Polycarp Flowers
It was my pleasure to interview Daica Skrobala, the owner and floral designer of Polycarp Flowers. A sweet, wonderful person and brilliant creator, I truly enjoyed learning more about her craft and her business.
Established in August 2016, Daica Skrobala noted Summit’s lack of a downtown florist and stepped up to fill that gap with Polycarp Flowers. Her goods are all high-quality and sustainably-sourced. The majority of her fresh florals originate from local New Jersey wholesalers and the New York Flower Market. In addition, she ships a variety of exotic, gorgeous flowers from California and all around the world.
Daica, a schooled florist, uses her training in color theory and designing in tandem with her eye for beauty to create delightful floral arrangements, which she tailors to each specific venue. Intensely inspired and committed to her vision, she says, “If I don’t get the look I want, I start over.” Much thought and passion are put into each ensemble, and Daica’s enthusiasm only grows. Admirably, she continues to challenge herself to improve as a designer and as a businesswoman.
Frequently, Daica steps out of her comfort zone, participating and competing in flower shows around the world such as Fleurs de Villes in Canada, Macy’s Flower Show, and Arteflorando in Leverano, Italy.
To date, Daica’s most demanding event – the convention for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) – consisted of over four hundred centerpieces at three locations in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a convention attended by the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. An exhausting task, Daica remembers it fondly, saying that she learned much during it and that she is looking forward to the next challenge.
Innovative and ambitious, Daica constantly implements new techniques in her work, and in the future she wishes to study abroad to further cultivate her breadth of knowledge. Extensively connected to the rest of the floral community in the United States and in Europe, she loves learning from others and sharing her own knowledge as well.
Polycarp’s biggest challenge? Delivery, particularly under COVID restrictions. Every floral arrangement is delivered in person to avoid shipping damage, a practice Daica is dedicated to in order to ensure the quality of her client’s piece, unfortunately hindered by pandemic safety measures. Fortunately, businesses are in the process of easing these measures back.
Additionally, Daica had to build her credibility as a small business owner. Slowly but surely, she gained confidence in herself and her abilities – enough confidence to understand her own limitations and say “no,” for the benefit for the client and herself.
Daica’s advice to anyone, whether starting a business or any other venture: “Trust your instincts. Listen to yourself and to your gut,” but, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, either.” Mistakes happen; what is important is that you learn from them. “Never let the possibility of failure stop you.” Her life philosophy is that you must do that which you love, and your passion will get you through any tough times.
Polycarp Flowers is available to service any sort of venue. Highly versatile, Daica and her team have decorated offices, lobbies, conventions, homes, and more in the past. Contact them at the links below to learn more!
The team at Polycarp Flowers is seasoned, competent, and amenable – and absolutely talented at floral design. A small, successful, and incredibly professional local business, I highly recommend paying Polycarp Flowers a visit!
Visit Polycarp Flowers at their website polycarpflowers.com, on Instagram @polycarpflowers, and on Facebook at Polycarp Flowers.
