Kili G Zhimo talks about the art and business of floristry

1. Kili G Zhimo
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• DIMAPUR — 28-year-old Kili G Zhimo’s journey into floristry is a reflection of the interconnectedness she sees between her family, her spiritual path, and her love for art.
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• A former student of AG Higher Secondary School and SD Jain Girls College in Dimapur, she later earned a Bachelor of Divinity from Trinity Theological College and went on to establish Piki Floral Design Studio at Purana Bazaar in Dimapur.
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• The foundation of her floral business was laid by the quiet influence of her upbringing—especially her parents’ deep appreciation for flowers. After the passing of her father, discovering his diary filled with reflections on the symbolic meanings of flowers became a turning point, inspiring the heart and purpose behind her venture.
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• Guided by faith and a desire to build something meaningful from the ground up, she set out to create a workspace where spirituality and creativity are closely aligned. Whether painting with brushes or crafting floral arrangements by hand, she believes it is the artistic mind that connects both worlds.

Also read: Crafting career by blending taste and entrepreneurship

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• In this interview with Eastern Mirror, Kili shares how floristry combines art, commerce, and care; the challenges and opportunities in Nagaland’s floral industry; and why building with intention is at the core of her work.
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• How would you describe floristry to someone who might not be familiar with it?
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• Floristry is the art of curating floral arrangements for various occasions. It is a creative venture where emotions are expressed through blooms. It also involves the caring for and handling of flowers. In short, it is a blend of artistry, science, and commerce.
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• Are there any specific educational paths or courses recommended for aspiring florists in Nagaland and beyond?
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• Those who aspire to become floral designers can take various courses to develop their skills. To learn the basics, one can attend workshops tailored to the specific skills they wish to acquire, which we also offer at our studio.
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• Can you talk about the different specialisations within floristry (e.g., event décor, retail arrangements, wedding florals)?
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• Floristry is a very vast and diverse field, some aspects of which include floral design, which emphasises the creative and artistic aspects of floristry; on the other hand, event florists cater to larger displays and installations. Retail florists manage and work in a flower shop, which primarily involves selling cut flowers, inventory management, customer service, and handling special orders, whereas a skilled floral designer is an expert in wedding florals who understands the individual aesthetics of the clients and curates designs that reflect their own unique style.
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  1. Freshly cut flowers at the studio.
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• How important is understanding local flora and the cultural context in a place like Nagaland?
  
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• Understanding our own local flora and the cultural context is very crucial. Understanding the traditions of our own indigenous community fosters a more meaningful engagement promoting and preserving an ecological balance.
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• What role does creativity play in floristry, and how can students nurture their creative side?
  
