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!!
