Interview: Jolene from Estelle Flowers

Interviews

Jan 6

Estelle Flowers, Dunedin, New Zealand - Acorn Studio_034_.jpg

Estelle Flowers is a florist shop and studio located in Moray Place, Dunedin. They create unique & beautiful flower arrangement for all occasions.

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Estelle Flowers
Instagram: @estelleflowersdunedin
Facebook: Estelle Flowers
Website: www.estelleflowers.co.nz

Paper Garden
Instagram: @papergardennz
Facebook: Paper Garden NZ
Website: www.papergarden.co.nz

What does a day look like in the life of Jolene?

On a work day I’m out the door at 6:30am, on my way to the Flower Market (sometimes sneaking in a forage or a visit to a local grower). I arrive at work at 7:30, might sit down for a coffee or take a moment in the quiet to do some paperwork. The shop opens at 9am, and it’s all go from there - taking orders, prepping for events. Because we create our own product from raw ingredients there’s always something happening… Floristry might seem glamorous but it’s definitely hard work too! After official work hours, I usually end up doing something work-related, maybe attending an event (or setting one up), but otherwise I love going home, lighting the fire, cooking dinner and having an early night.

Why did you get into Floristry?

For the love of flowers! Also made necessary by the fact that I was on a trip to Paris, and required a job that transcended language-barriers...

Tell us about a shoot/project you enjoyed being a part of?

Too many to name - but the one that sticks in my mind is a shoot for Charmaine Reveley a few years ago, working with a model, hair and make up, and beautiful clothes in Acorn Creative’s studio where Erin captured the most striking images. To watch it all unfold was incredible. I love collaborating - the aim might be a beautiful, tangible end result, but the creative process is half the fun.

What inspires you right now?

Everything we do at Estelle Flowers is seasonal, so the obvious answer is Autumn… but I find inspiration everywhere! Films, art, books, fashion - right now I’m studying horticulture, so I’m inspired by the possibility of growing our own flowers.

What music gets you vibing?

Friday night: Drop It Like It’s Hot - Snoop Dogg, Saturday morning - I’m a Bird Girl, Anthony & the Johnsons, Sunday afternoon: anything by Marlon Williams or Pavarotti.

What is one thing that you couldn’t live without?

My gold spade. Or my sunglasses.

Tell us about a personal project you're working on:

This past year has given me so much more time to get in our garden - I’m planting beds of annuals, crops of cosmos, strawflowers, and Queen Anne’s Lace will all be ready for summer and the wedding season.

What do you do outside of work?

I’ve been doing yoga for the past few years and even though I’m still a beginner, it helps counteract hours leaning over the workbench. I love opshopping, going out to eat with friends, going for walks (when I get up off the couch and actually do it) and the occasional skinny dip.

When do you do your best work?

When the sun has just risen and it feels like you’re the only one awake - love how peaceful it feels.

What is your favorite season? Can I say all of them?

I love the change, and the inspiration that comes with it - we use seasonal blooms so you can never get sick of them!

What has the last year taught you?

That I need (and want!) to spend more time at home in the garden, and that we’re only as healthy - physically and mentally- as our community.

Who are three people (dead or alive) that you would have brunch with?

This is a tough one - Edith Piaf because she was fearless, Constance Spry because she was an original, and Nick Cave because I’ve had a crush on him since I was 14.