This month I have a local Walthamstow supplier who is in my little black book, and who I have also worked with before! (Even before I moved up to Walthamstow!) Sally from Sweet Pea Rosa is such fun (and great to go for a drink with, too!) and I couldn’t wait to share this one – but I also love having florists on so I can share all their beautiful flowery images! Seems perfect for going back to work today in the sunshine, albeit at home, and spreading a little bit more Spring time joy!
Please introduce yourself:
I am Sally from Sweet Pea Rosa, I have a huge passion for all things flora and fauna, which naturally lead me to working with flowers. I started my floristry life when I was 17 years old, as a Saturday girl in Birmingham, and instantly fell in love with the job. I didn’t even mind the early starts, or the cold during the winter months.
Floristry has changed a lot since then, as have I. And here I am, nearly 20 years later (yikes) working for myself, flowering for wonderful clients in East London.
1. What made you want to set up your business?
It actually happened rather organically, I knew I wanted to work with couples getting married, helping to make their day extra special, and flowers have always been my thing. I initially thought I would work with a large florist as part of a team, as I had done before, but as my Instagram account started to grow, so did the enquires!
2. What’s the best part of your job?
I adore a wedding, being part of a couples big day is really special, particularly when I give the bride her bouquet.
3. What’s the worst part of your job?
My alarm going off at 3.45am for me to get up and go to the flower market. That bit is tough.
4. What’s the weirdest request you’ve ever had from a client?
I love a challenge, and being creative is part of the job. No request is weird in my book.
5. What’s been your favourite ever wedding you’ve worked on/at?
Oh, so many gorgeous ones, but doing the flowers for my sister’s wedding in France has to be up there.
6. You’re surrounded by beauty in your job, what do you find beautiful?
I have always adored cherry blossom. Each year when the trees fill with pink fluffy flowers, it is as if I am seeing it for the first time, I get a bit obsessed with it!
7. Best piece of advice to offer to those getting married?
Do it they way you want to, don’t get swept up with what your family and friends want ‘for you’!
8. Anyone you particularly admire in the industry?
There are so many talented people in this industry, I particularly admire the work of Worm London, they are brilliant.
9. Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Mmmm, probably to follow your instincts. Something my Mum has always advised me to do.
10. What was your career plan B?
When I was a little girl I wanted to be an interior designer. I still quite fancy this career!
You…
11. Where do you call home?
I have lived in Walthamstow for 13 years, and am very settled with my husband and two daughters. We love it.
12. What’s your favourite shop?
I like to shop in local independent stores. But I think my favourite shop is Lush, I actually used to work in a Lush; their ethos is brilliant, I use the solid shampoo and my kids love a bath bomb as a special treat!
13. Favourite restaurant?
This changes all the time, currently it is Pho in Spitalfields, seriously delicious.
14. Who would you have play you in a movie about your life?
Jodie Comer, I mean, who doesn’t adore Killing Eve!
15. Cocktail of choice?
Caipirinha
16. Your biggest extravagance?
My husband and I enjoy buying things for our home, artwork is probably our biggest extravagance.
17. Do you collect anything?
Plants and flowers for my garden, it is a real labour of love, and I wouldn’t be without it.
18. If you could buy any building, which would it be?
Elmley Nature Reserve is a family run marshland on the Isle of Sheppey, they have this amazing farmhouse with spectacular views. I would buy it in a heartbeat, however I have a feeling it would never be for sale! They have fab little shepherd huts that you can stay in, and a huge barn which makes a gorgeous wedding venue too.
19. What’s the most romantic thing someone’s ever done for you?
I prefer little romantic moments over the big gestures, my husband quite often comes home with chocolate for me. He can’t really surprise me with flowers these days!
20. Where do you go to let your hair down?
I find getting out of London, in search of some big open space a great way to de-stress. Occasionally we rope the grandparents into babysitting over a weekend, and escape on an adventure to the coast, mountains or woods.
And finally…
21. Tell us something surprising about yourself!
I used to be a synchronised swimmer, in the Birmingham squad.
22. Invisibility or flight?
Flight
23. Any regrets in life?
Nope
24. Tell us your favourite Instagram accounts at the moment!
@hanbulivant
@craftist_in_residence
@homemilk
25. If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
So much to change right now. Can I reverse global warming?
Big thanks to Sally from Sweet Pea Rosa for taking part! I loved reading her answers and always love championing small local businesses, especially during this awful time. And aren’t her flowery creations just beautiful?? Just what I needed today!
Need any more supplier recommendations? Please just ask, I’m here to help! I am a wedding planner based in Walthamstow, East London, and offer fun, flexible and affordable wedding planning, planning help, and coordinator services. I offer pick and mix services; clients can pick and choose what elements they need help with and we’ll take it from there. I’m personable, relaxed, yet highly organised. I help people have the party of their lives, and have fun, while taking away all the time and stress in between – as well as on the day. I am an On The Day Coordination and Wedding Day Management pro, too.
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Please email any hellos or enquiries to laura@devinebride.co.uk
