Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services
Monday, February 5, 2007

IQALUIT - Ula Arnaquq has been working at Baffin Flowers in Iqaluit for five years, and the craziest day of the year is coming fast. Every year, this 22-year-old prepares for the Valentine's Day onslaught.

"Order early, so you can get more variety. It is busy to say the least. I'll be in at 8 a.m. and who knows how late I'll be here, until the last customer leaves," said Arnaquq.

Arnaquq was understating the case slightly. When she was asked how crazy it is on Valentines' Day, her eavesdropping co-workers burst out laughing, long and hard. Asking a florist about Valentine's Day is like asking a toy store owner about Christmas.

Red roses are the stereotypical choice for Feb. 14, but Arnaquq moved past that cliche long ago.

"I like the Gebra Daisies. They are nice, simple, and they come in a lot of colours," said Arnaquq.

Valentines Day may be hard work, but the rest of the year is to Arnaquq's liking.

"I've been here about five years, on and off," she said. "I love it, everything about the flower shop. When people come in here, they come to buy flowers, and they are in a really good mood."

When she isn't advising people on the best combination of chocolate, perfume and flowers, she can be found with her daughter Maya Illnik. Maya turns two-years-old on March 23, and Arnaquq is mulling over day care options.

"We haven't really settled on a daycare yet, it's pretty hard to find one," she said.

She isn't sure if a career in the flower business is what she wants to do forever, but five years in she is still enjoying it.

"I'm not sure what I'll be doing in the future, but this is my favourite place, and everyone treats me well," said Arnaquq.