A number of florists have called and written to ask Marisa about taping the challenge segment of the show so I talked her into writing a brief description and sharing her thoughts on the experience.
A chance to be on a reality TV show highlighting floral designers - finally, I had the opportunity to share with people what it takes to be in the floral industry….and that’s putting it lightly.
Being under pressure with the cameras, the questions, the re-takes, the time limit and the misinterpretations, that was a challenge in itself.
Of course, they didn’t explain much to the viewers about how little information we received in advance of the challenge. The only info the producers gave us (about the room to be decorated) was that it was a butter color with touches of gold…THAT’S IT.
Although we received a $500 budget for flowers, containers and accessories (wholesale of course), we designers know that to really show off our talent and to make an impressive display for a whole room, $500 isn’t a lot to work with. We had no idea how big this room was or how many containers we could use - we just got to know the styles. We didn’t know we were choosing the linens, the plates, the napkins etc... and they threw in our 2 assistants at the last minute. I also believe that they added that entry piece as well.
It was frustrating when the production crew told me not to bring my backpack onto set so when I was asked to show my sketches, I didn’t know where my bag was. At that point, I was getting a little irritated. With such little information, and of course for reality TV, throwing in so many more twists and what not, 2 hours was really pushing it. But did you noticed? I was the only one that completed my challenge with all the required elements.
And the tears…you can give me any challenge and I will never cry about it! To have the chance to be featured in Flowers& Magazine would make anybody cry tears of joy. (Since then, I have had the privilege to be a featured designer in the March 2008 issue.)
Having this being aired 2 years after it was taped, watching it now makes me realize how much I’ve matured. Patience is a big one for me and I’m finally learning to breathe and walk myself through it. I now accept things for what they are and I know that if I hadn’t come in 3rd place, I wouldn’t be where I’m at now.
Since then I have experienced so much that I now have a clearer vision of where I want to be in my career and I’ve learned to respect others opinions as well as respecting my own challenges, personally and professionally.