About Me
Now I don’t know how you feel about fate but if it exists, this would be it... Upon my birth I was named Elodie Rose - my first name meaning 'fragile flower' and my second name after a flower. Now I can now proudly claim to be both a florist and an artist. Growing up I have always shown a preference for a paintbrush over a soccer ball (my lack of sporting skills aside) and this has not changed over the years. After many future aspirations, such as becoming a hairdresser, a zookeeper or a fashion designer, had been and gone I finally settled on one of the things I love the most (since there is no career where you read, eat and sleep all day!) becoming an artist.
The first time I mentioned this was with my family, we were at the Royal Show looking at the flower competition when I mentioned I wouldn't mind being a florist. Without any ill will, this was met with laughter, as I (for those that don't know) have severe hay-fever. Yes, very ironic, 'the sneezing florist'. Although with the help of local pollen I have become desensitised enough to pursue my passions. So for my seventeenth birthday my family paid for a one day floristry course and that was it, I had now discovered a burning passion for floristry and there was no going back.
The following year I graduated with a plethora of skills and awards, particularly when it came to art. Leaving the school I had learnt from two years of Visual Arts ATAR classes and by completing Certification in Visual Art (One and Two) that acrylic paint on wood are my favourite mediums for my paintings. After graduating I pursued further education in floristry with another three educational courses including an ‘Introduction to Floristry’ and two ‘Industry Ready’ courses.
It was soon after this that I created Petals and Paintbrushes, a small entrepreneurial business where I started to sell my works of art and floral pieces. This was hugely influenced by my family who have always supported me to be independent and raised me to be environmentally friendly. These two values are the basis of my business, and I am very glad to have them supporting me and helping me every step of the way.
My business first appeared under the helpful guidance of my Mum alongside her business, Kookaburra Nook, at our local farmers market (Serpentine Jarrahdale Farmers Market). As time goes on my creations will hopefully find their place in the community as a one stop when in need of gifts or just that little something to brighten up your home.
Petals and Paintbrushes is working to be as sustainable as possible whether it be growing my own flowers to reusing and repurposing ribbon, pots, cups and other items. One of my favourite things is walking into an opportunity store and buying a heap of cute pots and cups for my arrangements. Another is growing flowers for my floristry, which my Mum’s animals take great pleasure in destroying.
By growing my own flowers I decrease the need to source flowers for my floristry, which allows me to to lower the cost of my creations so everyone has a chance to enjoy some of natures beauty regardless of their budget. This is also more environmentally friendly and healthier for our planet. I started growing my own flowers when I became increasingly aware that even higher then food miles are our flower miles. Many of the flowers you find in stores can be weeks old after been grown in different countries, they are then flown over and quarantined before finally hitting the shelves after being kept in cold storage and going through a myriad of chemical processes.
I now have multiple areas dedicated to flower growing, kept safely away from the dangers of my Mother's beloved livestock. Although it is hard work to grow my flowers (sometimes more work then I wanted) I get great enjoyment of seeing them in bloom and ready to arrange.
I am working hard to provide local and affordable services with minimal impact to the environment, while having as much fun as I can doing the work I love and I hope you will love it too.
