Adam Havrilla, AIFD, ICPF, PFCI, of Artistic Blooms in Chicago, founded the non-profit, Be the Color. The organization started as an immersive art show using floral installations and combinations of dark, light and color to highlight issues such as child abuse, women’s rights, self-respect, media and community.
The Society of American Florists’ membership includes all segments of the industry — and that community is the heart of SAF. This bi-weekly feature will spotlight SAF members sharing inspirational stories, professional insights, and the opportunity to form new industry connections.
Adam Havrilla’s career started in a flower shop, where he quickly realized that he was destined to be a floral designer. After several years of honing his skills and working under top designers, Havrilla decided to open his own design studio, Artistic Blooms in Chicago, Illinois, and create a place where he was in control.
“It was a scary time to move from everyday flower shop to an event studio focusing on wedding and corporate events, but it was so worth it,” Havrilla says. “Looking back, I see every step has led me to where I am today.”
He has since started a floral design and education consulting company, Havrilla Designs.
What Excites Him
It’s the ability of flowers to evoke and influence emotions that excites Havrilla the most.
“We sell emotion and have the power to change how someone is feeling,” he says. “There is a responsibility and honor that comes with designing floral for someone. Everyday there is another opportunity to share the love of floral with our clients.”
Best Business Advice
The best advice Havrilla has received is to not be afraid to try new things from a place of optimism.
“The worst thing that can happen is you fail,” Havrilla says. “We live our lives in fear that something bad could happen. Once we accept that it could happen, we lose the fear and gain control and hope. Nothing good comes from fear. Everything good comes from hope.”
Biggest Challenge
Like many businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic was a huge challenge for Artistic Blooms. After a few a “very scary few months,” Havrilla says he faced the pandemic with flexibility and a willingness to change. Prior to the pandemic, he would never say no to work; today he is much more selective about the jobs he takes. He makes sure he focuses on his business brand and value to ensure he doesn’t lower their costs just to make sure he secures the client. This has made their scheduling easier and healthier for everyone.
“I have realized there has to be a work/life balance,” he says. “This has allowed me to follow other passions within the industry.”
Passion Project
Havrilla’s passion project is Be the Color, a non-profit organization that started as an immersive art show using floral installations and combinations of dark, light and color to highlight issues such as child abuse, women’s rights, self-respect, media and community.
Be the Color was inspired by a 2018 rape survivor runway show Havrilla created for the South Dakota Florist Association, which showcased the power of using floral artistry and beautiful thought-provoking designs to raise awareness for difficult, less talked about topics. That show, along with the desire to make a difference within his community during the pandemic, inspired him to start the organization.
“The concept was that preconceived notions often are not accurate,” he says. “Everything was monotone until the participant had the power to shine the light on issues and become the color. Again, there were so many stories shared with us after witnessing the exhibit. Honestly, I had not thought it would be so moving to so many people. This shows me once again that floral can start a movement.”
Why SAF?
Havrilla originally joined SAF because it had a been a long-time goal to belong to the Professional Floral Communicators-International (PFCI) — a network of professional floral business educators certified by SAF. At the time, he didn’t know about all the resources SAF offered, but he has since grown to value the education SAF provides at events and through online courses, and the community it’s brought to his profession. He also now serves on SAF’s PFCI Board of Trustees.
“There is a sense of family who support each other in every way possible,” Havrilla says. “We all have questions and need help…..SAF is a source for you. Use it and became a better part of the floral industry.”
Havrilla will be presenting “Flower Trends Forecast 2023 In Action: Profitable, Trend Forward Designs” alongside two other designers during SAF’s upcoming annual convention, SAF Orlando 2022, Sept. 6-8 in Orlando, Florida (check out the full schedule here). The session will demonstrate how to use the 2023 flower trends in designs and even on the sales floor.
Havrilla was recently featured on SAF’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Do you know a member who should have a chance in the spotlight? Email Stephanie Brady, project manager for SAF.
Stephanie Brady is the project manager for the Society of American Florists.
