The Tribune | Weekend | 05
Friday, September 3, 2021
Flo moved to New York to pursue studies in fashion at the Ophelia Devore Fashion and Charm School. She took courses on social etiquette, makeup application, photography and was certified as a yoga and fitness instructor. “When I arrived in New York, I watched a lot of people. I paid very careful attention to how women walked, dressed and presented themselves. I learned early that first impressions were lasting, and I really wanted to do something in fashion while helping young girls, like me learn etiquette,” she said. “When it was time for me to move back home, I knew I wanted to open a school for the beautiful and intelligent ladies on island who just needed a little added social grace and poise to make their dreams come true. I am so grateful for the young ladies who entrusted themselves to my training, to this day I am truly grateful.” Nearly 30 years later, and now due to ongoing restrictions because of an evolving global crisis, seeking a positive outlet, Flo picked up her camera again and allowed her creativity to bloom in nature. “Nature has been my saving grace. On my morning walks I look at the beauty of our beautiful sea grape trees filled with rich purple grapes with their big green hearty leaves and to see a yellow elder tree in full bloom remains simply breathtaking. Not to mention, the diversity of colour and beauty of deep red, orange or yellow hibiscus and poinciana trees blazing in the sun. I decided to use my little camera to capture the details that my eyes cannot see, shooting in the bush, whatever I saw of any interest. I had no Idea what I would do with my photos,” she said. But that all changed quickly. “One morning in January (this year), the fashion side of me said, ‘why not put them on objects to see what they look like?’ That’s how ShopFloraGalora came alive in the midst of the pandemic.” Using her beautiful Bahamas-centric nature photos, she transferred these images on to practical items including, face masks, photos covers, mugs and recyclable tote bags. She hopes these items will bring smiles to people’s faces during these trying times. “I use my camera as a third eye, to see fine details that my eyes cannot see. As part of my training as a fashion consultant, I had to learn a bit about photography. I used photography to show my clients what their clothes actually looked like on their bodies. Though I would not consider myself a professional, those photos have served me well when critiquing models and clients. “Now, I use it to capture other beautiful things in nature. I was told by many of my amazing talented photographer friends that ‘the camera does not lie’, and this I believe is true.” Flo said now is an ideal time to explore your talents and interests. “We all have some hidden talents that we are not even aware of and I believe that COVID19 has given us time to explore our God-given gifts. Whatever we are going through, we cannot give up, we must continue to evolve and
learn no matter what, because we are still above ground. Don’t worry about what people will say or think of you or your work, use what you have in your hands to make this world a kinder and more beautiful place. God’s beautiful canvas, which is nature, gives me such joy, it is my desire that these images can also give people hope and continued peace,” she said. To check out Flo’s online store for accessories and home décor items with a Bahamian flare, visit https:// shopfloragalora. myshopify.com
