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

Jade Fisher, Abstract Artist, Gerringong

Tell us about yourself and what you do?

I am a Mum of 3 boys and I live in Gerringong. My days are spent doing 'the juggle' between parenting and trying to fit in some painting when I get a spare minute.

Have you always had an interest in creating art?

Yes. I have always loved creating things from a young age. I was always painting and drawing. I went to Art college and then studied Textile Design at University. I had a 15 year career in Fashion Design so painting sort of took a back seat during those years but sketching fashion figures was my favourite part of Fashion Design.

What inspired you to begin painting?

I guess I just remembered how much joy it brought me and I live in such a pretty part of Australia that it's hard not to be inspired everyday when you live here. Starting a family and moving away from the city gave me the perfect opportunity to pursue my dream of getting back to my painting roots.

What’s your creative process?

I like to take photos when I'm out on walks of flowers, plants, nice compositions and textures. That's where my inspiration usually stems from. My technique is to paint layer upon layer until each section of the painting has pleasing colour combinations and textures that delight.

Are there any other artists that inspire you?

So Many. My Instagram is a daily dose of inspiration, So many artists doing great things. My favourites at the moment are Stanislas Piechaczek, Lola Donoghue, Elle Campbell, Georgie Wilson, Spencer Shakespeare, Brittany Ferns and Janey Forbes.

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

Probably when I got sent to Ibiza for a week for work to take photos of what people were wearing. That was a pretty amazing highlight. Take me back.

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

Unfortunately I don't get time to read books these days. But music is my second love and my husband used to be a DJ so you'll often find me bopping away to some old trance tunes whilst painting.

Favourite weekend activity?

Bush walks and Beach hangs with family and friends. I've started doing a few creative workshops recently Pottery, Candle making, fibre art. I'd love to do more of those.

What kind of flower brings you the most joy?

Probably English ones because they remind me of my Grandma and living in England. Tulips, Freesia's, Sweet Peas.

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

I think people seem to be buying more art because they are home a lot more and probably staring at their blank walls. I know I've bought more art than ever during these COVID months ( But don't tell my husband) I also think that the consumer has become more savvy about buying Australian made art, which is a great thing.

Top tip for surviving lockdown?

Slow down, pause and try to enjoy this time we've been given. Easier said than done when you have 3 crazy boys running around the house and a list of stockists wanting more paintings.

YOU CAN FIND MORE OF jade’S WORK HERE:

Instagram

R2 Designs

Greenhouse Interiors