Nitty Valentin, Floral Designer, South Coast, NSW

Tell us about yourself and what you do?

Hey, I am Nitty. I own a wedding, events & workshop floral business on the South Coast of NSW, named “Follow Your Nose”. I am a studio-based florist and I am lucky enough to be able to create ‘Native Chic’ florals for the special moments in my clients lives, I also get the chance to surround myself with the most beautiful people when I organise and teach my floral workshops.

Why did you decide to begin floristry?

I have always been a lover of gift-giving and as time went on, I really enjoyed picking up a bunch of flowers to add to every gift I was giving, eventually I became interested in individually choosing the florals at the shop & putting them together myself (they weren’t good haha, but I liked the idea of it!) I then found myself at a flower-workshop and from there the desire turned into passion and after attending two more workshops, I was hooked. I signed up for the next available course and basically the rest was history. I became so infatuated with all things florals and knew this is what I wanted to do!  

What’s your creative process?

That’s a tough one, for me creating becomes one big mess. Most people would probably walk into my studio and feel extremely overwhelmed. But, I promise there is a method to the madness. Basically, I like to write out what I will be making and annoyingly, I probably write out my lists 10 times before I am comfortable with what I am about to create. Once my lists are written, I must have at least one work table completely clean so I can lay everything out that I am going to use. Then I get to creating. Sometimes I start and everything falls into place naturally. Other times I have to make a bouquet, pop it in the fridge & come back to it in an hour later to make sure I like the way it is sitting. I am guilty for over thinking things and remaking them, but most of the time, if I don’t 100% love the way it is looking, I would rather start fresh so it looks the way I want it to. A lot of the time, as a florist there is a client-brief to follow, but over the years I feel like my style has really begun to shape the clients I attract. I am generally drawn to all Native flora, but I find ways to add softer flowers/foliage’s to give it more of a romantic look.

A fun fact about yourself?

I am a part time disability companionship worker & have the pleasure of assisting the most beautiful human in his day to day activities. It has been the greatest honour & biggest accomplishments of my life. I never knew the feeling of truly caring for someone with every ounce of my being until I was blessed to meet him and be there for him. 

When or how do you feel most inspired to create?

I am most inspired to create once I have had the chance to organise myself and declutter my thought space, allowing me to be fully immersed in what I am doing. I love over cast days because I get all cosy & creative and don’t feel like I am missing out on the going to the beach. I also hate feeling hot when I am creating, so a nice cold day is perfect for the creative mind. 

How would you describe your aesthetic?

I was introduced to the words “Native Chic” by a lovely gal-pal who came to do some work with me recently. She described my work as Native Chic and ever since I haven’t stopped using it. I think native florals often get quite a masculine point of view, so I love softening them by adding some more romantic florals to the overall look. I am also very attracted to warm, autumn colours and will always flock straight to them at the flower market.

A word of encouragement for Beginner Flower Designers?

YOU GOT THIS!!! Don’t be afraid to dive into your own personal style, avoid spending too much time comparing your work to other florists and just follow your own rules. There is no right or wrong, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and you will attract others who love your style and what you do. Ask your fave floral-babe to let you come and do some work experience so you can build that confidence that is burning inside you and never ever let anyone tell you you’re not good enough! Let your work speak for itself!

Who are some other florists who inspire you?

There’s actually alot, my local area has some of the most incredible florists in the world and if you are lucky enough to get flowers from them than I am sure you have held pure magic in your hands. Some of my faves are: Film and Foliage, Gypsy Carmen, Emily Nicole Florals, Lady Gnarbo, Fleurescent.

What kind of flower brings you the most joy?

I really love Flowering Gum, when it is in season I think I nearly cause car accidents when I slow down, admiring its beauty. They look like bright fireworks on trees and they are just the most beautiful texture. I am also very well known for throwing a King Protea in most of my bridal bouquets, they are definitely a show stopper!!!

What do you hope to achieve in 2021?

I hope to run frequent workshops once we move into our new house & build my new studio!!! (top secret - heard it here first, haha) I also hope to organise a mini retreat sometime this year for all my flower enthusiasts out there!!

