Mention the name Elly Lin in Asia and you will quickly realise that she is held in high regard. Mention her in the West and you will also realise that she is regarded as a floral icon! Elly came to fame when she represented her country in the World Cup when she was placed second. From this she went on to create her flower shop that embraces a full sensory experience. Supported by her father, mother, and sister, she is now in the process of training her son.
1. How did you first become interested / involved in flowers?
I am lucky to have been born into a florist family and have grown up working in a flower shop. When I was a little girl, I felt that I wanted to become a florist like my parents.
2. How long have you been professionally involved in the flower industry?
32 Years
3. Do you see International Women’s Day as important and, if so, why?
I think that the International Women’s Day is important, because it means Love, Right, and Peace, through floral design we can share feelings and emotions.
4. Do you believe that being a woman in the flower industry is more challenging than if you were a man?
In this industry people just need passion and creativity, I think it is the same for Men or Women.
5. Do you recognise some common challenges that women face in this industry, and have you encountered some personally?
Florists need lots of energy & power. Moreover, as a woman, you also need to consider and take care more about the family.
6. How did you go about overcoming them?
For energy and power, florists need professional experience and knowledge.
For family – more communication and organisation of your time schedule for work and home.
7. What is your advice for young women starting out in this industry?
In any industry, people need to love and enjoy working, or you will get half the result with double the effort.
8. What do you love most about your work?
Through floral design you can meet friends from all over the world – [ Friendship through flowers] and express your emotion through your designs.
9 What are some of the more significant milestones in your career?
After competing in Interflora World Cup flower design competition, I started traveling abroad to give flower demonstrations and seminars to share my love of flowers, and meet a lot of great friends.
10. Can you briefly describe some of your more special or most appreciated moments?
In these 3 years during pandemic, the world stopped traveling, but we kept our friendship through flowers in many ways.
11. Apart from flowers, what else are you passionate about?
Travel and embrace to nature.
12. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
As a florist, I think this industry is the closest to nature, and you can bring nature in your life.
Lastly, I would like to say this job is the closest to nature, which delivers happiness and blessings.
