Meet Alicia from Bunch Floral
It is no secret we love scents especially those of which come from nature and the land. So to launch our Santosha Journal we chatted to Alicia from Bunch Floral. Not only does Alicia inspire me with her floristry work and as a business woman, she inspires me as a human! Alicia is committed to a sustainable approach to floristry, striving to keep mother nature at her best.
In her own words…
“We do things differently by using seasonal produce to reduce waste. Bunch is unconventional, unpretentious and striking in its natural glory. Created from a combination of wild and locally grown flora, each bunch is a unique piece of floral art inspired by nature for any occasion.”
Bunch Floral is located in Christchurch. You can check her website out below.
As a florist, growing up did you always have a love for flowers and the outdoors?
Yes, always. Most of my time as a kid was spent outside camping, fishing, and surfing, so appreciating the outdoors was ingrained into me at a young age. My nana had an amazing garden that I spent a lot of time in as a wee dot, roaming around checking in on things. Dida (grandad in Croatian, that's what he went by) would always pick a petunia put it up to his nose and breath in so intensely it would stick to his nose, I found that very funny. Still don't like petunias though lol.
We know you work mostly on your own at Bunch Floral, so what really motivates you? or what is your biggest inspiration?
Working alone has lots of ups and downs. You gotta dig deeper to get inspired and motivated. I guess the further you dig the more gold you find, then you realise looking back at it, that was all me that achieved that! Which turns into more motivation! Other floral artists and creatives inspire me too, there are lots of one women floral creatives in NZ and connecting with them for a rant or to tell them that their work is epic and vice versa is quite nice. Also working alongside CBA is hell good motivation.
Favourite floral scent?
Changes with each new season, right now I am really looking forward to the smell of sweet peas.
Can you tell us about your favourite native New Zealand foliage or flowers you love to incorporate into your work?
Manuka has to be a favourite NZ native of mine to use in my bunches or installations. I love its crazy medicinal scent, woody forest look and perfect little flower.
“ I guess the further you dig the more gold you find, then you realise looking back at it, that was all me that achieved that! Which turns into more motivation!”
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Since becoming a florist has your love for the natural world grown?
Yes, as the years go by leaning more about plants and flowers, you apply that wherever you are, sometimes it becomes frustrating to be in a new city or driving around a new place and all you can notice are the plants and what you could be foraging on the side of the road as you drive past. But yes, Nature forever.
We understand you are working currently finalising plans for your new house build, for you what makes a house a home?
Yes, very excited about this! I feel like lots of homes are designed and curated with the appeal of resell at the forefront. For us this was never really taken into consideration and we have really pushed for things that work for our lifestyle, like a full terracotta tiled bathroom.
Your favourite place to unwind and relax?
Marlborough Sounds, heaven on earth.
Finally your favourite Santosha Candle scent? and why?
Well I just got my hands on Ylang Ylang and I love it. It’s a super fresh and light fragrance for spring!