You can find more of Nitty’s work here:

Follow Your Nose Instagram

Follow Your Nose Workshops Instagram

Youki, Creative Director, MIDNIGHT Flowers & Sharps, Yarra Valley

Tell us about yourself and what you do?

My name is Youki, and I’m a florist based in the Yarra Valley. I’m a single mum to two wonderful children, and a mum of three businesses - Sugar Bee Flowers (wedding flowers), MIDNIGHT flowers and sharps (cute little retail store on main street Healesville) and Hamono Studios (Japanese knife wholesaler). I have been running my own businesses since 2009, which is when I was pregnant with my second baby.

Have you always had an interest in flowers?

Yes and no. Ever since when I was little, I always knew I loved colours. I would gather wild flowers and foliage, autumn leaves and different soils, and line them up on the ground in different combinations. I got into floristry when I got married and the flowers that arrived on the day were nothing like what I had asked for. It was actually a blessing in disguise, as it led me to the path of flower life.

What inspired you to open Midnight Flowers & Sharps?

When I took over MIDNIGHT flowers and sharps in April 2019, I was already into my tenth year of my wedding flower career and was looking for another creative outlet. At that time I had met a knife maker based in Japan, and he was looking for a way to distribute the knives all over Australia and New Zealand, and I thought what a wonderful way to incorporate the two (flowers and knives) while supporting other local artists and creatives who produce amazing, inspiring products!

What kind of flower brings you the most joy?

All seasonal flowers bring me so much joy and happiness. When I go into the market and see a new flower that has come into season, it makes my heart feel like it’s squeezed so hard that it might explode. Spring flowers especially gets me so excited - like Sweet Peas, Ranunculus, Andromeda, and Daphne.. oh my!

What’s your creative process?

All of my floral creative energy comes from seasonal flowers and colours. I often work to people’s preferences, so I make sure I listen to what people want and create that in the best way I can. Otherwise, if I have the creative freedom, then I will pick up my favourite flower (often a rose) and start building from there, taking inspiration from the shades of colours and seasonal textures.

Are there any other florists that inspire you?

Sarah Ryhanen from SAIPUA has always inspired me. Her combinations of colours and textures are just breathtaking, she uses seasonal flowers always, and has always been an advocate for sustainable floristry. I attended Sarah & Nicolette’s flower course in Sydney years ago and it was an absolute dream come true!

Tell us about the most memorable event you can think of in your career?

There are so many, from the gorgeous wedding styling that we have created, to the day that I took over the shop in Healesville, to the all-nighter at work I’d done with my staff to get ready for a wedding. But I think opening the workshop in Coldstream for Sugar Bee Flowers, and taking over the shop in Healesville are both fond moments for me. There were so much emotions - combination of excitement, joy, accomplishment, fear, anxiety, exhaustion... and everything in between!

Any music, artists, books, that you’re loving right now?

I have been immersing myself in a book called Gene Keys. It’s highly spiritual, and has given me so much wisdom. I think everyone should read it!

Favourite weekend activity?

At the moment we can’t really do much so I’ve been walking my dog A LOT. He’s never been this happy I don’t think. When we weren’t in lockdown, I would go out for dinners and try to spend time with friends, who inspire and motivate me to become a better person.

How did COVID affect the floral industry, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this?

Because there are no weddings and events, the wholesalers, growers and florist have though that we would be doomed.. but how we were wrong! Although we are not using as much flowers as we would in weddings or events, many florists have become extremely busy with bouquet deliveries. People were sending flowers to their family, friends and loved ones to cheer each other up, and I feel like I have been immersed in people’s kindness throughout COVID.

When COVID hit, there was a time import flowers weren’t coming in, which then made us florist rely on the local growers. I cant speak for growers who always work very hard, but I think it would’ve been a fantastic thing to happen, for buyers and some wholesalers to realise the value of locally grown flowers. We really couldn’t do without the local cut flower growers and I hope all florists continue choosing local flowers over imported flowers.

you can find more of Youki’s work here:

Sugarbee Flowers Instagram

MIDNIGHT Flowers & Sharps Instagram

Hamono Studios Instagram

MIDNIGHT Flowers & Sharps Website

Catherine Jensen, Photographer, Melbourne

Tell us about yourself and what you do?

