Laura Drăghici and reinvention as a life strategy: from banking to floral design

An inspiring story about Laura Drăghici’s journey from a 15-year banking career to the art of floral design, a reinvention built on courage, passion, and international mastery.

Laura Drăghici, banker and international floral designer, founder of the Chic Fleuriste brand, shifted—after 15 years as a bank director—from the rigor of an EMBA (Executive Master of Business Administration) to the creativity of the European Master Certification by Tomas de Bruyne — a story about courage, elegance, and reinvention through beauty, perfected through training at internationally renowned floral design schools.

What does it truly mean to be a “fleuriste” or floral designer? Much more than running a flower business. It is a form of art that combines deep domain knowledge with aesthetic sensitivity, transforming flowers into visual expressions of emotion and refinement. Through study, experience, and creative courage, the floral designer shapes their own floral signature — a unique and unmistakable style that speaks of vision and passion.

A graduate of the European Master Certification by Tomas de Bruyne in Bruges and participant in numerous courses taught by internationally renowned floral artists, Laura Drăghici is a complex creator: a winner of floral art competitions, a designer of special projects for global flower growers, and an international floral blogger.

For those who love beauty and want events with a personal touch, she creates personalized floral concepts — from bouquets and spectacular decorations to unique jewelry made from natural flowers, an international trend she has been successfully promoting for years. Always inspired by nature and her own creative universe, Laura never repeats a design: each arrangement is unique, authentic, and full of story.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, in a way that would spark curiosity in those who don’t know you yet?

Laura Drăghici: My story is about floral art and about how flowers and natural plants can become part of a personal expression and style, about how flowers and natural plants can be transformed into visual stories of emotion, balance, and authentic beauty.

C&B: If we were to look at the narrative thread of your career or business, what have been the key moments that defined you?

Laura Drăghici: The key moment in my career was when I gave up being a bank director and chose to build my own flower and floral design business, to follow my own path, creating a business based on my passion for flowers and floral design. It was a courageous step, but one that offered me the freedom to create and turn passion into profession — a choice that truly shaped both my professional and personal journey.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment so far in your journey, and how did you overcome it?

Laura Drăghici: The most difficult moment in my career was also when I decided to give up my bank director position and a 15-year path in that field to pursue my passion for flowers and floral design. This decision shaped not only my professional path but also my personal one. It pushed me to learn, to experiment, and to constantly reinvent myself, proving that passion, when followed with determination, can transform one’s life.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Laura Drăghici: The ambition that has always guided me is the desire to reach as high as possible, no matter the field. I was raised with the mindset of “you must be able,” “set a goal, a wish, a dream and walk firmly toward it,” and these principles helped me overcome obstacles and stay focused on my objectives.

This vision taught me to see challenges as opportunities for growth and to never give up on what I truly want. Every step forward, no matter how small, brought me closer to my dream and strengthened my belief that perseverance and passion are the key to success.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have transformed since then?

Laura Drăghici: In 2013, at the beginning of my timid career as a floral designer, I knew very little about this field. Raised by teacher parents, I learned to appreciate the process of learning and to explore each field with curiosity. I began by attending national courses, then international ones, and as I deepened my understanding of floristry, I chose to pursue a master’s program in Belgium, which I completed in two years, opening new perspectives and possibilities.

Since then, my evolution has been significant: from beginner, I became an expert, and today I write and create floral designs for international specialty magazines, most often featured in Thursd., as well as for major flower growers worldwide.

My transformation reflects passion, dedication, and the desire to continuously learn, showing that perseverance and the courage to start from scratch can bring international recognition and success.

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Laura Drăghici: I would love for you to ask them, but I believe they would say I am a cheerful and optimistic person who brings positive energy to every project. At the same time, I am serious and reliable, dedicated to my work and professional relationships.

They would probably also say that I help those around me whenever I can and that I have a deep passion for natural flowers, reflected in everything I do. This combination of professionalism, empathy, and passion makes working with me not only efficient but also enjoyable.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?

Laura Drăghici: The most important decision I made was to radically change the trajectory of my career and step into a completely unfamiliar field. This choice taught me the value of having the courage to make difficult decisions and follow intuition, even when there is no guarantee of success.

This decision also shaped my leadership style and creative approach: I learned to be more flexible, to handle challenges with patience, and to inspire my team and collaborators to follow their passion and ideas. Thus, the change was not only about career but about personal and professional growth — about transforming obstacles into opportunities and encouraging innovation.

C&B: How did you build your leadership style or the way you make decisions? Was it a natural or learned process?

Laura Drăghici: My leadership style is the result of a process that can be learned but must always be tailored to one’s personality. At first, I built it in the banking sector, where I had to manage complex daily issues requiring quick and adaptable decisions, with no room for delay. This experience taught me to be pragmatic, responsible, and balanced in handling situations.

