Meet Dr. Vernetta Kosalka, owner of Florist of Omaha (vkfloristofomaha.com).
How did you get started in the business? – I always knew I wanted to become an event planner and floral designer. It’s in my blood to be an entrepreneur and educator and has been a dream of mine since I was a young child. Established in 2009, The Wedding Planner Omaha went from planning a few events per year to averaging 45 weddings per year. They service the metropolitan area of Omaha often finding themselves in small towns in Nebraska or Iowa. The Wedding Planner Omaha offers a la carte services for full wedding planning, day of coordination and event styling. Then in 2015, we expanded services to offer floral designs, and the flower shop was established as Florist of Omaha. The Florist of Omaha offers everyday retails flowers for birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, get well wishes and more! Additionally, the company designs centerpieces, backdrops, organic balloon arches and more for corporate and private events.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Getting the word out about my business and educational opportunities. It is always challenging to make an impression, but it is something I strive for every day. I’m always looking for support. On a personal level, I challenge myself to learn new techniques and stay on top of trends, and to share what I learn and do with everyone.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My biggest accomplishment outside of my beautiful children, is advancing my career to higher education. I am an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Nebraska Lincoln ‘s Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management program and lead’s Metropolitan Community College’ Event and Wedding planning Non-Credit Certificate program. If you are looking to up skill, transition your career or start a new hospitality business, these courses will pave the way to success. As determined by the Nebraska Department of Labor, the event planning industry is in high demand, has a high wage and requires high skill. Classes start this August!
Tell us a little about your family. – I’m a mother of two wonderful children. James is eleven and Victoria is thirteen. I am also extremely thankful for the Omaha and Lincoln communities and how much it feels like family.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Exercising/working out, dinners with family and friends, going on walks and watching movies.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – How hard I work. Most people don’t realize how hard I’ve had to work to get to where I am until I tell them my story.
Who inspires you? – My parents. They have greatly influenced who I am today. I am also inspired by other wedding and event planners in Omaha. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Resilient.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I would be a medical doctor.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am a board member at College of Saint Mary and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. I am also member of the Links Incorporated, one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other people of African ancestry.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 510-2241; vernetta@vernettakosalka.com.