOU COULD ATTEND A FLORAL FESTIVAL OR BOTANICAL GARDEN ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

If I could go anywhere it would be to Lake Como, Italy in the spring. I would visit the botanical gardens at Villa Carlotta. We have actually been there before in the summer, but there was a drought and mostly everything was dead. However, I have seen videos and photos of it in the spring in full bloom, and to me it seems like heaven on earth.

WHAT’S THE MOST THOUGHTFUL OR SURPRISING FLORAL GIFT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED FROM SOMEONE?

Going way back before I was a floral designer, my husband (boyfriend at the time) showed up unexpectedly to my restaurant job just to say hello. The restaurant was super busy and I remember seeing him through the sea of people quietly standing there holding the “Confetti” roses he bought for me. I was so touched. I was having a rough day and him bringing those roses definitely cheered me up. Later that night I was in my office waiting for the staff to finish cleaning up and I looked over at the roses and for the very first time I had the thought of starting my own floristry business. That was in November of 1998. By January of 1999 I had quit my job and enrolled in design school. I started operating my own company by August of that year. Him buying the roses set the trajectory in motion and put us in the place we are today.

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IS THERE AN OUTSTANDING FLOWER THAT HAS PLAYED A ROLE IN A KEY MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE?

I would say roses are my favourite flower and they have been a key part of my life since I was a little girl. I remember as a child watching my grandmother tend to her garden and always saying the roses were her favourite. I could appreciate their beauty at a young age. Since becoming a floral designer, I've always preferred roses over all other blooms. It’s their classic elegance and timeless beauty. They come in so many beautiful shapes, sizes and colors, and are so versatile.