My favorite florist: Dhaniel Nora

Dhaniel Nora is super creative and daring. Flowers are a part of his life and are a passion transformed into business. I’ve spent a few days at Purple Flowers and met him in all his splendor. He laughs a lot, works even more, is very friendly and thorough when it comes to his job. His sarcasm, sincerity and energy are totally perfect for my taste, therefore we messed around, drank all of the prosecco that we found in the workshop, had Hapy, his dog, integrated in the scenery and I’ve unripped him as much as I could:

1. When you say the word “flowers”, what are you thinking of?
My life. Everything that surrounds me day by day. Every morning in which I wake up with a smile on my face. The fact that I found my calling. How lucky I am for having this job. The fact that God loves me and always looks out for me.

2. How did you decide to make a career out of this domain?
I believe that each of us has a purpose. Some find it, others don’t. I have prepared myself for a career in the banking domain, flowers and design were just a passion. At least that’s what I thought. It proved to be the other way around. And I thank God each morning because he had patience with me and he gave me a third chance. When you’re a good man, God looks out for you.
I gave up floral design twice and only the third time I understood that it’s not just a passion, but rather my purpose. In September 2011 I received the third chance to do floral design. It was then that I understood what the divine energy tried to tell me for 2 years. Then, when I focused my whole energy towards this, everything just came along by itself.

3. Have you ever wanted to quit? Which would you say was the toughest moment?
I’ll admit that I’ve asked myself if this is truly my calling. Especially in the beginning. Now I’m sure of it. But I’ve never thought of giving up after I’ve accepted (the third time) this way. The hardest for me was the migration from being an employee to being an entrepreneur / employer. Being an employee in a corporation is very easy. When you leave this comfort zone it is very hard, but truly… magic!

4. What is your biggest gain in your business?
“Dhanieeeeeeelllll! You are wonderful!!! I am the happiest bride in the world! Thank you! Everything looks SPLENDID!!!”
We work for both corporate events and private events, but the people from the corporate sector are more formal, they don’t express their feelings so openly. Brides, on the other hand, are formidable. And I’m always glad to receive such messages. This is my biggest gain.

5. Did you do this from the beginning or have you roamed other domains as well?
I’ve been a waiter, I’ve sold Avon and Oriflame products and I’ve sold insurance, this until I’ve finished high school. In college I’ve been a bartender and then I sold auto parts. After college I got a job at a bank as a banking analyst on legal persons crediting.
After moving to Bucharest I’ve been a Junior RMA (a kind of “legislative audit “) at a company which does clinical studies for pills which haven’t come out on the market yet. Floral design appeared in my life since I’ve been working in the bank and I believe this is what I’ll do for the rest of my life. But… we never know what the future holds. (laughs)

6. Is there a man you love the most in the world?
I love God, I love my family, I love Hapy (the dog), I love my friends, I love Roxana (the associate), I love my colleagues, and I love positive and smiling people. I don’t love anyone the most because I love each and every one in different ways, but with the same intensity.

7. The thought in the morning and the thought before you fall asleep:
In the morning – “Thanks!” or, sometimes, “Hapy, what are you doing on the bed?” (laughs)
At night – “I’m naked!” – not undressed (laughs) … it’s a form of meditation learned from OSHO’s books. I try to free myself of all thoughts and be only me with myself.
8. What would you like to change in the world?
The poverty.

9. Let’s say you could torture someone a whole day; who would that be?
I always “torture” my colleagues with all kinds of ideas with which we struggle to transform in reality. (laughs) Otherwise, I couldn’t do such a thing.
Speaking of colleagues, at Purple Flowers we’ve only begun the presentations, other articles will follow about the wonderful people there. Especially because one of them is deeply etched in my heart. Let’s get back to Dhani:

10. What is the most beautiful compliment received?
“What a beautiful smile you have!” – because I receive it frequently and it always reminds me that I’m a happy man.

11. If you could choose to be of a chosen age forever which would it be and why?
I should answer this question when I’m 60-70 years old. For now, I savor each moment and I can hardly wait to see what surprises are prepared for me.

12. What makes you happy?
Everything, good and bad alike.

13. Do you have a guilty pleasure that you want to dispose of?
Smoking.
14. If you should keep only one picture in your phone, which would it be?
I would throw the phone away. I’m a Gemini. I couldn’t make up my mind. (laughs)

15. At the end of the day, when you draw the line, how do you feel?
Most of the times I feel physically tired (laughs), but this very tiredness makes me feel happy. I feel useful this way. That I use the gift which has been given to me. That I fulfill my purpose.