“I’m back!”
Having been involved in floral shops for 35 years, Kevin Hryhoriw says its bigger news that he’s back in town than the name of his new business. Carnation Street Florals will open in the former business space occupied by Canora Photo and Framing on March 23.
Having been in the floral business in Canora for many years, most recently he worked for a florist in Melville and for the previous few years he worked for the City of Yorkton, looking after the town’s parks and gardens, and looked after all the flower beds.
Hryhoriw used to own the Flower Mill in Canora, but sold it to Brand Zawislak about nine or 10 years ago.
He has operated flower shops in Canora long before that. Right after the Canora Centre Mall opened, he started a floral business in about 1980-81. In 1987, when the Queen visit Canora, Hryhoriw worked with Lawrence Klutz making all the flower arrangements for her visit and for her dinner table.
Hryhoriw spent a lot of time in Regina, working for Fantasy Flowers. He was the head designer for a crew of six. The highlight was preparing the fantasy wedding shows.
He has worked as an interior decorator, he has landscaped yards and he is a certified arborist.
Above all, his work is based on being a certified master flourist. He began taking classes at the School of Floral Design in Richmond, B.C. and he has been constantly taking upgrading courses ever since. A title like master flourist is based on one’s years of experience and training, he said.
Hryhoriw said he likes doing business in Canora because he is able to rely on massive gardens which he sets up on the family farm. He plans to set up green houses as the farm.
“Flowers are the ultimate gift – a sign of love,” said Hryhoriw.
He made the store unique, representative of his work.
“I personalize everything.”
Hryhoriw said he is banking on flowers. The people in Canora area have always loved good quality flowers and the love to talk about them. The people have a good knowledge of gardening and they like to talk gardening and landscaping.
“People are always happy to receive flowers. It doesn’t matter the occasion. Flowers make them happy.”
The biggest attractions will continue to be weddings and funerals, Hryhoriw said. He plans to put his personal touch on every order.
The atmosphere of the business will be special and unique, he said. He plans to bring in many pieces of art, jewellery and furniture. Some will be for sale and some will be just part of the atmosphere. He is on the look constantly for new pieces of art and jewelry.
