As International Women's Day approaches, we want to spotlight Nienke Nijenhuis, our passionate plant buyer. "The flower industry is fast, dynamic, and sometimes tough. As a woman, you often have to prove yourself a little more, but that makes it fun and challenging," Nienke says. She hopes to see more women in the industry, especially since most flowers and plants buying consuments are women.
When it comes to her favorite plants, Nienke has a special love for flowering plants. "I enjoy plants that keep changing, like orchids, especially the more exclusive ones with unique flower patterns and colors." However, she also enjoys working with seasonal plants because the changing selection keeps her work exciting and dynamic. "I love seasonal plants because the variety keeps things interesting," she adds.
For Women's Day, Nienke recommends plants that are colorful and striking, such as orchids, chrysanthemums, and roses. "In my opinion, the perfect plant for Women's Day is the hydrangea. It鈥檚 colorful and gives a real spring feeling, and that makes everyone happy," she explains.
She believes that florists can make their Women's Day assortments stand out by offering plants for every budget and creating eye-catching displays. "A fun promotion, a prominent spot in the store, and a plant or flower for every budget will definitely attract customers," says Nienke.
Quality is key for Nienke when it comes to buying plants. "By building strong relationships with the right growers, I can ensure that the selection is always perfectly tailored to customer needs."
This year, she sees a trend towards colorful, vibrant floral arrangements. "I think this year it鈥檚 all about being colorful and bold. Florists can capitalize on this by putting extra effort into their presentations."
With her passion for plants and determination as a woman in the industry, Nienke continues to make the floriculture world a little brighter, especially with Women's Day just around the corner.