Sowing the seeds for career growth

How did your journey into floristry begin? Was there a moment when you knew this was the path for you?

My journey into floristry began during my time in the corporate events industry. I was always drawn to the social side of the conferences I worked on, where styling and flowers could so effortlessly transform a space and create atmosphere.

It wasn’t one defining moment as such, it was more of a steady realisation that the chase for creativity combined with my Business Management degree and the skill set that I had gained in event management, in a way floristry felt completely aligned.

Reflecting on your time at The Gordon, what lessons or experiences have stayed with you and shaped who you are today?

My time at The Gordon provided a strong technical foundation. Understanding mechanics, structure, colour theory and design principles gave me confidence and freedom to later develop my own style.

While studying at The Gordon, visiting the flower markets in the early hours of the morning was a highlight of my training. I arrived eager to learn and absorb as much as possible, watching the florists I admired select their flowers for the week. Within a year, I found myself standing alongside them as a fellow buyer, a milestone that marked how far I had come.

She’s a Wildflower has such a beautiful identity — can you share the story behind the brand and what it represents to you?

I came up with the name She’s a Wildflower while creating a business plan during my study at The Gordon, inspired by the scene in Alice in Wonderland where Alice is asked, ‘Do you suppose she’s a wildflower?’. Fourteen years into my career as a florist, and almost ten years as a mum, I feel the name has a whole new meaning for me personally, it reflects growth in unexpected places and the idea that strength, success, and individuality thrive even without perfect conditions.

Nature plays such a big role in your work. How do you stay connected to it, and why is sourcing locally grown flowers and materials so important to you?

Staying connected to nature is essential to my work. I make a conscious effort to observe seasonal changes and align my designs with what is naturally available. Sourcing locally grown flowers is important to me because it supports local growers, reduces environmental impact and ensures I’m working with blooms at their best. Designing seasonally creates authenticity in my work, displays the true rhythm of the seasons while reflecting the time and place in which it was created.

Running a small business while raising a young family is no small feat — how do you find balance in the day-to-day?

The million-dollar question! Balance is something I am constantly refining and I have found I need to approach it with flexibility and realistic expectations, some days I lean more into motherhood, others into business. I plan carefully, have routines, set clear boundaries, and prioritise tasks that align with both my business goals and family life, I’m still learning to adapt without guilt!

What inspires you in the studio and keeps your creativity thriving each day?

As corny as it sounds, seasonality is my greatest source of inspiration. Working with what’s available encourages innovation and keeps the designs evolving. I’m also inspired by texture and movement, I love the use of negative space allowing each stem to have intention within an arrangement.

I give myself space to experiment to keep the creativity flowing. Creativity thrives when there’s room to play so I try to allow that time regularly in the studio.

You have a real passion for sharing your knowledge — how do you bring education and mentorship into your work?

Sometimes I catch myself feeling imposter syndrome, especially on social media with so many talented florists following. I find myself thinking, ‘Who am I to share what I know?’ but I remind myself that everyone’s perspective is valuable.

I enjoy sharing tips and tricks with flower lovers, so whether through workshops, or sharing insights from behind the scenes, I aim to provide practical knowledge alongside creative encouragement. I think it’s important to create a supportive environment where others feel empowered to find their own style in floristry.

Finally, for anyone dreaming of turning their passion into a career, what’s the one piece of advice you’d want them to hear?

Passion is essential, but so is investing in your foundations and focusing on building skills, ongoing learning can really help sustain a career. Always remember stay aligned with your values, and grow at a pace that is sustainable for you.