Heartfelt words from our Floral Student & Apprentice: {Huan}

My flowering journey with Poppy & Sarah….

I joined in late 2017 as an apprentice. Happy to be called the youngest in the company and the only one that is still schooling. Going to “work” is like my weekend getaway. Although it’s a 10-5pm job, time flies! Always felt that my forte is in the creative industry, I did art and am currently pursuing a degree in design.

From painting florals on flat paper to making it in three dimensional form is something that is curated with life, it’s no longer coping or referencing images but the touch and scent from individual blooms, bringing life to curation. Thank you Sarah!!! (I call her my Laoda! )Huggggs. Made it possible for me, truly blessed.

Still remember the first time I met Sarah, she looked way younger than I expected. Poppy was celebrating it’s 17th birthday, so I assume that the business is run by a middle-age lady but no! She lives just like her flowers, lively, dancing, bold, full of energy.

When I embarked on the journey with Sarah, her style of making floral bouquet was an eye opener for me from flower choice to the techniques used. In Poppy, all flowers are unique individuals and we treat all of them the same. For example, chrysanthemum which is known as a “cheap” flower but in Sarah’s magical hands it blend well into the rest (no flower discrimination)

Counting back, this is the third year I have known Sarah. I have to say the greatest take for me is that I found myself a wise Laoda, someone that I can share anything and everything with. Now that I have started my own floral business, Laoda is supportive of it! I’m possibly Poppy’s last batch of apprentice who will definitely carry down the “Poppy blood” with me.

And Yesh, events!

When I go do events with my Laoda, it’s one of the best essence of being a florist. Turning loose stalks of flowers into a magnificent installation. I call it the “art in making” from designing the look and feel, to selection of flowers and finally the end outcome.

Working on installation gave me huge sense of satisfaction & achievement. It also trains me to solve problems independently when we are on site, ability to make do with what’s on hand. As Laoda always say, make good use of what the Universe holds for us; we got to be professional and make our clients’ day. In Poppy, I will always remember that in whatever we deliver; it has to be ARTISTIC, INTENTIONAL & INSPIRATIONAL. It is Sarah’s , my Laoda’s mantra. It is now deeply ingrained in me. I want to say, Laoda, my success will be your success.