Have you heard of natural roses that can last for a few years? Maybe, or maybe not. In an exclusive talk with bazaar, RosaPiù’s Founder and General Manager, Concetta Spitaleri revealed a fascinating array of products made of Ecuadorian roses, African leaves and foliage, which, when naturally treated, can remain fresh for more than 3 years – without water!
Unlike other roses, Ecuadorian roses are renowned for their strong and long stems, succulent leaves and strong buds. The best varieties are cultivated on the foothills of the Ecuadorian volcanoes, at high altitude, where the sun shines 12 hours a day year long, and with volcanic soil rich in ingredients. These unique conditions and the elevated position of most farms in the mystical Andes, make Ecuadorian roses the best in the world.
Hailing from Italy, Concetta Spitaleri came across Ecuadorian roses during an event many years ago. With 20 years of business experience at executive level, she is known for her exceptional entrepreneurial skills and dedication to humanitarian causes. Currently settled in Belgium, Concetta founded a company called RosaPiù, which aptly means ‘roses and more’ in Italian, and decided to explore the many possibilities using these preserved natural roses and foliages.
Concetta’s company has found a way to put the roses and foliage to rather unique usage. “We can custom make anything for our clients. Furniture, mirrors, art pieces made of roses and foliage, chandeliers with roses, cushions and table covers, and superb balls made of leaves,” explained Concetta as we browsed through the product catalogue. “We have even decorated entire walls of homes to enhance or compliment interiors,” she added.
Concetta’s company has exclusive selling rights from her African and Ecuadorian producers for the UK, Ireland, France, USA and the Middle East. She chose Kuwait as her regional launch pad, recently appointing a new partner, Altarakma International General Trading Company, which will not only handle product-sales, but also provide a complete and customized wedding service.
Inarguably, RosaPiù products’ Unique Selling Point is its ‘no maintenance’ feature. Speaking of dos and don’ts, Concetta said, “You don’t have to do anything, as long as it’s kept indoors, in cool and normal humid condition. For fragrance, you may add oil essence to it. To clean, just dust them off. But never use water on them,” she cautioned.
Their private home-decorating commissions are also gaining popularity among the local clientele, wherein a dedicated team is ready to advice clients based on their space and taste. “In our home-decorations, we use roses, foliages, eucalyptus leaves, etc., which compliment almost anything. Our roses are also distinctive as tokens or giveaways. Customers like to combine chocolates, for instance, with our long-stem roses or gift boxes to make it extra special,” Concetta explained.
As we wrapped up the interview over coffee and a bowl of nutty chocolates, Concetta let me peek into her sketchbook, which contained designs of furniture, chandeliers, mirror-panels, Plexiglas and wallpapers, either made of multi-colored roses, petals, leaves, foliages, or a combination of all. “One designer suggested we make dresses with our roses, since we have already made tablecloths and cushion covers,” Concetta confided in an amused tone.
And while the notion of a fresh rose skirt sounded über-cool, it was her little catalogue of natural, succulent, and velvety African leaves, that enchanted me the most.
Apparently, although experts have tried preservation techniques with other kinds of flowers, the best and effective results are only seen with roses. It is, after all, an art to be a rose.
Upcoming: RosaPiù official Press & Media launch is scheduled for 6th November, 2013 at the Main Entrance Arraya Center, Al Shuhada Street, Sharq. (Check website for details)
For more information contact Mohammed Altarakma on 6615 1533 or email: m.altarakma@rosapiu.com Discover the infinite variety of RosaPiù exclusive creations on www.rosapiu.com