Later, my leadership style was strengthened and refined by completing an EMBA – Executive Master of Business Administration, at an international business school. This stage helped me understand strategic management principles more deeply and to combine practical experience with modern theoretical approaches, defining a balanced, efficient, and results-oriented style.

C&B: What sets your business or professional approach apart from the rest of the industry?

Laura Drăghici: The floral industry in Romania is very different from that abroad. While in Romania there is often the perception that anyone can practice this profession, in other countries floral design is treated as an art requiring rigorous training and in-depth study. The differences are immediately visible in the quality of arrangements: the principles of floral design — chromatic harmony, textures, proportions, balance, and style — are essential and increasingly appreciated by Romanian clients who seek refinement both for special events and for everyday arrangements. This educated and conscious approach makes the work of a trained designer visibly different and more valuable in the eyes of clients.

What differentiates me, nationally and even internationally, is the creation of jewelry made from natural flowers. Each piece reflects the personality and wishes of the recipient, transforming the creations into a memorable experience. This style has taken me to fashion runways, accessorizing couture, prêt-à-porter, and bridal collections, including abroad, integrating floral art into the world of fashion. This experience shows once again that flowers, treated with professionalism and creativity, can become functional works of art, appreciated both in the industry and by final clients.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the greatest satisfaction?

Laura Drăghici: A typical day for me takes place in my floral art studio, surrounded by natural flowers of all shapes, colors, and textures. It is the place where ideas come to life and where each project becomes a creative challenge. I start my day by arranging flowers, exploring combinations of colors, textures, and shapes, and planning unique concepts for events, floral jewelry, or special collections. Every detail matters, and focus and inspiration are essential to bring ideas to life. The studio is not just a workspace but a creative space where the energy of the flowers inspires me and fills me with enthusiasm for the entire day.

The most satisfying moments come when the result of my work starts to take shape and is appreciated by those around me. When I see people happy, surprised, or moved by the arrangements or floral jewelry, I feel that every effort, every color choice, and every detail was worth it — even every tiny leaf of less than 1 cm that perfects a pair of earrings, for example. Whether for an important event for a client entering my studio, a collection of accessories for a fashion line, or a promotional project for flowers that a global grower wants to present in the industry, my creations bring genuine beauty and emotion, give me energy, and remind me why I chose this profession — to transform flowers into memorable experiences that touch people’s hearts.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?

Laura Drăghici: The fundamental principle that guides me in everything I do is to be reliable and serious. I honor my commitments and treat every project with responsibility and dedication, whether it’s an important event, a professional collaboration, or a personalized order. This principle helps me build trusting and lasting relationships with clients and collaborators and maintain a high standard in everything I create.

Another value that is very important to me is generosity. I love offering flowers and my art to those around me, not just as a product but as an experience and emotion. Whether it’s an arrangement for an event, a floral piece of jewelry, or a spontaneous gesture, I wholeheartedly share the beauty and joy of flowers, especially with those who love them as much as I do, bringing them moments of delight and reminding them of the beauty of life.

C&B: How did you come up with the idea to open this business and choose this name?

Laura Drăghici: Although I grew up surrounded by numbers and still enjoy working with them, the need for creative freedom, beauty, and independence led me toward entrepreneurship. The idea of creating a flower business different from what existed on the market 12 years ago came from my love and passion for natural flowers. I wanted to bring a personalized, creative, and refined approach where every project would be a unique experience, not just a simple floral arrangement. This passion motivated me to learn constantly, to experiment, and to build a brand that reflects my vision of beauty and elegance.

The name “Chic Fleuriste” came naturally. Those around me often told me I was “chic,” and the word “fleuriste” followed naturally, inspired by the floral world. The combination perfectly reflects the philosophy of the business: elegance, refinement, and creativity, conveyed through every flower, piece of jewelry, or arrangement I create. The name is not just a label but a promise of the chic experience and style I offer my clients.

C&B: If you were to send a message to people who want to follow your example, what would it be?

Laura Drăghici: Dare! Learn! Experiment! Don’t be afraid to do what truly inspires you. Dare to step out of your comfort zone and follow what makes you happy, even if the road seems difficult or uncertain at first.

With passion and the desire to learn and continuously explore new techniques and perspectives, things that seem impossible at first become achievable. When you combine dedication with curiosity and openness to knowledge, work not only brings personal satisfaction but also becomes a source of inspiration for those around you, showing that passion and continuous progress can transform any dream into reality.

Laura Drăghici’s story shows that reinvention is not just a professional choice, but a life philosophy. Through passion, discipline, and continuous learning, she proves that a new beginning can become not only a career, but a true form of expression.