If you have had a chance to interact with Alina Neacsa, then you can tell right away the passion and love she exudes for flowers. Her obsession with pushing the limits, and coming up with creative ways to curate memorable experiences with flowers has culminated into immense value to her brand and partners.
This week on the 10 questions on Thursd, she delves into a journey, challenges faced lessons learned, and what to look forward to from Alina Neacsa's brand this year. A great read, enjoy it!
Question 1
For those who don’t know you, who are you, and what do you do?
"I’m Alina Neacsa, a spirited and multifaceted blonde π with an endless passion for the world of flowers. Teaching, learning, and education runs deep in my family—I’m proud to be the fourth generation of educators, following in the footsteps of my mother, grandfather, and great-grandmother. Over the years, I’ve devoted myself to exploring the world of flowers in ways few have dared, pushing boundaries to uncover its deepest secrets and creative possibilities.
If I were to describe myself briefly, I’d say I’m far from your typical florist. I like to think of myself as an Experience Creator. Whether it’s teaching, crafting unique content, or curating luxurious, five-star floral experiences, my work is all about making lasting impressions. Sharing my passion with the world, traveling, and bringing these ideas to life fuel my creativity and drive.
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Outside of work, I’m a passionate traveler, a confessed shopaholic, and a devoted dog lover. I thrive on exploring the unknown and stepping out of my comfort zone—it keeps life exciting and ensures I’m always learning. I’ll admit I get bored easily, but that only inspires me to keep chasing new challenges."
Question 2
What is so special about your job?
"What makes my work truly special is the connection it fosters—not just between flowers and people, but also between emotions and memories. Flowers possess a unique ability to convey what words often cannot, and I’m honored to play a role in that beautiful storytelling process. There’s a special joy in crafting something ephemeral yet deeply impactful. My work keeps me close to creativity and serves as a constant reminder of life’s beauty and impermanence.
Additionally, my job allows me to travel and explore how flowers are perceived across different cultures. This broadens my perspective, enriches my understanding of the world, and enables me to deliver high-quality, meaningful content to my clients."
Question 3
Are there any specific challenges or obstacles you’ve faced at work, and how did you overcome them?
"Ohhh….. I’ve faced so many obstacles along the way, but one of the biggest challenges was building the 'Alina Neacsa' brand into what it is today. I heard all the doubts and discouraging words—“What you're doing won't work,” “Your English isn’t good enough for this kind of work,” “No one will pay for this”—you name it.
Instead of holding me back, these comments only fueled my determination to prove everyone wrong. This journey has taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the power of problem-solving in the face of uncertainty. I’m still on that path, continuously pushing myself to improve and striving to deliver even better results with every project I take on."
Question 4
What are the threats in the industry, and if so, do you have any solutions for them?
"This issue goes much deeper than what I can express in just a few words. However, I believe the way flowers have traditionally been showcased is losing its appeal. These days, it’s becoming increasingly challenging not only to gain visibility but also to deliver real value to the audience. True value doesn’t come from simply presenting a design; it comes from fostering a deeper understanding of the story behind it.
In our fast-paced industry, most professionals don’t have the time to read lengthy articles. This is why the floral world needs faster, more meaningful solutions that are accessible to every florist, no matter where they are. Another important aspect is the growing focus on ethics. I’ve had the privilege of meeting passionate individuals who are adopting more sustainable and responsible ways of growing their crops. One such inspiring figure is my friend Avinash Mokate, the director of Sunfloritech Ltd.
I highly encourage you to take a few minutes to watch this video we created with Thursd during our visit to Kenya.
Lastly, education remains a cornerstone of progress, yet few in the industry are leveraging innovative, modern methods for teaching. It’s an area that deserves much more attention and creativity."
Question 5
How has technology like e-commerce platforms or digital marketing affected your industry, which strategies have you employed to stay competitive?
"Technology has revolutionized the floral industry by making it easier to reach a global audience, streamline processes, and personalize customer experiences. E-commerce platforms have allowed me to showcase my work more effectively, while digital marketing—especially social media—has helped me connect directly with clients. To stay competitive, I focus on creating content with more value and adapting to my customers' needs."
Question 6
Who (in or outside the floral industry) is an inspiring example to you? And Why?
"Let me put it this way: I have a soft spot for smart people. I love being around them, learning from them, and collaborating whenever possible π. Now, I won’t drop any names here (they know who they are π), but I’m pretty sure this will put a big smile on their faces if they’re reading this.
What truly earns my admiration are those who play fair, stay honest, and inspire me to grow—not just in my career, but also as a person. Oh, and one more thing—I adore people who do what they say. Actions speak louder than words, right?"
Question 7
How do you handle stress or difficult moments in your life?
"I go shopping π!!! Or I get in my car and drive alone, listening to music until I calm down. Occasionally, I reach those 'smart' people I mentioned earlier asking for advice."
Question 8
What has been the best (floral or non-floral) news for you lately, or of the last year?
"This year I have been invited to Kenya, Ecuador, and Colombia; you’ll see my trips very soon. Last year, I traveled to Ecuador at the last minute and visited United Selections' new locations, visited the trade fair Expo Flor, and did some amazing content, see the video below."
Question 9
Which is your favorite flower/plant and why is it good for you?
"It’s a difficult question because, with every experience I take, I find myself liking flowers I would never even consider. I do prefer 'garden-like' flowers like peonies, Lathyrus, garden-shaped roses (with scent), lily of the valley, Ranunculus, and Anemones."
Question 10
What are you doing this weekend?
"We are getting ready for the 2025 floral trips we scheduled."
All pictures courtesy of Alina Neacsa.
