Question 1
For those who don’t know you, who are you, and what do you do?
"I am Kazi Hafijor Rahman Sagar. Husband, a father of one daughter (Anaya), an International Design Star, Ambassador of Master Florist, and Contributor of Thursd.com. Next to my design activities, I am a content creator. Currently Working as a Management of Operations Master Florist at Al Youser United.
From my motherland, Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh,I relocated to Bahrain in 2017. The same year, I started working as an assistant florist at IVY Bahrain. After joining this field, I realized it would be the best profession to build my career and develop my creativity skills and within a year, I got promoted as a Professional Florist by IVY Management. But my dream was big, I aimed to show my creativity to the world and help to grow the Floral Industry. It was not possible or that much easier for me to become a recognized person without the support of the IVY Owner, Mrs. Maha AlGhatam & the management, Mr. Arnold Wittkamp, the founder of Thursd, and his team. Mr. Jan Huisman, the Co-Founder of Master Florist and his team, and Mrs. Viktoriia Aleksandrova, who motivated me and advised me from the beginning, and of course, the support of my family and well-wishers. Now my biggest dream is to participate in the Floral World Cup."
Question 2
What is so special about your job?
"Being the reason for others' happiness is what is most special to me. My job as a florist/ event planner is special because it combines creativity, hands-on work, and the ability to bring joy to others through beautiful floral arrangements. Florists get to express their artistic side, work with natural beauty, and create special moments for people, and I love flowerAs very much, which gives me a lot of joy. I enjoy working and creating interesting designs with them."
Question 3
Are there any specific challenges or obstacles you’ve faced at work, and how did you overcome them?
" I faced a lot of challenges in my job, and I love to take on challenges. It’s helped me learn and grow, so in every challenging situation I seek to show up, it’s encouraging me to do better than before, to be different than others. I try not to step back, keep focusing and concentrating, and never give up until I overcome those challenges. Don't say "I can't, I can't" again. If you can't do it once, try a hundred times."
Question 4
What are the threats in the industry, and if so, do you have any solutions for them?
"The threats in the industry are plastic or artificial flowers. Mostly in the Asian region, all the events or occasions are decorated with artificial/plastic flowers. Even the production of these plastic flowers or their processing after they are destroyed pollutes our environment, which will cause great harm to our future. To solve this problem, we must increase the supply of fresh flowers in Asian countries so that people stop buying plastic flowers.
Another problem is the chemical-laden floral foam. We need to innovate something that can help florists use less floral foam. I'm working on this, so I've created some wire products that allow you to just place flowers in water instead of floral foam. I named this 'каркас', meaning a frame, which helps to create different shapes of bouquets and floral designs in the vase."
Question 5
How has technology, such as e-commerce platforms or digital marketing, affected your industry? What strategies have you employed to stay competitive?
"Technology, especially e-commerce platforms and digital marketing, has significantly impacted the retail industry by enabling businesses to reach broader audiences, streamline operations, and personalize customer experiences. To stay competitive, retailers are adapting by leveraging these technologies to enhance online presence, optimize customer journeys, and differentiate themselves through innovative strategies."
Question 6
Who (in or outside the floral industry) is an inspiring example to you? And Why?
"To be honest, many honorable people in this industry are my role models – Mrs. Maha Al Ghatam, Mr. Jan Huisman (Co-founder of Master Florist), Mr. Arnold Wittkamp, Mr. Wissam Yaghi, Mrs. Viktoriia Aleksandrova, Mr. Thisara Kahandawa Arachchi, Mr. Ahmed Almohaya (the CEO of Al Youser United), and Mr. Adrian. Each individual has different strategies, and they are trying and helping to grow this floral industry, and that is the reason they are my role models, and I follow and admire them."
Question 7
How do you handle stress or difficult moments in your life?
"I believe what is happening and what is going to happen is a part of our lives. Stress and difficulties will come along the way, I spend time with my family and start taking care of myself until stress and difficult times are gone. Allah says, perhaps you dislike something good for you and like something bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216. So, I never let stress and difficulties take over my life."
Question 8
What has been the best (floral or non-floral) news for you lately, or of the last year?
"There are a few floral achievements that come to mind, some current and others from last year. Last year, in 2024, I won the Florieren Magazine Challenge. The current one, my blog, became Post of the Week on the Thursd platform. I was invited as a Special Guest host by Floral Sensation and Artestry World of Flowers Festival in Romania. And the most joyful moment was to be recognized as an international design star."
Question 9
Which is your favorite flower/plant, and why is it good for you?
"As a floral designer, I love all flowers; each flower embodies a unique story and emotions. But, if I had to pick one, I would say the cut Phalaenopsis or Phalaenopsis plant is still my favorite. Their beauty, ease of care, and versatility in creating an eye-catching floral design, which can last 7-15 days. Additionally, they are relatively easy to grow indoors and thrive in a range of home conditions."
Question 10
What are you doing this weekend?
"Currently, I am on vacation, enjoying time with my beloved family members, especially my daughter, and at the same time planning to do fashionable floral art photo sessions with my daughter, and bike riding with my friends."
All pictures courtesy of Kazi Sagar.
