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Studant/ Businesswoman / Mother / Creative/ Persistent

Sandra Regina Goncalves
Toronto, On – Canada

Profession: Floral Designer & Event Decorator | Specialist in Sustainable Floral Arrangements

Contact Information

sandrafloraldesigner@gmail.com

Phone: [+1 (437) 873-6514

Website/Portfolio https://padlet.com/sandragoncalves8826/personal-portfolio-sayels8y8sqi3xpv/wish/lkROZPrJ8BxMajMgSocial Media:

·        Instagram: @SandraFloral-designer

Skills and Expertise

Floral Design & Arrangement Composition

Event Theme Planning & Decoration

Budget Management & Sustainable Practices

Customer Collaboration & Creative Consulting

Education & Certifications

Certificate in Floral Design, Canadian Institute of Floral Design - 1Year

·        Event Marketing and Management Strategy Certificate, British Columbia Institute of Technology - 1 Year

Workshop in Foundations of Sustainability in Event Management, Seneca Polytechnic

Business Diploma, Fleming College Toronto – 2 years

Highlights and Achievements

Created a bespoke floral centerpiece for a high-profile wedding with a sustainability focus.

Designed and executed floral installations for a corporate gala attended by 500+ guests.

Hosted workshops on DIY floral arrangements for local community groups.

Availability

Open for custom floral design projects, wedding and event decorations, and collaborations.

Flexible to travel within Toronto and region for larger events.

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Having my own flower shop and working with event decoration

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My Journey to Being a Florist and Event Decorator

For as long as I can remember, I've always had a special connection with nature, especially flowers. They have a unique power to transform environments, express emotions, and mark special moments in people's lives. This fascination was what sparked my dream of being a florist and working with.

The Beauty of Flowers in Art and Life

For me, flowers are more than just decorative elements: they tell stories. The right choice of flowers and arrangements can turn an event into something unforgettable. Whether it's a wedding, an anniversary, or a corporate celebration, I believe that every detail should reflect one's personality and desires.

My Inspiration and Trajectory

My inspiration comes from simple moments, such as walks in gardens and flower fairs, and from observing how colors and shapes can harmonize. In addition, studying about floral design, decoration trends, and the impact of sustainable events will motivate me to continue growing in this area. I'm delving into learning techniques for composing arrangements, handling fresh and dried flowers, and how to create unique visual experiences for each occasion. I once owned a small gift shop, where I assembled and sold artificial ornamental flower vases.

The Future I Imagine

My goal is to build a business that combines creativity, sustainability, and a personalized touch. I want to collaborate with clients to bring their dreams to reality, using my love for flowers and décor to create unforgettable moments. It will be wonderful and very satisfying to be able to work with something I love to do.

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Strengths:
I am also an entrepreneur, having owned a gift and home accessories store in the past, where I was able to introduce flower arrangements that I designed and put together myself. At the time, I did not have formal training in floral design, but the arrangements were really well-accepted by customers, proving my innate creativity and sense of what sells. I am a very creative person with a great passion for handicrafts, painting, and gardening, and other activities that give me a chance to express my vision. This versatility and enthusiasm for hands-on projects make me adaptable and resourceful in various creative endeavors.

Weaknesses:
Procrastination has been one of my challenges, but I am really onto it with the adoption of better time management strategies and self-discipline. Setting clear goals and prioritizing, I am working hard to turn this area into an opportunity for personal growth and productivity.

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My Path to Owning a Flower Shop and Event Decoration Business

Final Goal

Open my own flower shop and specialize in event decoration, combining my passion for floral design and event planning.

1 to 2 Years

Complete Business Course

- Graduate in mid-2025 to solidify my understanding of business operations, marketing, and management.

Enroll in a Flower Design Course

- Learn advanced floral arrangement techniques and creative designs that suit both retail and event purposes.

- Research local or online courses that offer certification in floral design.

2 Years

Pursue a Fast Event Management Course

- Gain insights into planning, budgeting, and logistics for events.

- Learn how to coordinate multiple aspects of event decoration and client management.

3 to 4 Years

Raise Capital for the Business

- Save personal funds and explore small business loans or investors.

- Build a solid financial plan, including estimated costs for renting a location, purchasing supplies, and initial marketing.

Open the Business

- Establish a flower shop with a dedicated space for consultations on event decoration services.

- Launch marketing campaigns, focusing on building a loyal customer base in the community.

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My Business course ends in September 2025 and I will start my Flower Design course, which will finish in 2026.
In 2027 I will start the Event Management course, which will probably finish at the end of 2027.
Between 2025 and 2027, I will raise funds for the capital of the new business.
Opening of the Flower Shop in 2028.

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In event design, the magic lies in the perfect blend of leadership and teamwork. By cultivating a strong leader and fostering collaborative team dynamics, we event designers can transform visions into unforgettable experiences. As event designers, we must lead with purpose, collaborate with creativity, and deliver excellence.