I’m a 31 year old human who’s obsessed with flowers and in perpetual awe of nature in general. I have a few different balls in the air at the moment, spending my days creating photographic floral works for my little print business, making music and now I’m just about to head back to uni (yikes) to do finish my masters.

How did Catherine Jensen Design start?

I started creating my floral prints a few years ago after being diagnosed with a movement disorder known as Dystonia 6, a genetic condition where your muscles start to work against the motions you're most practised at. I’d started having symptoms when I was 18 but because it’s quite rare, it took 8 years for doctors to figure out what was going on. I had many things to be joyful for during that period but it was also a really tricky time. I’d always been very active and loved working with my hands, and I could feel myself slowly becoming less capable of engaging in the things I love most. At the time of my diagnosis, I was in complete no man's land about what I wanted to do career wise, grieving for the life I thought I’d have and struggling to find purpose in my days. The prints where born during this time. I’d become a Christian a few years earlier and despite my confusion over what the future held, I truly believed (still do) that God loved me and and would work all these hard things together for blessing.

Spurred on by this faith, I started getting up every morning and praying that God would give me inspiration for the day ahead and he really met me in that. I kicked off drawing and then when my hand began stiffening up, I moved on to taking photos. I chose flowers as my subject because I was spending my days surrounded by the most beautiful blooms as I worked away in my parents back garden. I became utterly entranced by the abundance of different colours, shapes, textures and seasons that made each flower unique in its beauty, and decided to create a series of works that reflected these characteristics. I wanted to try and share with people what I was seeing when I looked at each individual flower. However strangely, it's through this creative process that I became more able to trust the way God’s made me and rest peacefully in the knowledge that just because my disorder has changed my shapes and colours, it doesn’t make them any less beautiful or void them of purpose. They've just changed the way I bloom. Corny but oh so true. My hope for these prints is that they would uplifting, bringing a little bit of peace and a simple dose of beauty to the lives of those who acquire them. 

What kind of flower brings you the most joy?

It’s so hard to choose just one! But if I had to it would be the Wisteria in all its colours. I love the way they climb and entangle themselves around an arbor or pergola, and how the flowers fall from the branches. It looks straight out of a fairytale.

What’s your creative process?

It usually starts with me having an idea and developing a clear picture of what I want to create in my head. This is followed by a series of photographic iterations and digital editing that goes on until I’m happy with the result. Sometimes it takes a couple of hours and sometimes a couple of days. 

A fun fact about yourself?

I still love climbing trees. I don’t understand why people stop doing this post childhood. It’s pretty darn fun!

When or how do you feel most inspired to create?

Hard to say, because it’s something that ebbs and flows so much for me. I do think though that the times where I’m most inspired to create are born of moments where I’m stirred emotionally to joy, sorrow or anything in between, by various personal or collective circumstances. 

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Minimal and colourful.

If you could choose any vocation in the world which would you choose?

A film composer or some kind of writer.

Who are some other artists that inspire you?

From musicians to filmmakers, writers, visual artists and performers, I'm inspired by so many different kinds of art and artists. At the moment I'm obsessing over a brass quartet called The Westerlies. I've been playing 'Robert Henry' on repeat. In visual arts, the melodramatic old hollywood creations of photographer and film maker, Alex Prager are current favourites of mine.

How has COVID affected The Arts Industry, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this?

With a lot of arts workers in freelance, contract and casual roles the industry's been hit pretty hard across the board. It's a tough time for us, as with so many other sectors. It's not all doom and gloom though, I do have a few illustrator friends who actually say they're busier than ever. I guess one of the results of people having more free time is that they're finally getting around to starting projects they've been putting off. I think it's encouraging that amidst the job losses there are still little pockets of growth. I'm really interested to see how the industry continues to adapt and rebuild throughout and post pandemic. There's an old english proverb that says "Necessity is the mother of invention" which basically means that the greatest innovations are often rooted in need. Creative's are nothing if not innovators, so while the industry and our roles along with it may be changing, I'm confident that we'll be able to evolve with it. And who knows, maybe this pressure cooker we're all sitting in will bear some of the greatest art and innovation the 21st century has seen. 

You can find more of Catherine’s work here:

Website

Instagram

Chloe Lashay, Floral Designer, The Patch

Tell us about yourself and what you do?

Oh man, that's a hard question.

