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COVID-19 creates an opportunity for creativity to bloom
Sep 1, 2021 - 11:00:42 AM

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Fashion icon, author of Return To Mango Hill and photographer, Flo Miller.

“What can you do when caught in a situation you cannot control?,” this is the question Flo Miller, author, Bahamian fashion icon and entrepreneur asked herself during the tumultuous year of 2020 when the global pandemic forced the entire world to stop.

“2020 was unbelievably difficult, and as we are nine months into 2021, it remains frightening for so many people. In the midst of this, I realized for survival through lonely times of isolation due to social distancing, it is so important to find positive outlets. For me, by surrounding myself with the beauty of nature while learning new things helps me take my mind off all that is going on,” explained Miller.

As the creator of the first finishing school, Upgrade Finishing School in the 70s, Flo decided to pursue her fashion journey in Paris, France becoming one of the first Bahamian Fashion Consultants in the city. During her time in New York, she took courses in photography and upon returning home, worked as a photographer with Stanley Toogood and King Ingraham.

Nearly 30 years later, due to ongoing restrictions because of the evolving global crises, as a positive outlet, Miller picked up her camera again allowing her creativity to bloom in nature.

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Created during COVID-19, the beauty of Bahamian nature is captured on everyday items produced by Flo Miller.

“Nature has been my saving grace, on my morning walks I look at the beauty of our beautiful Sea Grapes 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; one morning in January 2021, 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,” expressed Miller.

Using her beautiful Bahamian centric nature photos, Miller infused these images on practical items including face masks, photos covers, mugs and recyclable tote bags. She hopes these items will bring smiles to people’s faces during such a trying time in our nation.

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Created during COVID-19, the beauty of Bahamian nature is captured on everyday items produced by Flo Miller.

“We all have some hidden talents that we are not even aware of and I believe that COVID-19 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.”

To visit Miller’s online store for Accessories & Home Living items with Bahamian flare, visit: https://shopfloragalora.myshopify.com

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Created during COVID-19, the beauty of Bahamian nature is captured on everyday items produced by Flo Miller.


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