about elaine
I had an unusual path to floristry. Accepting my fate that all good Asian girls grow up to be doctors, lawyers or accountants, I completed my university degree and entered corporate life. While everyone else seemed to thrive in the business world of suits, computers and office politics, it soon became obvious that I really, really sucked at it.
After endless doses of Mondayitis, moodiness, and constant complaining about work (sorry friends), I knew I had to get out. I craved something that allowed me creativity, the chance to be hands-on, and a desire to work with something more inspiring than spreadsheets and reports.
I enrolled in a floristry course, and the rest they say, is history. After making my first bouquet at my first floristry job for my first happy customer, I was hooked!
The dancing lady orchids in question. With their outstretched arms and poofy skirt, you can almost see them can-can-ing away, can't you?
Butterfly Philosophy was born out of my desire to create beautiful events, and make others as passionate about flowers as I am. One of my favourite moments has been watching a groom excitedly explain to his friends the flower choices for their wedding arrangements – dancing lady orchids – and proceed to point out the individual flowers that in fact, so closely resembled can-can dancing ladies. It is quite possible his friends thought he had gone slightly mad (after all, its a rare kind of male that knows things like this) but I walked away from that wedding happy and satisfied, knowing that one more person had discovered just how cool flowers really are!
Away from Butterfly Philosophy, I live happily with my hubby Owen and our gorgeous dog Mickey. I love travelling, sunny summer days and anything involving being in/on/around water. I am also slightly food-obsessed. I love brunching with friends, dinner dates with Owen, and have a very soft spot for anything involving mash potato!
