Why I Started Wild Lilac...

So... why did I start Wild Lilac?

Short answer? Floral freedom

Long answer? Let's get into it.

I don't always dress to match the flowers, but when I do it definitely calls for a photoshoot.

Hi, I'm Lauren I’ve been a florist for over 19 years (yep, I really am that old), and I’ve always loved what I do—but after years of working for other people, I realised I wanted to create something that felt more me. Something with a bit of my personality, a lot of creativity, and absolutely no dodgy plastic ribbons in sight.

I’d spent years learning, growing, qualifying (hello, level 4 Diploma), and refining my style. And eventually, it just clicked. I’d spent the first 18 years of my career supporting other people’s dreams and now it was time to focus on my own and build a brand that reflects me 

My own wedding flowers, designed by me, 11 years ago. The lilac theme was already strong.

Before starting Wild Lilac, I worked in three retail florist shops and learnt so much from each one. I began as a Saturday girl at 16, making poly ribbon bows and cellophane wraps by the boxful, scrubbing buckets, and hauling armfuls of flowers up and down three flights of stairs. Watching the experienced florists, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I gradually moved on to conditioning fresh flowers, serving customers, and creating simple bouquets. That’s when I decided to leave my BTEC in Graphic Design behind and enrol on a Level 2 Floristry course. Level 3 soon followed, and as my experience grew, so did my love for the job, early mornings, cold shops, heavy lifting and all.

My decision to complete a Level 4 Diploma came much later, once I’d gained more experience. That qualification really pushed me out of the comfortable retail routine I’d settled into. It reignited my passion, introduced me to new designers, trends and opportunities, and, most importantly, gave me the confidence to believe that going it alone was something I truly could do.

Designing for my Level 4 Diploma re-ignited my passion for floristry

So, in October 2024, I left my safety net, my comfortable job, a team of colleagues who had become family, I pulled up my big girl pants and become my own boss.

The name? A little nod to my favourite colour (a theme that’s very much taken over at home—just ask my kids. Their favourite colours are blue and yellow, in case you were wondering 💙💛). It also reflects my favourite floral style: loose, romantic, and just the right side of untamed. Oh, and if you’ve ever walked past a lilac bush in spring, you’ll know exactly why it made the cut. Absolute heaven.

Believe me when I say that we live our lives by four colours. These have become so much of our daily routine that even my birthday candles had to fit in (green is for my husband 💚).

These days, you’ll find me tucked away in my home-based studio coffee in one hand, scissors in the other, surrounded by flowers and usually humming along to a 00s indie playlist or gripped by a podcast. Weddings, events, funerals, workshops, gift flowers, if you’ve got an occasion, I’ve probably got flowers for it.

Now, one year in, the anxiety is as present as ever and the imposter syndrome still rears its head often but the good days and the achievements are finally starting to outweigh the fear. With every deisgn I complete, every new job I get, comes a bit more belief in myself that I may actually be able to do this.

It's not just fresh flowers, Anything flower related and I'm taking a selfie with it.

Starting Wild Lilac wasn’t just about flowers, it was about freedom. The freedom to work to my own schedule, meeting lovely humans along the way, design without limits and on my terms, and create magic with every bouquet. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way, even when the 3am “what-have-I-done” self-employed panic hits, I wouldn’t change a thing.

If you’re planning a wedding, want to treat someone special, fancy a wreath workshop, or just want to chat flowers, I’d love to hear from you.

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Lauren x