If Nanz & Kraft did the flowers for your wedding, chances are that you recognize this FACE: Marketa Greer. Marketa is the floral designer for all events and weddings at Nanz & Kraft. A native of Prague, this very talented lady loves Louisville, her hometown since 1998.
What do you do for a living?
I am a wedding and event floral designer at Nanz & Kraft Florist where I have worked for the past ten years. I design different styles of bouquets and centerpieces for some of the most important events in people’s lives, and I also design flowers for fundraisers and parties. The most important part of my work is to help clients bring their vision to life in a way that complements the other parts of their event.
When did you discover that you had a talent for this?
I have always loved art and design. Growing up in a community full of amazing architecture and culture gave me the foundation for my professional interests. From an early age, my parents and grandparents taught me and my brother to cherish the arts and enjoy natural beauty. It was relatively easy, then, to understand the principles of floral design and creative expression.
If you could create your perfect bride to work with, what would she be like?
Ha! That is easy. All wedding designers dream about the bride who simply gives them a color scheme and says, “Work your magic!” Even though it requires a lot of trust, this kind of bride often gets the best design out of her florist.
Your accent is great. Where are you from, and how did you end up in Louisville?
The secret is out. I was born and raised in Prague, Czech Republic. I came to Kentucky as an exchange student in 1998, fell in love, and the rest is history!
How do you balance your job and your personal life?
It is difficult sometimes to not take my job home with me, especially during the busy seasons. However, we have a few rules in our household that help a great deal. Sundays, for example, are sacred days of rest where I recharge my batteries to face yet another exciting week. My husband and I, together with our dog, Caesar, take a relaxing walk in the morning, cook brunch, and most importantly, do not make any work commitments for the day. During the week, we make sure that we relax together each evening by cooking a healthy meal or going out to one of our favorite restaurants.
What is the biggest life lesson you have ever learned?
To be a good listener and to do my best to always be kind to people.
Who is your mentor?
Growing up, my grandfather was my biggest mentor. I loved our walks through Prague and him telling me stories about all the buildings and their famous owners and histories. He knew a story or a tale for almost every building in Old Prague. During the summer, we would do excursions to castles and ruins or enjoy walking through the countryside around our family’s summer house. He taught me how to love and be proud of my origins, to be tolerant, and to always be curious about things. During and after our country’s 1989 Velvet Revolution—in which we overthrew the Communist regime that controlled our state—my grandfather and I would debate the political situation in our country and the larger turmoil around central and eastern Europe. These experiences sparked my interest not only in politics but world history, as well.
Today, my mentors are my mother and my husband, who continue the legacy of my grandfather in their own way.
What is the best advice you have received in business?
Be a good listener and be very organized. In my field, it is difficult to be organized while being creative, but this is essential to success.
If you were not in your current job, what would you secretly love to do?
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I would’ve chosen a different direction for my life, but then I realize that I absolutely love what I do! The only thing I can think of would be to work as a part-time tour guide in my home country. This would allow me to travel there constantly, and it wouldn’t cost me a small fortune every time we go.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I put this question to a few friends, and their consensus was that my taste in movies was a bit surprising. For some reason everyone thinks I would enjoy educational movies such as documentaries, but my secret love is off-the-wall comedies and comedians. From George Carlin to Night at the Roxbury to Harold and Kumar go to White Castle. Now the secret is out!
What is your favorite place to go for dinner?
In Louisville, it is impossible to pick because of all the fantastic local restaurants this city has to offer. We love ethnic food as well as traditional American. A few places come to mind, such as the Garage Bar, Shalimar, Wick’s Pizza, and Seviche. Our favorite Mexican restaurant is El Tarasco.
 Where do you like to shop?
As all of my friends know, I mostly shop at the Loft or Ann Taylor, but I also love boutique stores here in Louisville. Window shopping in European cities is also a favorite.
 What is a treat or a luxury you do for yourself?
My visits to the Z-ÂSalon & Spa are a favorite local treat. I also love to travel. My husband and I try to visit my home once a year and also visit exciting locations in America.
What is your weakness?
My temperament and a dislike for home chores. But really, who does like to do the dishes?
What is your favorite thing to do in Louisville?
I enjoy exploring Bardstown Road and the growing NuLu area. I also enjoy going to see Broadway shows at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.
Three things you cannot live without(besides God, family and friends):
My family’s summer house in the Czech Republic, books, and my Jack Russell Terrier, Caesar.
What are you reading right now?
Gosh  I just finished The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove by Christopher Moore and Bringing Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel. And now I am reading a biography of Jan Werich.
What are three of your “favorite” things right now?
1) My growing belly —yes, I am pregnant and we are expecting our first little addition to our family in March!
2) My backyard vegetable garden. It is so much fun to go out there and pick your own home grown  tomatoes, bell peppers or herbs.
3) The fall weather and getting ready for the holidays.
Thank you to Marketa, and we so enjoyed her teaching us everything about flowers in about twenty minutes. She is a fascinating woman with a beautiful accent. To learn more about Nanz & Kraft florists, click here:Â www.nanzandkraft.com
Thank you to Adele Reding Studio photography for being the “best of the best” time and time again with our FACES. Be sure to book early for your Christmas Card photo shoots; space is limited! For more information about Adele, visit her website at adeleredingphotography.com.
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