I'm a bit of strange one, personally. Most days I look like a heavily tattooed Courtney Love after a big weekend, I brush my hair for special occasions though. I've seen some things, been through some things. None of which I'm ashamed of, it’s all made me who I am today, someone I'm proud of. I'm a fur mum to Chuck, Primrose and Ruby and I talk to them, my flowers and my plants more than humans. I live in my version of a big tree house in the beautiful Mount Dandenongs where I also have my beautiful studio.

Professionally, I'm a self proclaimed Floral Alchemist, alchemy being a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination. I think flowers are magic and when I'm designing and creating I always feel as though I'm making floral potions.

I specialise in weddings, events and milestone made to order these days and also freelance for some pretty amazing floral rockstars. I'm also currently managing The Little Flower Shoppe in Montrose with a heavy focus on embracing local makers and up and coming floral designers.

Have you always had an interest in flowers?

Always, always, ALWAYS! Flowers deeply resonate with me and I find them and their life process applicable to so many facets of life and being. My belief system is in Mother Nature, I've always practised earthing, consciously or not, and I have always envisaged myself as a metaphorical flower, whether I'm blooming, wilting, growing, self seeding, struggling in an environment or at my most vibrant self.

What inspired you to begin Chloe Lashay Flowers?

Alan Watts. An incredible writer and speaker. I listened to one of his lectures called 'What if Money was No Object' at a time where I was really unhappy in a corporate role and a bit lost in my career orientation. Everyone should listen to it. I thought to myself, what do I really love? What really makes me happy? Nature, beauty, flowers, giving, bringing others joy. I realised that's a job! I can be a florist! A week later I quit my corporate job and enrolled in a floristry course. Eight years later and I've never ever looked back. Even during the toughest of times.

What kind of flower brings you the most joy?

Local field grown Ranunculus. I LOVE them. They're all so unique and beautiful, the colour range is stunning but not overpowering. They're heavily textured and kind of odd, some even look like a flower inside a flower. I love them, just on their own too.

What’s your creative process?

My space has to be a certain way. I need beautiful scents, candles, oils, music, my art, my treasures and privacy. I like to have a reference point to begin with and then just go with the flow. Creative control is my favourite. I prefer to work at night too. There’s something calming about the moonlit hills at night. So quiet and peaceful. Just me and my flowers.

Are there any other floral designers that inspire you?

Oh mannnn, SO MANY! Naomi Rose, Eleventh Flower, The Flower Drum, Debbie O'Neil, Francis Floristry, Ponderosa and Thyme, Sassafras Wedding, Foxy Evergreen, Boutierre Girls, Clementine Posy, Elsa & Gray... I could go on forever.

Tell us about the most memorable event you can think of in your career?

Attending and flowering the wedding of two of the most amazing women I've ever known. Michelle and Rhonda. Michelle is a powerhouse and loud voice for women's rights. She has and always will be a mentor and friend to me. After same sex marriage was legalised (THAT was massively memorable too, I was engaged to my partner of the same sex at the time) they got to legally marry each other after 17 years together. It was an absolute honour to be there and to contribute and I've never ugly cried so hard in my life. Also my first hard copy publication in Dancing With Her of my dear friends Leah and Erica's wedding. Very close to my heart and a real milestone for me professionally.

Any music, artists, books, that you’re loving right now?

Music is HUGE for me in every facet of life. My play lists are ridiculous, one minute its Black Sabbath, the next it's The Velvet Underground, the next its Two Feet, the next its Bishop Briggs. Lately I've really been feeling Halou, Sol Seppy and Aurora. Soothes the soul. Dromsjel is my ultimate all time favorite artist. I just finished The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F@$k, loved it. Next is The Celestine Prophecy. Ive tried to start it about 5 times. Fingers crossed for number 6.

Favourite weekend activity?

Well my weekends when its not a Global Pandemic are usual Monday and Tuesday because of events and now that I'm running the shop its really only Monday. But Facetiming my sister and baby angel niece and friends who I'm missing, spending time with my fur children, wandering around the fresh spring I'm blessed to have across the road and my guilty pleasure, watching true crime documentaries. Actually any documentary.

How has COVID affected the floral industry, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this?

