A Passion for Learning Blossoms

Hamidah Abdul Karim is a senior travel executive with a passion for floristry. So deep is her love for floral design that she regularly takes part in floristry competitions locally and abroad.

"Flower design has always been my interest and floristry is an avenue for me for enjoyment or to express myself, no matter how busy I am with my full-time job or family commitments," says Hamidah. "Entering competitions is just another platform for me to showcase my artwork and techniques."

For Hamidah, she values the exposure and creative environment that she gets at competitions. She explains: "I enjoy learning new things and I believe everyday is a journey to learn. And the more I learn, the more I crave for new ideas and opportunities. New ideas and creativity somehow nurtures oneself. "

Upgrading Her Floristry Skills

In honing her craft, Hamidah has been regularly pursuing and bettering her knowledge in floristry. Having studied from a beginner level to obtaining certification for the last six years, she then searched online for more avenues to hone her craft. Hamidah's search led her to the WSQ Diploma in Floristry Management, conducted by the Nobleman Institute of Floral Design.

Through the 18-month course, Hamidah picked up skills to develop a floral design portfolio while improving her floral design skills and techniques. She also learnt to manage and implement display projects as well as picked up workplace safety and health best practices.

Following the completion of her diploma, Hamidah noted a significant improvement in her presentation skills. She was especially delighted that her new skills and knowledge greatly boosted her confidence when meeting other floristry enthusiasts or in dealing with clients in her full-time job.

No Looking Back

Hamidah's talent in floristry further took off after graduating from her WSQ Diploma in Floristry Management. In 2010, she took part in the Fusion Flower International Designer competition in the UK, winning a bronze award for the Bridal Design category. 

She then participated in the 2011 World Flower Council Summit in London, and her entry won an award for Best Floral Design for Wearable Art. Not only did she find success in competitions, Hamidah began to see more and more doors open in the floristry industry.

She recalls: “I was invited to do public demonstrations and was given the opportunity to showcase my floral design at local competition, Green Thumbs 2011, and also side by side with popular celebrity, Dato Chef Wan.  I was invited by Sutra Magazine Singapore to contribute floral designs for Hari Raya last year and this year, I did a presentation for a media event for WDA’s CaliberLink."

Currently, Hamidah is still working in the travel industry, and has been for the past 20 years. She believes her current profession and work environment has helped her success in floristry as well.

No Limit to Achieving Dreams

As someone who has walked the walk in furthering her dreams and passion, Hamidah is keen to encourage more people to do the same, especially her peers and people in her age group.

She says: "Opportunities will come when you are ready. I'm grateful to be surrounded by people and my employers, who encourages me and fills me with lots of positive energy to move on to succeed in both in my career and my passion. I believe that when you love what you do, things will fall into place easily. It's also extremely important to set your priorities, stay focused and practise time management."