Today we’d like to introduce you to Ava Aleksiejczuk.
Hi Ava, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Flowers have been a big part of my life for over 20 years, and I still feel excited every time a fresh shipment arrives. I still get butterflies when I open the boxes and see the beauty of each flower, the curves of the petals, the lines of the stems, and all the amazing colors and textures that nature creates. I feel very lucky to do something that truly makes me happy every single day.
What interests me most is creating new floral designs with structure, movement, and architectural lines. I love designing arrangements that feel elegant, artistic, and full of life. To me, flowers are one of the most important elements in a wedding or any event because they create the style, set the mood, and shape the whole atmosphere. Without flowers, an event can feel too stiff or incomplete. Flowers bring softness, beauty, and emotion in a way that nothing else can.
I also pay a lot of attention to vases and vessels because, in my opinion, they are such an important part of the overall design. I truly believe the vessel can be half of the final look. It gives the arrangement its character and helps complete the whole story.
One of the most meaningful parts of my work is creating flowers that people connect with emotionally. Some of my clients tell me they fell in love with the arrangements I created for them, and that means everything to me. It is also very special to be recognized for our work, and we were honored to be named a Top 10 award-winning florist in Naples, Florida, for the second year in a row.
I also want to thank the most important person in my life for helping me create my studio and make this dream possible. He always says with a smile that I play with my flowers like a little girl playing with a dollhouse, and honestly, that joy is still very much part of who I am.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us and trusted us with flowers for your celebrations and special moments in life. Our flower studio is located in a residential area in Naples, Florida, and we are open by appointment for anyone who would like to visit us. I was making flower crowns with my grandma when i was about 8 years old for the holidays, and that sparked my love for flowers. Over time, that early inspiration grew into a passion for floral design, and today it has become my business, where I create arrangements for weddings, events, and everyday moments.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been finding affordable space, because rent in this town is very expensive. We had a storefront in the past, but it was taking too much away from the business financially and also from my creativity. Instead of giving me freedom, it often felt like it was taking energy away from the part of the work I love most.
I feel very lucky because my husband, who is also my best friend, believed in me and invested in my dream by helping build a flower studio for me. That was a very special gift, and it allowed me to continue doing what I love in a way that feels more personal, peaceful, and true to me.
The road has had its challenges, but those experiences helped shape the business into what it is today, and I’m grateful for that journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart is that I have the freedom to create with more intention and less pressure. Because I do not have the same overhead expenses as a traditional storefront, especially high rent, I am able to work more flexibly with clients and their budgets while still focusing on quality and beautiful design. That freedom allows me to choose the weddings and events that are the right fit, give each project more personal attention, and keep my work feeling fresh and inspired.
What I am most proud of is building a business that feels both creative and personal. I love that I can create beautiful work for important moments in people’s lives while also having balance in my own life. I can step away to rest, enjoy time with family, or take a vacation, and come back inspired. I believe that balance helps me stay creative and bring my best to every design.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
These days, it is much easier to find mentorship and connect with others in the floral industry. There are so many workshops, tutorials, and floral classes available, and booking lessons with designers whose work you admire can be a wonderful way to learn and grow.
I am still learning every day myself, and I think that mindset is so important. What has worked well for me is staying open, continuing to observe other creatives, and always being willing to learn something new. I believe the best networking happens naturally through genuine connection and shared passion.
My biggest mentor is God, the creator of these amazing flowers with all their colors, shapes, and beauty. A lot of my inspiration comes from simply observing nature.
Pricing:
- Petite -$70.00 – $95.00 Small, refined arrangement with premium blooms
- Classic -$110.00-$165.00our most popular
- Signature $185.00 -$275.00 Full, statement
- Luxe $300.00+ Large impact designs
- Ultra Luxe $600.00+ Large-scale
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Naplessilverleaf.com
- Instagram: @silverleafflowers
- Yelp: Silver Leaf Flowers
- Other: Wedding Wire Silver Leaf Flowers
Image Credits
@emmaburdisphotography
@lovelettersco_fl
@biancachevallierphoto
@honeybeememory
@lindseyalainephoto
@setfreephotography
@millersphotoandfilm