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W 12 Assignment 3 Individual  - Newsletter Article Publication

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Weekly Reflections for E-Portfolio

Week 1: Communication in Organizations

This week emphasized how essential communication is in organizations. I learned that communication is the core of sharing ideas, making decisions, and building connections. Reflecting on this, I now see how communication impacts every part of an organization, from collaboration to leadership. This understanding inspires me to focus on improving my own communication skills.

Week 2: Communication in Diverse Workplaces

Learning about communication in diverse workplaces opened my eyes to the importance of embracing cultural differences. I realized how understanding different communication styles can create stronger teams. This week helped me think about how I can apply cultural awareness in my future career to create more inclusive environments.

Week 3: Listening and Writing Skills

This week highlighted how foundational listening and writing are in professional settings. I learned that active listening includes paying attention to nonverbal cues and reflecting on what others say. Writing clearly and concisely is equally important. I see now how these skills build trust and reduce misunderstandings in the workplace.

Week 4: The Role of Language in Communication

This lesson taught me that language shapes professional and cultural identities. I reflected on how biases or unclear communication can create barriers and realized the importance of adapting my communication style to different contexts. This week encouraged me to think about how I can use language to promote understanding in a workplace.

Week 5: Interpersonal Skills

This week focused on interpersonal skills, particularly empathy and constructive feedback. I learned how empathy builds trust and improves leadership, while constructive feedback can help teams grow. Using the S.P.A.R.K method (specific, personal, actionable, real, kind) is a practical approach I plan to adopt.

Week 6: Effective Interviewing

This week’s lesson on effective interviewing made me realize the value of preparation. I learned the importance of researching a company, practicing through mock interviews, and being ready for behavioral questions. This insight has made me more confident about presenting myself professionally.

Week 7: Writing a Cover Letter

This week taught me how a well-written cover letter connects my skills and experiences to a job role. I learned how to highlight my enthusiasm and make a personal connection with potential employers. Writing cover letters now feels less intimidating because I understand their purpose better.

Week 9: Teamwork Dynamics

This lesson helped me understand the dynamics of teamwork. I learned how teams differ from groups and the importance of shared goals. I reflected on the value of informal leadership and influencing others through integrity and expertise, which I aim to practice in my own collaborations.

Week 10: Meeting Planning and Execution

This week taught me how to organize and run effective meetings. Understanding different types of meetings, like problem-solving or decision-making meetings, helped me see how to tailor agendas. This skill is crucial for ensuring productivity and clear communication in professional settings.

Week 11: Academic Research and APA 7 Citation Style

This week’s focus on academic research and citations helped me understand how to structure research professionally. Learning APA 7 citation style made me realize the importance of giving proper credit and presenting information in a clear, organized way.

Week 12: APA 7 Formatting for Academic Writing

Building on Week 11, this lesson deepened my understanding of formatting academic writing. I now feel more confident about how to use APA 7 guidelines in my assignments and professional documents.

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Over these weeks, I learned many important things that will help me in work and school. I now understand better how communication is the key to sharing ideas, making decisions, and working well with others in any organization. I also learned how respecting different cultures and ways of communicating can make teams stronger. This is something I want to use in my future career to create positive and inclusive environments.

Listening carefully and writing clearly are very important skills. They help people avoid misunderstandings and build trust. I also learned how the words we use and the way we communicate can either connect people or create barriers, so it’s important to adapt to different situations.

Another thing I learned is how important empathy and giving constructive feedback are for good teamwork. It helps teams grow and build trust. I also learned how to prepare well for interviews, write strong cover letters, and plan effective meetings. These are all practical skills that make me feel more confident about entering the workplace.

I now understand the value of teamwork and informal leadership, where you don’t need a title to make a positive impact. On the academic side, I learned how to do proper research and use APA 7 style to give credit to sources and organize my writing better. This makes my work more professional and polished.

Overall, these weeks have helped me grow a lot, and I feel better prepared for both my studies and my future career.

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Sandra Regina Gonçalves
50 Dunfield Ave, 2218
Toronto, Ontario M4S 0E4
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I am writing to express my interest in a Floral Designer position. I have 2 years of experience in floral design and a passion for working with plants and creating arrangements. I specialize in Floral Design, Botany and Event Management.

In my previous role, I was responsible for creating floral arrangements, plants and other gardening elements, as well as event management. I pride myself on my attention to detail and creating beautiful arrangements that not only meet my commitment to delivering exceptional work but exceed client expectations. I have recently completed a Business Administration degree that will assist in the management of this business and events, my experience as a small gift shop owner has honed my management skills, enabling me to effectively coordinate teams and resources.

I am particularly drawn to working with you due to your reputation for excellence in the sale of flowers and arrangements and especially in event design.

I look forward to contributing my skills and experience to your team and playing a role in delivering outstanding results for your clients.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

Sandra Regina Gonçalves