Solomon Leong is a true master of floristry matched with his passion and love for flowers. Through his exquisite custom-made floral designs for any event or gift, he strives to spread the joy of flowers, making people happy and rejuvenated.
Through this week's 10 questions, he shares insights into his world of floral design, passion, and dedication to the craft. Interesting story, you will love it. Read on!
Question 1
For those who don’t know you, who are you, and what do you do?
"I'm Solomon Leong, the director of Solomon Bloemen, a renowned floral design studio in Hong Kong. From a young age, I've been deeply fascinated by the beauty and magic of flowers. After honing my skills in the industry, I decided to start my own business, where we create exceptional floral designs for a discerning clientele. I'm also honored to be a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and a Professional Floral Communicator International (PFCI).
In addition to running my studio, I serve as a Technical Advisor for the Employees Retraining Board of the Hong Kong government and an Honorary Advisor for the Hong Kong Flower Club. It's a privilege to share my knowledge and passion for flowers with the community.
At the heart of what I do is the joy of bringing happiness to people through the power of flowers. Whether it's a lavish event or a simple gesture, I pour my heart into every arrangement, aiming to create something truly unforgettable."
Question 2
What is so special about your job?
"I am a floral lover and designer, and at the heart of what I do is the joy of bringing happiness to people through the power of flowers. Whether crafting lavish event designs or simple bouquets, I pour my heart into every arrangement, aiming to create something truly unforgettable. Seeing the delight on someone's face when they receive my creation is advantageous, making this more than just a job — it's a true passion."
Question 3
Are there any specific challenges or obstacles you’ve faced at work, and how did you overcome them?
"As a floral designer, one of the key challenges I face is the inherent unpredictability of working with natural materials. Flowers are living, breathing organisms, and their availability, quality, and longevity can fluctuate from day to day. This unpredictability from nature is actually what makes my job so interesting and rewarding.
Rather than seeing the variability of flowers as an obstacle, I embrace it as a source of inspiration. Each blossom and stem is unique, with distinct personalities and imperfections. It's my job to highlight these natural quirks and idiosyncrasies in my designs, celebrating the inherent beauty of the flowers rather than trying to force them into rigid, artificial arrangements."
Question 4
What are the threats in the industry, and if so, do you have any solutions for them?
"As the world becomes increasingly smaller and more globally connected, the accelerated pace of change means that trends, styles, and customer expectations are evolving at a breakneck speed, putting pressure on floral designers to constantly be on the cutting edge. One major challenge is the shorter turnaround time for developing new skills and mastering emerging techniques. With information and inspiration now traveling across the globe in real-time, the skills that were once considered cutting-edge can quickly become outdated. It requires a tremendous amount of dedication and agility to stay ahead of the curve.
However, I also see this fast-paced, globally connected world as presenting significant opportunities for floral designers. With information and techniques readily available online, we are able to quickly upskill and expand the creative repertoire. Inspiration can be drawn from floral traditions and styles across cultures, blending them in novel ways to develop truly unique and captivating designs.
Additionally, the heightened demand for personalized, memorable experiences has created an opening for designers who can offer bespoke, high-touch service. By focusing on forging genuine connections with my clients and truly understanding their visions, I'm able to create arrangements that feel truly customized and special. In a world of mass-produced sameness, this level of curation and craftsmanship is increasingly valued."
Question 5
How has technology like e-commerce platforms or digital marketing affected your industry, which strategies have you employed to stay competitive?
"The rapid advancement of technology, particularly the rise of e-commerce platforms and digital marketing, has undoubtedly disrupted the traditional brick-and-mortar floral shop model. Consumers now have the convenience of ordering blooms with just a few clicks. A robust, visually stunning website that showcases the unique design aesthetic and the personalized service that can be provided is essential. We will need to leverage search engine optimization, social media, and targeted advertising to reach out to a much wider but at the same time targeted customer base.
However, I've also recognized the importance of continuing to cultivate strong, in-person relationships with my local client base. I've doubled down on providing exceptional, white-glove service for events and custom orders, creating memorable experiences that simply can't be replicated online. By blending digital savvy with high-touch, personalized attention, it is one of the key differentiators to remaining competitive in an increasingly crowded market."
Question 6
Who (in or outside the floral industry) is an inspiring example to you? And Why?
"Mother Nature is the best source of inspiration. Mother Nature is the ultimate artist, endlessly creating breathtaking and diverse forms of beauty through her living, breathing canvas of flowers, foliage, and natural materials. The intricate structures, vibrant colors, and delicate textures of the blooms and greenery she produces are a never-ending source of wonder and delight.
Moreover, Mother Nature's creations are inherently imperfect and unpredictable - a quality that I've come to deeply appreciate in my own work. The slight variations, the asymmetries, and the unexpected quirks of each botanical element are what make them truly captivating. It's a reminder that perfection is often found in the imperfect."
Question 7
How do you handle stress or difficult moments in your life?
"In those times of stress or uncertainty, I'll often step outside, even if just for a few minutes, and immerse myself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world. It's in these moments of connection with nature that I'm able to tap into my own inner wellspring of grit and mental fortitude. After all, the flowers and trees don't simply wilt and surrender when faced with adversity - they bend, they adapt, they persevere. And in doing so, they serve as a powerful reminder of my own capacity for resilience."
Question 8
What has been the best (floral or non-floral) news for you lately, or of the last year?
"One of the most exciting and impactful pieces of news for me was the opportunity to participate in the 2023 World Cup floral competition and a workshop at the 2024 AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) Symposium.
As a floral designer, having the chance to compete on a global stage at the 2023 World Cup was a dream come true. The experience of collaborating with fellow designers, sharing techniques and ideas, and ultimately showcasing my skills on the world's biggest floral platform was truly transformative. Beyond the thrill of the competition itself, the 2023 World Cup allowed me to forge meaningful connections with floral designers from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds.
I am also excited to have been invited to host a workshop at the 2024 AIFD Symposium. This opportunity allows me to share my unique design aesthetic and techniques with an engaged, knowledgeable audience of my peers. But more importantly, it provides a platform for me to inspire and educate the next generation of floral artists. By leading this hands-on workshop and engaging in thoughtful discussions, I hope to not only showcase my own skills but also impart the lessons I've learned through my experiences - both the triumphs and the challenges. It's a chance to give back to the community that has supported and nurtured my growth as a designer."
Question 9
Which is your favorite flower/plant and why is it good for you?
"I love all different types of flowers and find inspiration in their unique qualities and characteristics. It's really hard for me to choose just one favorite, as each bloom holds a special place in my heart for different reasons.
However, if I had to pick an absolute favorite, I would have to say the White Phalaenopsis Orchid. There's something so captivating and almost ethereal about these delicate, graceful blooms.
What I love most about the White Phalaenopsis is the elegant simplicity and purity of its form. The gently curving petals and sepals create a sense of fluidity and movement, while the bold, central column adds a striking visual focal point. The pure, pristine white color palette is both calming and sophisticated, evoking a sense of serenity and refinement."
Question 10
What are you doing this weekend?
"On Saturday, I'll be leading a master class on modern lavender wreath-making. As you know, lavender is one of my all-time favorite flowers to work with — I love its calming fragrance, rich purple hues, and the way it lends itself so beautifully to contemporary, minimalist designs.
For this workshop, I'll be guiding a small group of passionate floral enthusiasts through the process of creating their own chic, modern lavender wreaths. We'll cover everything from sourcing and conditioning the lavender to experimenting with innovative display techniques and materials."
All pictures courtesy of Solomon Leong.
