Like a flower, she always looks up to the sun and enjoys life's simple pleasures, capturing them through her lens. Her photographs make life look so idyllic that you'll want to have a little bit of everything she has yourself. Flowers bloom in her hands, and people become just a little happier in her presence. I'm talking about Krista. Dive into our Q&A and find out what makes life worth living.
I&P: Krista, it's wonderful to have you here as part of our IP community.
Can you share a bit about what your days are like right now?
K.S: My days are currently quite intense as wedding season preparations are underway. I have many meetings, searching for inspiration and ways to fulfill the upcoming celebrations. At the same time, I try not to forget about myself, allocating time for my favorite activities - a morning coffee pause, swimming, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones.
I&P: Your taste is impeccable. How do you manage to maintain it?
K.S: Thank you; that's a compliment. It's probably innate, but it certainly helps to see my surroundings "differently." I often notice that I'm inspired by small things: blooming cherry blossoms, sunlight streaming through, or rain tapping on the window. The combination of all these fills me up, leading to creative fulfillment and nourishing my aesthetic side.
I&P: Your ability to capture life's moments is truly admirable. It seems so picturesque. Is it as idyllic as it appears? Are you someone who finds beauty in everything?
K.S: I often hear that my captured moments are idyllic, but that's how I see the world and its moments given to me. Photography is my meditation; it not only allows me to enjoy the present moment but also preserves memories. It's gratifying when it becomes inspiration for others too. Am I the person who sees beauty in everything? Probably yes, because I try to enjoy what I live for.
I&P: Aside from your photography and enjoyment of life, you seem to possess the secret to making flowers bloom and bringing joy and beauty to any occasion. When did this passion begin?
K.S: My first encounter with flowers and their magic began in 2017. I'm grateful to friends who encouraged me to start exploring the world of floristry and offered to create decor for their weddings. It was my starting point, after which a vibrant, contrasting, dynamic journey with flowers began. The most beautiful thing is that the created composition is temporary, arousing the desire to enjoy it even more, to touch and smell it. The main tool of work - a flower - is like a work of art, as you won't find another identical to it anywhere in the world.
I&P: While those outside the floral industry might perceive working with flowers as solely about beauty and joy, every profession comes with its own set of challenges. Can you share any that you've encountered?
K.S: Oh, indeed, the work of a florist is highly romanticized, although it's tough, not always comfortable, and quite messy. Flowers in bouquets, installations, or events are just the end result of the work. Creating mood boards, estimating quantities, ordering flowers, loading them into warehouses, arranging, dismantling - these challenges are part of everyday life. Hard physical work and long hours are forgotten when you see that your work brings joy to people or immortalizes the most beautiful moments of their lives.
I&P: It seems like you effortlessly blend creativity and professionalism in your work. How do you strike that balance, and what advice would you offer to others striving to do the same?
K.S: Firstly, it's not being afraid to make mistakes and learn from them, as well as being able to accept constructive criticism. Secondly, don't be scared when faced with initial difficulties and do everything with an open heart.
I&P: When you find yourself in need of a sense of calm, and peace, what specific aspects of your life or activities do you turn to for that comfort and solace?
K.S: My peace is the sea. When it's missing, and my body longs for calmness, I travel to it. I walk a lot, listen to the waves' clash, run through pine forests, and breathe in fresh air.
I&P: At the conclusion of our Q&A, we enjoy sharing a mantra or inspiring quote. Do you have one to share?
K.S: Everything you lose is a step you take.
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