“I design floral arrangements for walk-in customers, and events such as weddings. I also fulfill weekly orders for companies and hotels. What makes me look forward to work everyday is that no two flower arrangements are the same,” Bernard reflected.
In every project he undertakes, Bernard considers the customer’s budget and preferences, and the nature of the event. He also makes it a point to include a special element in every arrangement, be it the kind of flowers or the supporting material used.
Outside of work, he takes on every opportunity to sharpen his skills by pitting himself against top-notch florists. Over the years, his passion has seen him win the “Florist of the Year” in Green Thumbs 2009, 2010, 2011 and the second prize in the Floral Designers Society (Singapore) Cup in 2006, 2008, 2010.
Breaking Through The Mental Ceiling
Beneath his glowing success, Bernard felt that he was hitting a mental ceiling some time in 2009.
“My job also required me to handle administrative matters, sales and inventory, and I often felt overwhelmed by the various demands,” Bernard explained.
“Moreover I had to make presentations very often. But my drawing skills were very limited and my customers found it hard to make a decision without a good visual of the proposed arrangement. I felt I had to do something to brush up my administrative and presentation skills.
“I looked around for a training programme and finally decided on the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Diploma in Floristry Management under the Nobleman Institute of Floral Design as it provided breadth and depth in the areas I needed help in.”
More Confident, More Organised
With firm support from his then employer, Greenacres, Bernard gave his all throughout the Diploma programme and emerged as one of the top graduates. Shortly after graduation, career opportunities knocked on his door and he joined Boenga Flowers & Design as a Senior Floral Designer.
“Now I am more confident when guiding my customers in their choices, explaining and presenting to them with brochures and drawings. I am also able to create a better Floristry Portfolio. Around the office, I don’t feel so stressed handling administrative matters any more. I know how to organise and prioritise tasks, as well as delegate jobs so that my team works together to get everything done on time.” Bernard said.
Apart from his improved skills, the Diploma programme has further sharpened his eye for aesthetics, and emboldened him to think out of the box and test new ideas.
Bernard’s creation that won the gold medal at the Ikebana Singapore Chapter World Orchid Conference
In the Ikebana Singapore Chapter World Orchid Conference last year, Bernard showed his mettle in the International Floral Design Competition 2011 and surprised even himself when he was crowned Champion and was awarded the Gold Medal.
“Compared with the other floristry contests I took part in, I was definitely more confident in this competition. Right from the start, I had a clear picture of what I wanted to achieve and I knew how I would do that. I believe a large part of my success was due to the exposure I had in the Diploma programme,” Bernard shared.
Challenges Ahead
“I’m very happy my competition entry was so well-received, but I think what is more important is to be able to produce beautiful, memorable pieces in all my designs. To do that, I need to keep abreast of the current fashion trends in Europe, and stay in touch with designs put up at international flower exhibitions, whether through the internet or brochures.”
“Equally important, I need to continually upgrade my knowledge in serving customers through regular training programmes. Because it is only with better skills, I can earn my customer’s satisfaction – and that is the spark that keeps me going further to be a better designer,” Bernard concluded.
Find out more about the training opportunities under the Floristry WSQ Framework.
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