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DIMAPUR — A stall offering a variety of flowers including fresh-cut flowers, dry flowers, potted plants, and bouquets, stood among the diverse array of stalls at the Winter Wonderland Carnival organised by N N Nagi School at its premises in Dimapur.
Visatuo Savino, a young participant, sported a badge and actively interacted with customers, discussing the various flowers. The presence of men in the flower-selling business, particularly in Nagaland, is not a common sight.
A 24-year-old Class 10 dropout, Savino, while talking to Eastern Mirror amidst the festival on Saturday, said that he was initially more interested in sports than studies. However, a year into being a dropout, he found employment at Blissful Blooms, located at Greenwood School junction in Dimapur.
He mentioned that the four sisters behind the venture offered him the job, stating that a life without purpose would be a waste.
At first, Savino was disinterested but now he has grown to appreciate working with flowers. His specialty is handling bouquets at the store. He admitted that he was initially rough with handling bouquets and maintaining flowers, saying he used to come and leave the flowers as they were, resulting in their short lifespan.
However, he has gradually learned to nurture them—regularly inspecting, watering when needed, and removing rotten leaves. For Savino, recognising the impact of weather and understanding when flowers thrive and when they don't have become crucial.
On the sourcing of flowers, he mentioned that it depends on the season and affordability. He emphasised that the shop's fresh-cut flowers last one to two weeks, and in the summer, they are kept under air conditioner for preservation.
When asked about his learning experience, Savino admitted that in the early stages, he was unfamiliar with flower names, especially when customers would ask at the store. However, now he confidently lists several, such as anthurium, lilium, water lily, and chrysanthemum.
In terms of societal perceptions, Savino acknowledged the initial embarrassment of being a man in a job stereotyped as one associated with women. Despite his friends making fun of him, he stressed his evolving confidence in his work, crediting his aunts and the four sisters for their support.
Tending to flowers is not easy, Savino observed, adding that it entails being actively involved in pruning and cleaning from early mornings. He did, however, say that he is catching up with the art and that his initial embarrassment is fading.
He mentioned that the store takes orders from Dimapur and Chümoukedima at present and credited Instagram for the reach.
According to Savino, when it comes to work, there are no distinctions between tasks suited for males or females. “Success is attainable when one commits to a specific job. It is possible for those who make the effort,” he concluded.