Image ZWRFLWR
By Ruby Staley

We know isolation can get a little lonely.

In honour of staying home, we’ve decided to take some time to chat (via the internet) to some of our favourite creatives to find out how they are dealing with this very new and strange state of being.

Floral designer, Kate Zwar - online as @ZWRFLWR - is the local flower cool-girl who’s budding with intuition and talent. She runs one of our favourite floral Instagram accounts and arranges the most vibrant and interesting bouquets that you’ll wish lived forever.

With each arrangement bursting with colour and texture, the Surf Coast based-florist proves that passion and a keen eye are the keys to nailing an artistic floral aesthetic.

I spoke to her a little about her favourite flowers, and how she’s adapting as a human and a business during social isolation.

Why flowers? What brought you to floral design and arranging?
I was always interested in art and enjoyed a very creative childhood. My mum and grandmother have incredibly beautiful gardens and I was definitely drawn to flowers through them. I actually walked into a florist shop in Melbourne a few years ago and the lights flickered and the man behind the counter said that it was a sign, and I agreed. After that I decided to study floristry and became completely obsessed with flowers.

If you had to pick one, what is your favourite flower?
This changes regularly but my forever love is the anthurium with its unique waxy texture and sexual allure.

How has your creation and customer service processes changed since the pandemic began?
Before the pandemic ZWRFLWR was primarily large scale installation work seen alongside other artists and creatives at festivals, music events and collaborative shows. Sadly most of these have had to be cancelled or postponed for now. With most of us working from home or in complete lockdown many have turned to flowers to brighten their isolation environment. I did my first Mother’s Day through ZWRFLWR which was insane! The demand for flowers is still there, just in a different form. I’ve been operating a free contactless local delivery service and all orders are processed online. I’m so grateful to still have regular work and be able to continue to do what I love even during such challenging times.

Walk us through your daily routine and how it’s changed.
I’m still working part time in hospitality as well as running ZWRFLWR so I’m either getting up at 6am to go to work at the cafe or 4am to go to the flower market. My daily routine hasn’t changed too much, I’ve probably had more time to focus on my work since the lockdown. I’m spending more time with flower friends instead of human friends! I’ve definitely caught myself talking to the flowers a lot, I’m clearly missing the human interaction.

How have you been staying sane during isolation?
Living by the ocean has been my absolute salvation during the pandemic. I am so fortunate to have been able to escape the house for a walk and be surrounded by such beautiful landscapes. I find the waves so calming, my dog loves it too. Also flowers, obviously! And FaceTiming friends and Netflix and music and pilates and dancing around the house with a glass of wine.

What does your ideal WFH outfit look like?
Unfortunately I don’t have a photo but it varies between pyjamas, fluffy robe and slippers, to exercise gear, to an oversized hoodie and tracksuit pants - I’m still on the hunt for the perfect velour tracksuit set.

Give us your isolation recommendations; what have you been reading, watching, listening to, eating?
I’m currently reading Conversations with friends by Sally Rooney that my beautiful friend has lent to me. I have just finished watching Good Trouble and am trying really hard not to watch Normal People as I want to read the book first! Listening to “still here” by Kllo and eating tofu laksa almost everyday.

What’s something you’ve learned during this time? This could be a new skill or simply something you’ve learned about yourself.
I have a list of the new skills I wanted to learn during isolation which I am yet to conquer however I have learnt ALOT about myself during this time. I have definitely had some realisations about what is most important, and what makes me happy. I’ve learnt (or confirmed) that I am an introvert, that I enjoy spending time at home. I have learnt to embrace a slow and simple lifestyle with time to enjoy every little moment. I have learnt how important it is to let your friends and family know how much they mean to you! And to be kind to others and to yourself.

Salivate over Katie’s wonderful floral creations or order some for a friend, partner or yourself from @ZWRFLWR.

The Isolation Diaries: Katie Zwar