Floristry is not a work for me. It's my whole life, says top Finnish florist Pirjo Koppi.

Horti Advisor: We still remember your performance in Essen last year. Viewers always remember people who stand out from the crowd. You are called by many 'Pink Lady'. Did your personality influence your floristic success? Undoubtedly, it is influenced not only by your creations but also by your mentality.

Pirjo Koppi: It's challenging to say… I have my own character, and I am who I am… A pretty spontaneous person. Maybe my pink & crazy concept is easy to notice.

HA: You are a positively crazy person. Indeed, it seems to many other people that you infect everyone in your surroundings with this warmth and energy. Do you agree with this opinion?

PK: Ooo, it's nice to hear. I like to be in interact with people. It will be a great and big honor if it's like that. Life is not severe, and I can laugh to myself.

HA: Do you have your favorite slogan that motivates you to act?

PK: You are never ready. Every day is a good day to learn something new.

HA: What was your beginning with floristry like? Where did the idea to choose such a career path come from?

PK: When I realized that floristry is my passion, I wanted to learn about it and everything related to it as much as possible. I just wanted to and still want to develop. Competition is an essential element to learn more… Not only about floristry but also about yourself and how to work under pressure.

HA: Do you think your childhood influenced who you are now? Have you always had contact with nature?

PK: Yes, absolutely! Nature has always been close to me. I have always had an imagination and created all kinds of handicrafts, such as jewelry.

HA: Your work attracts attention. You undoubtedly stand out from other florists. How would you describe your style in floristry?

PK: I like working with different shapes. My style is playful and funny.

HA: In your profile at www.floos.org, we can find information that 'floristry is something natural for you, like breathing. Could you elaborate on this statement?

PK: Currently, floristry is not a work for me… It's my whole life. I started my adventure with floristry in 1992, so it has been a big part of my life for a long time.

HA: Where are you looking for inspiration?

PK: I find inspiration everywhere: nature, flowers, colors, architecture, fashion, music, etc.

HA: You like to challenge yourself. Where does so much energy and strength to act in you come from?

PK: I want to develop, and I like to learn. Taking part in florist competitions is a great way to grow. This is the main reason that leads me on.

HA: When and where was your first florist show? How do you remember this event with time?

PK: It was a Christmas show in 1993. I was then a floristry student. I was nervous, but I felt that floristry was my destiny! It was a great experience.

HA: What do you consider to be your most tremendous success?

PK: The 2015 Fleurop-Interflora World Cup changed my life.

HA: You are the 3rd place winner in the Fleurop-Interflora World Cup 2015 and Europa Cup 2016. Undoubtedly, such achievements give you wings. Indeed, such achievements increase self-confidence and drive further development. How do you feel about such outstanding achievements?

PK: I don't consider success as an achievement. It is a success to do what I love to do and to achieve new goals in the right place and at the right time. By being successful, I gained many opportunities all over the world. I have been able to carry out unique projects that I would not have had the chance to participate in otherwise.

HA: Your works differ from traditional schemes. You are a tremendous inspiration for many people. Would you call yourself a flower designer of the 21st century?

PK: That is lovely to hear! It is absolutely fantastic to receive positive feedback, be an inspiration to someone, and encourage people to pursue their dreams in floristry. I do what I believe in without thinking about whether I am this or that kind of designer.

HA: You have conducted workshops and shows in many regions of the world. Among others, Estonia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Singapore, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries are included. Which of them do you remember the most and why?

PK: I have been given an excellent opportunity to work worldwide and have always loved flowers, people, and traveling. If I had to choose only one country that stuck the most positively in my head, I would bet on Japan. Japan interests me a lot and intrigues and inspires me.

My partner school in Tokyo, Linoka Kukka, is my base in Japan, which has launched many exciting projects there. I also studied some Japanese and learned some songs in that language as well.

HA: You are also the owner of the 'Kauklahden Kukka' project. How do you remember the beginnings of running a florist?

PK: We bought the flower shop because COVID-19 was emptying our calendars and making traveling impossible. I love having a flower shop, the work is really varied, and there is a lot of it!

HA: In addition to workshops, shows, and running a flower shop, you are also the author of the book 'Beautification with Floral Jewelry'. Please tell me more about this project. Where did you get your inspiration, and how long did it take you to publish your book?

PK: I have been fascinated by floristic jewelry since my studies in floristry in 1992. I have always experimented with it. Creating a book was born slowly and was always supposed to be about floral jewelry.

Previously, flower jewelry was most often shown as part of wedding designs. There was a place and a demand for a book about floral jewelry on the market. I published the book myself, which took over a year to complete.

HA: Are you planning to release another publication? If so, can you reveal more details?

PK: In the future, yes. I have two different projects with my colleague Tiina Koskinen. Still, I have yet to tell you anything about them.

HA: Do you have a favorite plant or type of plant material that you often use in your arrangements?

PK: I love different flowers. At the moment we have glorious and wonderful nerine at our shop. Soon the season for hyacinths begins for real, and it is something I really look forward to… The fragrance of hyacinths is heavenly!

HA: Finland is located at latitude 59-70^o N. Are such environmental conditions conducive to the cultivation of plants and, therefore, how floristic education in Finland looks like?

PK: We have a great selection of local Christmas flowers, such as poinsettia, amaryllis, and hyacinths, during the seasons. In spring, locally grown tulips are a big thing in Finland! Commercial cultivation has generally decreased in recent years.

Florist education in Finland looks very good. Both the florist education and the master florist education are of high quality and of a high level.

HA: How would you rate the changes in the floristic industry in recent months? How is the floriculture industry in Finland doing with the current epidemiological situation?

PK: Many people suffer from this situation depending on the location and customer base. Florists who rely heavily on passers-by are struggling. People work remotely, and there needs to be more customer traffic. In the current situation, florists with pre-ordering customers and customers of online stores have done better.

Due to COVID-19, the availability of some products has decreased. Some florists have had to lay off workers, while others have hired more people.

HA: Do you always have fresh flowers or occasional compositions for Christmas, for example, in your home?

PK: I always have fresh flowers at home in every room. Also, in the bedroom. Flowers bring happiness, and I really like having them.

HA: Can anyone achieve great success in the floristry industry?

PK: Yes! Everyone can achieve success. It requires a lot of time, work, and a solid background in the form of a team. The current trend is to have everything here and now. It just doesn't work that way.

HA: What would you like to say to our readers?

PK: Flowers and floristry are really positive things. During this pandemic, it's great to make your loved ones, friends, and yourself happy by giving flowers whenever the opportunity arises! I wish you all great moments with flowers and floristry!