Interview Conducted by: Louisa Lam AIFD
Name: Eunice Teo Khee Choo AIFD
Hometown & Country: Selangor, Malaysia
Current Floral Job:
As the principal designer of Amtrol Flower Designing, I take on jobs as the appointed corporate floral designer for events and award dinners for prestigious brands, a demonstrator for physical and online floral workshops and run an online retail floral business. Exploring the latest products in the floral industry from Oasis Floral Product Malaysia as the appointed ambassador for more than two decades. Besides that, I provide floral arrangements and retail decorations for F&B outlets. Customizing wedding decorations according to the requests of brides and grooms, and personal training for PFDE candidates. After the solo presentation, titled “Burgeoning from my roots” in AIFD Symposium California in 2016; In 2017, I was given the opportunity to take part as the appointed floral designer for the Warner Brother’s Hollywood movie ‘Crazy Rich Asian’. Having no clue of what I was getting into at the start, I received a call from an unfamiliar contact, who bought a simple hand bouquet many years ago. He further explained that he was looking for a florist for a few flower arrangements. A few days later, I was given a contract to sign and a script to go through. It is my absolute honor to be able to be involved in an eye opening experience, witnessing the making of a movie, behind the scenes and being hands on. I am grateful and will forever be, for the opportunities given.
Why did you go into the Floral Industry?
Due to the passion, I have for plants and flowers, I decided to explore the art in floral industry. Finding joy in challenging my capabilities and creativity towards the floral art.
I grew up in a small town in the south of Malaysia. My journey began with my curiosity at the age of 4, wondering how the petals of each sunflower were stuck to its core.
I started playing with flowers when the church needed help with altar flowers.
Growing up, my parents always envisioned me to be a piano teacher. As I worked through the years to become a piano teacher, my life took a turn when I officially started learning floral design at the age of 15.
Without having much thought about the unknown future, I decided to stop my full-time journey of about 10 years in teaching piano, to commit to floristry.
Of course, making such a decision also came with many criticisms and badmouthing, questions and doubts of the insignificance and the unstable future for me in floristry.
Then, I ventured into the scary yet exciting journey that led me to a kindhearted sensei, who was patient and generous with sharing her knowledge with me. Until today, I am beyond blessed with the fundamentals and teachings of floral arrangement by Tezuka Yuko Sensei. For a period when I was introducing to ikebana, I learned by living in an environment that produces designs being inspired by nature. Returning after my studies, with no financial backup and having the desire to start a business, I began to take orders from friends. Remembering so vividly of the RM80 (USD 16) that started the company 30 years ago. With the first profit of RM40 (USD 8), I took the small order regardless of the price. Ever since then, I am blessed to see the company grow over the years till where it is today.
Why did you become an AIFD® member?
To be recognized internationally as a certified floral designer. Being an AIFD® member helps to encourage and inspire many younger designers to be aware of the education behind the profession. And to learn from many good designers over the world to grow together under this prestigious institution.
What are your plans for flowers in 2023? Goals? Inspirations?
My plan for this year is to step up and create more designs. To refine my skills through floral designs and perhaps another step forward to be the leading educator. This would mean spending more time to take time and process creative thoughts and ideas . By taking the big and small stages and opportunities given, as one who carries an AIFD title, I wish to encourage the younger generation and people with the same interest to build their career with solid knowledge and proper skills, that would lead them to the infinite world of creativity through floral art. Passing on the passion, refining skills, motivating the spirit, giving direction and setting the trend to those who has a passion for flowers. Lastly, in line with the world’s consciousness of sustainability in the current days, I wish to have a higher awareness towards the materials I use and the designs I create. In hopes that my designs will in turn inspire others to take the extra step for the environmental health; to protect and to cherish the nature we so deeply gain our inspiration from.
