Natalia Rybacka

What did you most enjoy about the Amsterdam 2 Week Career Change course?

Every second of this course gave me goosebumps. From working with fresh flowers every day and the inspirational lessons to learning by doing and meeting so many like-minded people – I would have to name every activity to truly answer this question. I simply enjoyed it all.

What was the best thing about being taught by Rachel?

I had been admiring Rachel’s work for a long time. Choosing this particular school and this particular teacher was a very conscious decision for me. Being taught by someone whose work you admire so much is incredibly special, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to learn from Rachel.

What has been your most exciting moment since finishing the course?

Receiving a message from a customer who asked me to create her bridal bouquet because she loved my style. There was no big brief, no AI-generated inspirational pictures – she genuinely wanted me to create something based on my own style and trusted me 100%. That meant so much to me.

Where are you currently on your floristry journey?

To keep the momentum going, I opened my business right after completing the course. I am still fully employed, so I create flowers alongside my day job, but after just a few months, I already have a few bouquet customers each week and have started collaborating with wedding planners and photographers. It feels like a very exciting beginning.

Which of the Amsterdam floral excursions was your favourite and why?

The visit to the sweet pea grower. I am absolutely in love with this flower, so seeing how it is grown, seeded and harvested was a real highlight for me. The whole place felt almost like a sanctuary.

What do you enjoy most about floristry?

It allows me to cherish seasonality and appreciate the endless beauty of nature.

What’s your top tip to budding florists?

Believe in yourself – people will love your flowers, even when that little perfectionist inside you makes you doubt yourself from time to time!

What is your favourite flower and why?

I love spring flowers the most. They remind me of new life and all the excitement that comes with new beginnings. Anemone is my favourite of them all. It’s simply perfect. In Greek, anemone means “daughter of the wind”, which is something I personally identify with and which I feel reflects the airy quality of my floral arrangements.

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