SHEIKE PRESENTS: FLORAL ATELIER

Meet the creative mind behind Kiko Design

Tell us a little about the story behind Kiko Design.  
What first inspired you to pursue floristry and build a business of your own?

I had left my marketing role as I needed to take some time out for my mental health. 
I was dabbling in flowers for a friend's wedding when I was asked by her venue for my business details. It was at that point I realised that perhaps I had enough potential to build a business 
out of my love of flowers. 

What do you love most about working with flowers?

I love the impact that they have, not just spatially but also emotionally. Flowers tend to move people. I feel that we live in a world where we’ve become desensitised, so flowers are kind 
of like our love letters to the world. They really do make people happy. 

Where do you find inspiration for your creative work?

I find inspiration in so many different places - fashion, art, interiors and especially in nature. 
And more often when I’m taking time out, to move a little slower. I always feel inspired once I’ve had a minute to recharge. 

What has building Kiko Design taught you about yourself?

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that if you believe in yourself and back yourself, 
everything else becomes rather redundant. 

Have you discovered strengths you didn't know you had?

I have the capacity to hold a lot and execute more than one thing at a time with heavy detail, 
which in our field of work has been an advantage. 

Creativity and personal style are both forms of self-expression. How would you describe 
your creative style, and how has it evolved over time?

My creative style is definitely more vibrant and experimental than my personal style. My personal style resonates closely with nature - I’m very intentional about colours, textures, feeling and having balance and harmony around me. 

What advice would you give to the woman you were when you first started Kiko Design? 

If your success makes other people uncomfortable that’s a them problem and not a you problem. Shine bright!

What are you most excited about in this next chapter, both personally and professionally?  

We’ve reached a point now where we are given so much trust. I get to creatively direct a lot 
of the events that we produce and that’s really exciting as its a completely different field to just focusing on the florals. To conceptualise and create things from scratch really opens up our world. Personally this has afforded us the opportunity to take less on so we can focus more 
on a slower life and stop and smell the roses!