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• Creativity allows one to adapt to different styles and trends, enabling one to work with diverse materials, which allows one to explore expressive design and develop a personal artistic voice. Students can nurture their creative side by exploring inspiration from nature and art and through learning the different principles involved in design.
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• Are there any particular challenges florists face in Nagaland, such as climate or accessibility to certain flowers?
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• Yes, seasonality greatly impacts flower choice and availability, as certain flowers only bloom during specific times of the year, affecting both cost and freshness.
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• Do you think formal training is necessary, or can students learn floristry through apprenticeships and hands-on experience?
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• Formal training not only enhances one's credentials but also provides a strong foundation in essential skills. However, one can also learn through apprenticeship. With passion and a genuine love for creativity and exploration, a student can master the art along the way.
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• Can you share some essential steps for someone who wants to start a small flower business?
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• To start a small flower business, it’s essential to define your niche—whether it's fresh bouquets, event floristry, or another speciality. Understanding the needs of the market is crucial. Strong communication skills, a genuine passion for flowers, the ability to take risks, and the resilience to work under pressure are all vital qualities. By combining these skills and attributes, one can confidently navigate challenges and thrive in the industry.
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• What are some key trends in floristry that young people should pay attention to?
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• Young people starting out in floristry should keep an eye on important trends. These include using eco-friendly methods like avoiding floral foam, choosing local flowers, and reusing containers. Many customers now prefer wild, natural-looking arrangements with uneven shapes, as well as dried and preserved flowers that last longer and are better for the environment. Bright and bold colours are becoming more popular. All these changes show that modern floristry is moving toward being more creative, sustainable, and focused on unique experiences.
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• How does seasonality affect flower choice and availability, and how can students manage that? What business skills, besides floral design, should students learn if they aim to run a floristry venture?
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  1. Staff at Piki Floral Design Studio: florist Livika Chishi (right) and assistant florist Avili Chishi (left).
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• Seasonality plays a significant role in flower selection and availability, as many blooms are only in season during certain times of the year, which affects both pricing and freshness.
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• Students can manage this by planning their designs around locally available, in-season flowers. They can also use cost-effective alternatives that have similar colours or shapes, incorporate seasonal greenery and dried elements, and source materials from nearby farms or markets. This approach not only lowers costs but also results in fresher, longer-lasting arrangements.
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• Besides floral design, students who want to run a floristry business should learn some basic business skills. These include how to promote their work through marketing and social media, how to talk to customers and handle requests or complaints, and how to manage money by setting prices and tracking expenses. It’s also important to learn how to organise supplies, keep things on schedule, and solve problems when things don’t go as planned. Good communication, time management, and building strong relationships with other professionals can really help a flower business grow.
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• What common misconceptions do people have about floristry that you’d like to clear up?
  
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• A common misconception about floristry is that it’s just about arranging pretty flowers, when in reality it involves a mix of artistic skill, physical labour, and business management. Many people overlook the early mornings, time-sensitive work, and behind-the-scenes tasks like sourcing, prepping, transporting, and maintaining flowers, as well as dealing with clients, deadlines, and fluctuating costs. It’s both a creative and demanding profession.
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• How does collaborating with other creative fields, like photography or interior design, benefit a florist?
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• Collaborating with other creative fields like photography or interior design benefits a florist by expanding the network, enhancing the portfolio, and opening up new opportunities for exposure. Working with photographers can result in high-quality images that showcase the work. Floral work in styled shoots or events, while partnering with interior designers, can lead to recurring projects like home staging or commercial installations. These collaborations can also inspire fresh ideas and encourage creative growth.
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• How do you see the future of floristry, both in Nagaland and globally?
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• The future of floristry, both globally and in Nagaland, is shaped by sustainability, technology, and personal touches. Around the world, florists are using eco-friendly methods, digital tools, and offering custom designs and subscriptions. In Nagaland, floriculture is growing fast, boosting the economy and supporting women in rural areas. Both are moving toward a more creative, eco-conscious, and community-focused industry.
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• What parting advice would you give to young readers who are considering floristry as a career?
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• For young readers considering floristry as a career, remember that it’s not just about arranging flowers—it’s about combining creativity, business acumen, and hard work. Be prepared to learn the technical skills of floristry but also develop strong business, marketing, and customer service abilities.
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• Stay curious, keep experimenting with new ideas, and never underestimate the value of networking and collaboration. The floristry industry is evolving with trends in sustainability and technology, so be adaptable and always seek opportunities to grow. Most importantly, if you’re passionate about flowers and helping others create beautiful moments, this career can be both fulfilling and rewarding.
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  1. Freshly cut flowers at the studio.
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• RAPID INSIGHTS
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• What’s your favourite flower and why?
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• Orchids, because they are rare, and despite their delicate appearance, orchids are known for their resilience and ability to thrive in various environments, symbolising strength and endurance.
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• What’s the first thing you notice when you walk into a garden?
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• The hard work.
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• What’s one thing on your bucket list you still hope to achieve?
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• One thing on my bucket list is to create an open studio space that combines art and high-end floral design—a place to explore, exhibit, and represent creative work while connecting with like-minded artists and visionaries. I hope it becomes a hub for inspiration, collaboration, and meaningful expression in the future.