Karina is one of our floral designers here at Life In Bloom and is responsible for our product’s quality control, overseeing and checking in each and every single bloom that comes through our doors making sure the counts are accurate and the quality is up to our (high) standards. She always has such a warm and positive presence and we’re so lucky to have her on our team! Enjoy learning a little more about Karina from my interview with her below!
Where are you from originally?
I am from the north suburbs of Chicago. I grew up in a cute town close to Lake Michigan with an adorable downtown. The neighborhood I grew up in had so many parks and fields so I spent most of my childhood outside running around and riding my bike with my brothers and friends.
You are quite the floral expert. When did you first start to develop a passion and knowledge for floral design?
I would say it started in college for me. Throughout those four years, I worked on vegetable and flower farms. My degree concentration was in Botany; I had a big interest in plants and flowers and I was always fascinated by how they grew in nature. By my senior year I wanted more outlets to be creative with the subject I loved so I applied to a floral shop (in Charleston). The owner of that shop taught me so much!
How did you get into the world of events?
The floral shop in Charleston I worked at did intimate weddings, dinner parties, and restaurant installations. The floral community is very small in Charleston. So once I decided floral design is what I wanted to do post-grad, the door to the events world was wide open!
Who inspires you professionally?
My father inspires me professionally. He is one of the most driven and creative people I know. It is so inspiring to watch someone love the work they do!
What’s your favorite season for floral/events?
The Fall! Hands down. I love the darker colors and textures in our floral designs.
What’s one thing most people might not know about you?
My first language was Russian – I lived in Ukraine until I was four!
Read any good books lately?
I am always reading a book (or two)! I recommend Solito by Javier Zamora, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, and All These Wonders by Catherine Burns. I am currently reading The Old Man and the Sea by Hemmingway – so far so great!
Favorite City Restaurant?
Red Light Chicken. One word : yum. It’s a casual spot in Lincoln Park and my husband and I love walking there for an easy dinner. There are only 3 things on the menu and it’s all delicious. It’s incredibly small – there is only enough room to order. You eat your food at a high top table outside under a tree covered in string lights. Highly recommend it!
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