"I can transmit enthusiasm"

Tim van Leipsig (born 1971) wakes up cheerful every morning and is never grumpy. He is also able to transmit his enthusiasm when he is giving a demonstration to a roomful of florists.  It’s all to do with his passion for the job. He got that in his genes, since Tim is the third generation in a row after his father and grandfather to work with flowers. Tim attended the 4 year course at horticultural college in Venlo. He has had his own flower shop in nearby Helmond since 1994. He combines this with demonstrations at home and abroad, dressing flower trade fairs, training shop staff and styling parties and events. One of his most fun recent projects was the dressing for the kick-off for Floriade 2012.  

Continuing to learn

Europe, Africa and South America (in addition to German and English Tim also speaks decent Spanish) are the continents where he works. Flower shops, supermarkets, garden centres and street traders - Tim has a thorough understanding of all the sales channels. He is also a regular visitor to trade fairs and shows covering the interior and exterior. He always goes along to demonstrations given by fellow arrangers at such events, since they too give him inspiration. "You never stop learning in this job."  Positive spin His performances feature matchless enthusiasm, partly because he still enjoys working with people.  That combined with his very practical approach means that he has little trouble motivating and encouraging florists and shop staff. The same thing can be seen in the lectures and presentations that he gives. He is never worried that something will go wrong. "I can give a positive spin to every setback."

'Daddy day'

Years ago he had a definite favourite flower, and that was the forget-me-not (Myosotis). He even had a special silver pedant made of it. But that love has cooled somewhat over the years. "Every season produces so many beautiful flowers!" Tim has also had a new love since the summer of 2007 - his son Jasper. "I never realised beforehand that fatherhood would give me so much pleasure. I have even scheduled a special ‘daddy day’. Okay, sometimes I have to miss it, but those are the exceptions. If I have a child, I want to see him as much as possible."