Today we’d like to introduce you to Aysel Cristian.
Aysel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
“What is she doing is called art!” said a mother to her daughter who was watching me creating a large-scale installation. I was up the ladder and secretly blushing. By all means, I do not consider myself an artist; I still have so much to learn. Floristry is amazing and rewarding and makes me eager to keep creating and growing and those words just did that.
Actually, I discovered floristry about two years ago and I gratefully say that a couple of people are at fault for this: my former boss, an amazing interior designer, from which I learned everything about color, texture, pattern and one of my friends, a very much awarded hair stylist, who literally placed me in a room full of flowers to help her design her wedding. You see, I believe people can find their true passion at any time in their lives. Flowers are what speaks to me; they are my freedom. When I am in my Atelier surrounded by vases, hands sticky from floral glue or tired from an early morning at the flower market, the thought that the next day I can make a special occasion even more glorious is a moment worth celebrating.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, definitely not a smooth road! Floral industry is a very active, always changing and very hard to keep up with. There is always a new floral trend, a new variety of rose or a new Pantone color each year.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business was officially opened this spring! I am an event floral designer combining traditional floral techniques with organic forms and personal artistic vision where each piece of floral arrangement, installation or bouquet is uniquely crafted and inspiring. Designing with flowers is an art form and attention to detail is critical, therefore my Atelier takes no more than two events per week. I aim to be the floral designer that sources product locally and seasonally and this to set me apart from others. I specialize in large-scale installations because I love the idea of bringing the nature inside, honoring the way plants naturally grow and because floral installations are a powerful and opulent visual anchor that dissipates any boring feeling.
As a company, I am most proud of being featured on many wedding industry platforms in such a short time and this is because of amazing vendors and photographers for which I am forever grateful.
What were you like growing up?
I am originally from Romania, moved to Chicago in 2003, worked for an interior designer while pursuing my degree in Arts. When floristry was definitely something I wanted to do, I decided that while creativity is something inborn, I need some artistic skills. I enrolled in online courses from FDI (Floral Design Institute) and ISFA (Illinois State Floral Association) and I am halfway towards placing those three letters after my name CFD (Certified Floral Designer).
Pricing:
- Bridal Bouquets start from 150$
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ayselcristianfloralatelier.com
- Phone: 7734019717
- Email: floral@ayselcristianfloralatelier.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ayselcristianfloralatelier
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ayselcristianfloralatelier
Image Credit:
Laura Waldron Photography, Agnes Rasek Photography, Michelle and Yasmin Photography
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