It's been horrible to be honest. For the whole floriculture industry. We've been lucky enough to be able to operate at some capacity with made to order and contactless delivery and for the small increment of time in Melbourne when limited gatherings were allowed, its been good for florists doing dried arrangements which have become a trend again, but for those in fresh florals, events and weddings it's been devastating. Most of us lost a year of annual projected income and work in a week. Not to mention how heartbreaking it is for our couples and clients who have been planning celebrations for so long. Some are having to postpone for the second time for us in Melbourne. Some have cancelled altogether. Its incredibly sad. For the florists, venues, designers, beauty industry, hospitality, the entire wedding and events industry. Funerals have been really hard too. Its difficult to express the deep sadness of delivering bereavement flowers to ten people and a live stream camera.

The only positive I have found is that it has created somewhat of a 'community over competition' mentality. We're all in the same boat. We're all equally effected. We're all in the same space for once. A bunch of us all had to go on Centrelink benefits for the first time since trade school. It's very surreal. Its so important to be supporting each other at the moment.

Top tips for surviving lockdown?

Don't take self isolation literally. Don't shut off from the world because you're confined to a space or area. Don't isolate your mind.

Stay connected to your loved ones, be kind to yourself and others, keep your space nice, calming and comfortable, stay local, buy local, send care packs if your in a position to do so, do things you've never had time for, use your time on your devices looking for positive and inspiring content, promote local businesses, be honest about how you're feeling, cry if you need to, scream it if you have to, reach out if you're not coping, help others if you are. Remember, its NOT forever. 

Every flower must grow through dirt.

You can find more of Chloe’s work here:

Chloe Lashay Floristry Instagram

The Little Flower Shoppe Instagram

Website

Shannon Cullen, Posie Project, Melbourne

Tell us about yourself and what you do?

We create all sorts of special blooms to help spread happy. We will be opening a store In September. It will be homewares, pamper/self care goods, blooms both fresh and dry, with a DIY flower bar. We will also offer take away coffee, because caffeine right!!??

Have you always had an interest in flowers?

Yes, I have loved flowers foreverrrrrr, but never thought I would be doing them for myself, pinch me!!!

What inspired you to begin Posie Project?

My Hubby and I got married in December, I chose to create and style our celebration myself. This really got my love for dry flowers bursting! I loved every minute of creating the magic! I am actually a hairdresser by trade, and chose to close my home salon doors with lockdown part one in the three weeks we were closed, I created blooms to spread to others, the idea was so well received. This is how Posie was born.

What kind of flower brings you the most joy?

The Flower that brings me the most joy is the Freesia! Their strong smell brings me right back to my childhood in the Garden with my Grandad, every time I smell them it's like I am right there again. Sadly he passed when I was still very young.

What’s your creative process?

I am a visionary, I like to picture things and then bring it to life. Sometimes this does change as I go along. Are there any other florists that inspire you? I absolutely LOVE Flowers by Brett Matthew John and Nikau.Flora - both use such incredible tones and texture!

Tell us about the most memorable event you can think of in your career?

Well I am very new to this, I don't have a most memorable yet, I am just hugely grateful for all the moments of the Posie ride so far!

Any music, artists, books, that you’re loving right now?

Always on repeat, Ziggy Alberts, Meg Mac, Vera Blue, Odette, Angus & Julia Stone - you get the vibe. Artists - Jai Vasicek - he can do no wrong! and I am loving Booie and Ben’s florals! I am not currently reading a book (all awake time is going into biz), but I had started reading one book a month this year! I loved Eggshell Skull, I found it hard to get into and then could not put it down!

Favourite weekend activity?

Creating flower arrangements haha, and exploring our local backyard - which normally ends with me carrying a toddler and filling her pram with foliage from the bush. *get out and walk!

How has COVID effected the floral industry, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this?

I think I am right in saying it has been nuts! Every flower folk I have spoken to have said they have been so, so busy. I think it shows how important it is to help spread the love around. Flowers really do brighten lives, its a proven fact!

Top tip for surviving lockdown?

Fresh air, and focus on the positive! Aside from all the baddd Covid stats, I am grateful for the slow down to take a reality check.

YOU CAN FIND MORE OF shannon’S WORK HERE:

Instagram

Photography by Posie Project and Sigrid Peterson