Rebecca Kell, Owner, Flowers in Hand

Back yourself, believe in what you’re doing and march to the beat of your own drum ...

Working with flowers has always been on Rebecca Kell’s bucket list. For the past two years the aspiring florist has kept particularly busy assisting her partner with his start-up business, while studying all things floral at TAFE and every possible night class she could enrol in. Once her partner’s business had found its feet, Rebecca felt she could pursue this next adventure. This week, Flowers in Hand celebrates its two-month birthday working from a studio in Newstead. Focusing on events, corporate occasions and weddings, as well as made-to-order bouquets for the individual bloom lover, Flowers in Hand specialises in locally sourced and seasonally available floral arrangements. Western Australia and Tasmania are the furthest distances she’ll let her flowers travel, preventing the use of chemicals to keep the flowers fresh. This ethical and eco point of difference means sunflowers, carnations, chrysanthemums and native flora are mainstays of Rebecca’s bouquets, while tulips and irises are currently nudging into season as the temperature drops. The Weekend Edition caught up with Rebecca to chat inspirations and perfect weekends.

How do you like to start your weekend?
If I don’t have anywhere to be on a Saturday morning, I love sleeping in and catching the tail-end of Rage, while eating a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel.

What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
I like to either wake up early and get into the studio or take it slow and have some downtime at home over the newspaper.

How do you like to unwind?
I like to relax with a cup of camomile tea, a walk along the river or by heading to a yoga class.

What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Sunshine, flowers, some downtime, home-cooked meals and having a laugh with good company.

What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
I’ve wanted to prepare some flower beds and get ready to plant bulbs.

What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
I really like to get on top of life admin and make sure I’m organised for the coming week.

What are you looking forward to next weekend?
It’s Mother’s Day, so that means making bouquets to show mums they are appreciated and loved.

What are you reading at the moment?
The Flower Recipe Book by Studio Choo – the ethos behind this book is that people ought to give arranging flowers a go for themselves as fresh-cut flowers are becoming more accessible at farmers markets, supermarkets and general stores.

What inspires you?
I find Instagram to be one of the most inspiring creative platforms; I’m such an advocate for this social media outlet.

What was your childhood dream?
For a long while I wanted to be a veterinarian who specialised in horses, and then it was to be a National Geographic photographer who goes on expeditions around the world.

What has been your greatest achievement?
Professionally, it would be establishing Flowers in Hand and loving what I do every day.

What is success to you?
Being empowered, looking forward to coming home after a long day at work, yet feeling fresh and excited to do it again the next day.

What are your words of wisdom?
Back yourself, believe in what you’re doing and march to the beat of your own drum.

Only a local would know … what I mean when I say that I’m so proud of Brisbane and how it’s grown into itself.

FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up …
When I need to be firing on all four cylinders I head to Shucked Coffee House for a cold-drip coffee with maple syrup.
Relax … Yoga in Daily Life on Doggett Street for a 10:30 am class on Saturday mornings.
Dine … I still can’t go past Verve on Edward Street in the city on a Friday night – it’s been the go-to for many years.
Indulge … Thai Foot Spa on James Street makes you feel like a million bucks.
Shop … Reverse Garbage and the Eagle Farm Markets.
Catch-up … You can’t beat Brisbane Powerhouse in the afternoon when it comes to meeting with friends over a drink.
Be inspired … As unusual as this sounds, walking through established suburban areas that are full of lovely flowering plants, foliage and sticks – it honestly puts my brain into overdrive with the things I’d like to incorporate into designs and large-scale arrangements.

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