Yulia South
Which course did you study at Tallulah Rose and when?
I completed the Online Career Change course in 2022 – and honestly, it was the perfect fit for my life. With two kids, a husband and a brand new puppy, disappearing to Levens Hall simply wasn’t an option! The online format meant I could build something real without putting everything else on hold. That said, I make the trip up as often as I can for the annual meetings – and they are always, always worth it.
What did you most enjoy about the course?
The flexibility was a huge factor for me, and Rachel’s wonderfully calm demeanour made the whole experience feel so encouraging and approachable. In a world where learning something new can feel quite daunting, she has a rare gift for making you feel completely at ease.
What has been your career highlight so far?
One of my most memorable moments came early on – a party in a client’s garden. We were completely on the same wavelength and they were an absolute dream to work with. I remember making arrangements at 4.30am, full of energy and happiness, and thinking this is exactly where I’m meant to be. Driving home afterwards, adrenaline pumping, singing Katy Perry at the top of my lungs – I’m fairly sure I had tinnitus for days! It was a definite sign that floristry was for me.
What is the best part of having your own floristry business?
I started out on my own, but then I met the wonderful Alison – a brilliant grower who can reel off Latin flower names like nobody’s business – and also a fantastic florist in her own right. We decided to join forces at Boho Flowers. What makes our business genuinely unique is that Alison is an actual flower grower, which means we have access to our own working farm – something that shapes everything we do, from the flowers we choose to the way we work with our clients. The very best part of having your own floristry business is being in one you truly love, alongside a friend who shares your passion and your values. There is something very special about that.
What’s the best piece of advice Rachel gave you?
To hold yourself accountable. Almost anyone can be taught how to arrange flowers, but not everyone can run a floristry business. That distinction really stayed with me – and I come back to it often.
Is there an opportunity that springs to mind that Tallulah Rose gave you the confidence to pursue?
The course gave me the foundations, and the meet-ups and community since have given me the confidence to think bigger. The floristry world can feel full of loud, confident voices – and for a long time I wondered where the quieter ones fit in. The truth is, they absolutely do. Through Boho Flowers, we want to show that you don’t have to shout to be heard, that you don’t need to perform or compete – you just need to be genuine, consistent and love what you do. We’d love to become a quiet but steady voice for the British floristry industry; someone that other florists – especially the quieter, less showy ones – feel they can turn to. There are some exciting new things on the horizon in early 2027, but for now the work continues, one bloom at a time.
What does a typical floristry day look like for you?
It’s beautifully chaotic! It starts with the school run, then emails and a team catch-up. One of my favourite parts of the day is walking around the flower farm with Alison – seeing what’s coming into bloom and planning what we’ll have ready for the following week’s events. Then it’s placing top-up orders with our larger grower if needed, school pick-up, kids’ clubs, dinner on the table… and somewhere between the chaos, a five-minute sit-down before jumping on a call with a potential bride or planning our next Instagram reel. It’s full, it’s busy – and I wouldn’t swap it for anything.
What advice would you give to a new student starting out?
Don’t compare yourself to others. Play with flowers, try different things, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Stay true to yourself and your own vision – and never be afraid to ask for help. You are not alone in this. There is a whole community of Tallulah Rose florists who have been exactly where you are and are more than willing to support you.
What is your favourite British flower and why?
The Sweet Pea, without a doubt. That scent is simply incomparable – there is nothing quite like it – and those soft, voluptuous petals have a way of stopping you in your tracks. Whether it’s drifting through a wild, loose arrangement or adding a delicate touch to something more refined, the Sweet Pea never puts a petal wrong. I’m also currently developing what I can only describe as a full-blown obsession with Narcissi!
Click here to find out more about Boho Flowers
