One year on from the Interflora World Cup we caught up with finalist Nicolaus Peters to see how she was doing since his fantastic 1st place finish.
Nicolaus' parents didn't want him to become a florist but growing up under the working table of his mother‘s flower shop, gave him enough passion to pursue this dream anyway. He started a professional career in horticulture as a gardener and engineer, but he decided to turn everything upside down after university and restart his career as a floral designer.
Nicolaus Peters is now one of the finest German Master Florists and one of the founding members of the famous Wild Guns team. Nicolaus also holds a Master's degree from the Sogetsu Ikebana School in Tokyo. He is a keen competitor and has won the German national Championship together with other awards.
Outside of floristry, you’ll most likely find Nicolaus gardening, working on his ceramics, or woodturning. These hobbies relax him and more important, they inspire him. Nicolaus tries to incorporate these things into his floral designs and styling.
We asked Nicolaus how his life has changed since the Interflora World Cup:
After winning the title, my professional life was completely turned upside down. After I was mainly travelling in German-speaking countries before the World Cup, this year I'm almost only travelling internationally. Countless new collegial contacts have been made.
The last year was incredibly turbulent. I am very grateful that I was able to show my personal style and approach to floral design in workshops and demonstrations all over the world. Two highlights for me were two large stage presentations for AIFD in Orlando, Florida and at the Singapore Garden Festival.
Thinking back on the Interflora World Cup Nicolaus told us about his favourite memory:
The best memory of the World Cup in Manchester was the camaraderie. Getting to know these many different floral signatures and personalities was a special honour and joy for me.
Looking to the future Nicolaus explained:
For me the path of competition is over. Now younger people have to follow suit, but I will continue to follow every further competition in floristry with interest. I will continue to travel in the wonderful world of the florist family and pass on my knowledge and skills.
We asked Nicolaus if he had any tips or advice for any florist looking to enter the world of competition floristry, the response was inspiring:
If you look at my competitive path, it took me exactly 20 years from my first competition to the World Cup. The joy and desire to improve again and again and learn from your mistakes is perhaps the most important advice I can give to anyone interested in competition. And: never give up.
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