Marta Kenar
Owner, A Vision Floral StudioTalk about flower power! Marta Kenar, the visionary behind the Ukranian Village flower shop is ready for a new year of inspired and unexpected floral design. On top of weddings and personal arrangements is something else special. Tucked away in the charming retail space is rack upon rack of hand-picked wine. Between friendly staff, fine florals and good wine, we’re not quite sure what’s best to love about A Vision. Well, we take that back: with weekly wine tastings on Friday night, A Vision is a romantic’s dream come true (We mean, pick up florals AND a bottle of wine for your lover? It’s almost too good to be true!). Always up for a party, we talk to Marta about her blossoming shop and how to keep the festivities going at the beginning of the New Year—”You can never have enough fun or enough flowers” is sort of what we’re getting from her. We agree whole heartedly. See Marta’s beauty picks & tips on spicing up the front end of your 2013 in this week’s Spotlight.
BEAUTY MUST-HAVES>> scent: H2O PLUS MARIEL // skincare: DR. HAUSCHKA FACIAL TONER // moisturizer: WELEDA SKINFOOD // mascara: MAYBELLINE COLOSSAL in GLAM BLACK // lips: MAC LIPGLASS in C-THRU // nails: ESSIE SMOKIN HOT // can’t-leave-home-without: BURT’S BEES LIP BALM
Q: This week, we’re starting the New Year off with a little entertaining issue. You’re the floral experts, how do you deck out your home for a dinner party or brunch?
A: It’s all about candlelight, candlelight, candlelight! And flowers, flowers, flowers! Add an amazing charcuterie platter, beautiful sparkling water options and of course vino is always a must.
Q: Okay, for the dunces, break it down.
A: Take 10 Green Goddess Callas. Cut the heads and place in a long and low vase. Place in center of table. Cut 2 inches of the stem and create a slit on one side. Stick a placecard in it and set it on the table. Take the rest of the stems and place in a narrow tall glass vase in various heights. Submerge in water and throw and floating candle on it. Place by door to greet your guests.
Q: Any flowers that you think deserve a little more credit in 2013?
A: Banksias (a favorite of mine), Green Goddess Callas (primal and feminine looking) and Quicksand Roses (most beautiful color ever!).
Q: And any flower trends that shouldn’t make a comeback in the new year?
A: Flower balls and centerpiece mirrors? See you never.
Q: We love your hand-picked wine baskets. What are some of your favorite floral + wine pairings?
A: One of my favorite whites is La Combelle Apremont. It’s crisp clean and bone dry—a winner for my palette. The wine chosen for each basket is my inspiration for the floral. So in this case, I would do white and green floral. Fresh, clean and impactful—just like the wine.
Q: What about your New Year’s Resolutions? What’s the top on the list?
A: Be present. Be healthy. Be patient. Spend my time with purpose and intention. Be aware and do not take things for granted. Love my loved ones well. Laugh more! And less procrastination!
Q: Dish it, any resolutions that you’ve already broken?
A: Eight days in and laughing as I’m writing ‘Less Procrastination’ as I finish this interview so close to the deadline!
Find more of A Vision by visiting AVisionChicago.com.