Monica | @zanaflorilor.eu

In today’s interview, we’re excited to introduce Monica, a vibrant 37-year-old mother and serial entrepreneur, who resides in the serene mountains of Romania. With a lifelong passion for flowers that blossomed during her childhood—where she would craft her own gardens in the nearby forests and creeks—Monica’s journey into flower preservation is both inspiring and heartfelt.

Six years ago, while planning her wedding and seeking unique experiences, Monica discovered a niche that would change her life. Her quest for beautiful flower petals to create custom paper invitations led her to the world of flower preservation. After encountering challenges in sourcing the right materials, she resolved to not only preserve flowers for her own wedding but to help others do the same.

Join us as we delve into Monica’s story, exploring her entrepreneurial path, the challenges she faced, and the memories she helps preserve for countless others, all stemming from her love for nature’s beauty. From her first client—a talented Romanian author—to her sustainable approach to business, Monica embodies the belief that flowers deserve a second life and that each petal carries a treasured memory.

Monica, can you do a little bit of an introduction of yourself first?

Sure. I’m a 37yr mom, and serial entrepreneur, based in the mountains of Romania. I’ve loved flowers for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I would make my own gardens in the forests, or by the creek near my home.

Wonderful. How did you start the flower preservation journey? Is there a special moment?

I’ve been preserving plants for a few years, but never thought it was going to become a business in itself. It wasn’t until 6 yrs ago, when I was getting married, and was looking for nice things/experiences to have at my wedding. I wanted to make my own paper (with flower petals or seeds) for wedding invites. It was hard to find the petals. Then I thought about doing the whole flower confetti, but then that was difficult to get where I live. I couldn’t do it for my wedding, so I started doing it for other people.

How did you know about silica gel crystals and us?

Instagram to the rescue to be honest. I was scrolling my feed, looking for educational content from other people who were preserving flowers, and I was already super curious about how others are able to get such great results. And I think it was 2 yrs ago when I saw a video of someone using something that looked like sand for preserving flowers. I was curious so I went to Amazon and started to do some research. I chose this brand because it looked like it was designed specifically for flowers – I didn’t want to risk trying something that might backfire. It also looked like it was the safest to work with. And I also chose orimit because of the clear instructions on how to revive the crystals when they’re too damp.

I tried other crystals (cheaper variants, or when orimit wasn’t in stock) – and it was a disappointing experience. the crystals got damp fast and I couldn’t revive them.

Excellent. Thank you so much for your support. So glad that our product can help you preserve better flowers! During the career, you must have preserved memories for many people. Is there a story that leaves you a strong impression?

My first client comes to mind. She was a Romanian fiction author who was getting married and was looking for all these tiny details that would make her wedding more special – more like her. Back then I didn’t know much about the kind of people who would appreciate and chose wedding confetti with dried flowers. So her feedback, her eye for detail and her appreciation of the concept blew me away. I am offering this product because I believe flowers deserve a second life, plus it’s quite sustainable and eco-friendly. So, knowing there were others who had similar values was very motivating and inspiring. My clients are really cool people, I love to be able to serve them and be part of the magic of such a big life milestone for them.

The client’s wedding

Wow. It’s so meaningful. We share the same belief together. Flowers do deserve a second and the memories behind them are treasure to be preserved.

I forgot to mention. This whole business started from my love of lavender. I’ve been growing lavender since 2016.

Wonderful! If you could sum it up in one sentence, what does this job, flower preservation mean to you?

I’m keeping alive a legacy: most of the women in my family have had a close connection with plants and flowers. I want to pass on that love and magic to my daughter too.

It’s amazing. Thank you!

Writer Mingzhu Wu

30.08.2024