I’m delighted to feature today an interview with florist Cindy Kirkland of Creative Works.
What prompted you to become a florist?
Many years ago, in my former life as a Recruitment Manager for an American Investment bank, I found myself sometimes daydreaming of standing among a sea of flowers in a Laura Ashley dress!
I quickly ditched the dress idea on discovering that most of my days were spent ‘up to my knees’ in foliage off-cuts, but armed with a flair for interior design and styling, along with invaluable commercial experience, I actually found the move to floristry straightforward.
When did you start your own business and where are you based?
My business was born over ten years ago from my home-based workshop in Reigate, Surrey. I have, during this time worked for five years from a beautiful barn in the Surrey countryside, and two years ago made the decision to move back to my home-based workshop in Surrey.
Illusions of ‘Global Domination’ come at a huge price. I now enjoy the success of my career along with the perfect ‘work/life’ balance – something most women are always striving to achieve.
What kind of floristry services do you offer?
My specialist area and strength has always been in the ‘design element’, working very closely with both brides & event clients during the build up to their big day, which can be up to two years before the actual event.
Every client is different and what one person will love, another will hate. It’s my role to tune in to that person’s individual taste and draw inspiration from their ideas and visions.
Could you tell us about some of your recent commissions?
I have been very fortunate and have worked on some very impressive events in the past including both The Cambridge University May Ball hosted by St. Johns and the lavish Trinity College May Ball and The British Hairdressing Awards, not to mention the many, many brides & their families – some of whom yes, have celebrity status – although, my philosophy is that ‘every bride should feel like a celebrity’ on their wedding day.
How would you describe your style?
My style has been described in the 2011 Independent newspaper ‘Top 50 Florists’ feature as ‘pretty and romantic’ making us the perfect choice when it comes to wedding flowers.
I would say that this description is spot on and also that my lifelong passion for all things vintage also plays a huge part.
What is your favourite flower?
I have too many favourites to choose just one.
I love paperwhites during the spring for their heady scent; Sarah Bernhardt pale pink peonies, subtle spearmint coloured hydrangea simply ooze summer sophistication, and winter just would not be winter without elegant white amaryllis.
What are your plans and hopes for the future?
To continue to enjoy the success that working hard over the past ten years has earned me.
To maintain the high standards that one would expect when choosing Cindy Kirkland as their Floral Designer, and most importantly to carry on enjoying my work.
Many thanks to Cindy for her help in putting together today’s post and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it and seeing her stunning floral designs.
(Images : Cindy Kirkland & Wedding Magazine/Wedding Flowers Magazine)
I’m delighted to see you’ve featured Cindy’s work. I’ve always loved her floral style and we are very lucky to have worked with her to have created her brand identity too. Cindy is so talented and passionate about what she does and I think that really comes across in those gorgeous images.
Isn’t it a small world! I didn’t realise that you created her brand identity…