AMY
Amyt.Fleur
What did you want to be growing up?
An air stewardess or a singer but who am I kidding! Haha!
How did you come to floral making?
My Ah Ma dragged me to a floral arrangement class when I was around 7 years old. That was how I was first exposed to floral making. But it was many years later when I was in Poly when I really got into it. I was deciding between a part time job at an ice cream store and a floral shop. I eventually went for the latter after being reminded of how much my Ah Ma loves flowers. And the rest, they said, is history.
What is your daily routine like?
My day usually starts with me ordering and purchasing flowers, before washing up and heading to the office. In the office, I spend most of my time conditioning floors, clearing order till 8pm. I usually end my day in gym or in a park nearby.
Who is your hero and why?
People are who struggling with their daily lives, but do not blame anyone for their shortcomings. Instead, they soldier on with a smile.
R E S P E C T.
What would you say is the most embarrassing moment in your life?
It happened back when I was in Primary school. I tripped and fell when I was walking up the stairs, and the lo and behold, the first pair of eyes I caught were those of my crush!! I was so embarrassed! HAHAHA
Does a rainy day make you feel upset or relaxed?
As much as I love the sun and staying tanned, my love for rainy days is unparalleled. Joy are the days where I can sit in the car, or in my room, and watch the rain trickle down. It gives me a warm sense of comfort and makes me feel all cosy inside.
What moves you the most in your life?
My parents and how selfless they are in providing a comfortable life for my siblings and I. Always giving their all for us, while keeping nothing for themselves. They would also go out of the way for people around them, despite not knowing them personally.
Who or what is your happy pill?
My 7 year old doggo - Tabby the Shihpoo (shihtzu mixed toy poodle)
How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people’s?
Growing up, I used to compare my life a lot to those of my peers – always thinking that mine wasn’t good as theirs as I don’t have the latest toys and gadgets. But thinking back, I had all I wanted. My parents would always accommodate to our pleas and request – buying us new toys and candies. Even if it means having a simpler meal themselves or working extra hours. Being brought up in a typical Chinese family, we seldom express our love and affection verbally. Our methods of expression were always often through acts of service and physical presence, always knowing we had each other’s’ back and would do absolutely anything for each other.
What is the most useful piece of advice you’ve been given?
I recently met someone whom I now consider as my mentor. One day, we talked about how Millennials are switching jobs so frequently, in search of a job they really love. We have also witnessed the failure of many start-ups, with business owners returning into the corporate world, when they realize that their passion isn’t enough to get them through life’s hustle. In response, he asked what I define as “passion”? Confidently, I replied “passion is doing something you love.”
It was then when I realized I had it all wrong.
“Passion is not simply doing something you you love. Passion is doing something torturous and painful, and despite all that, continue to press on because you want to achieve something satisfying. Passion is about desiring something so much that you are willing to suffer indefinitely. When you are passionate about something, you will love it even when you hate it.
Beethoven’s deaf but he wrote scores.
Tiger woods continued to shoot 3000 Golf balls during practice right after he won his first title.
Mother Teresa took care of the sick & poor without having anything in return.
They did all this out of Passion. They didn’t give up because of their setbacks, pain, and sufferings.”
What is your favorite flower?
It used to be Daisy, but it’s Alstromeria now – the flower of my Ah Ma’s birthday month. I got it tattooed on my left wrist, in remembrance of her.
Do you remember the saddest moment in your life?
It was at that moment when I saw several missed calls from my home, only to receive news that my grandma have passed away. I handed my phone to my friend who was standing beside me and bawled uncontrollably.
What is one thing in your life you regret not doing?
Saying my last goodbye to my grandma who took care of me and stayed with my family for 21 years of my life
Where are you based right now and how is it shaping you?
Pearl’s hill terrace in Chinatown, I’m attracted to old buildings & the vibes it gives. Almost 90% of tenants in this building are creatives. Working in such an environment gave me courage to be bold & to explore more of the creative side in me.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
Having my own studio and working with my own teams to push for more creative content in the industry, using more than just flowers.
Do you have any advice to share with people about the lifestyle of a creative?
Comfort zones are dangerous - step out, be brave, be bold & create something that screams you. After that, own it & be proud of your own creation.
