Dress: @shikobabride
Flower crown: @oliveandochre
Model: @ztresise
“@cultivatedbyfaith is an incredible florist based in Southern California. What I would do to be out there creating floral magic right now!” Alicia of Olive & Ochre on the account she would recommend for a little Instagram-escapism and positivity
New on the botanical scene is the blooming (pun intended) marvellous, dried-flower wielding talent, Alicia of Olive & Ochre. This Hampshire-based floral magician has been whipping up the coolest of dried floral-adorned bridal hats that have, admittedly, been making me want to feature one on my own head (regardless of the fact I have no where to go) as well as on the Bridal Editor Instagram feed. And, it’s not just hats this artist has turned her hand to, oh no. You’ll discover everything from floral displays, to bouquets and buttonholes in her Etsy store.
I caught up with Alicia to get the lowdown on her lockdown 3.0…
#1 We’ve just gone into Lockdown 3. In three words, describe how you are currently feeling…
“Sad but positive and motivated (all at the same time!).”
#2 Talk to us about your usual daily routine for your business and how this will change in lockdown…
“Nothing has really changed for me, still working on projects from my little home studio and still making trips to the post office to post my dried flower Etsy orders, although I still don’t have an excuse to buy fresh flowers (please hurry up spring/summer weddings!)”
#3 How will/does lockdown impact your business, and how can people (brides/the wedding industry) support you throughout?
“I launched in August 2020 when little to no weddings were happening so I haven’t had many weddings under my Olive & Ochre name but lots of enquiries and bookings coming in for 2021!
Instagram support is so important for me, people sharing and liking my posts is everything!”
#4 Name three small businesses on Instagram you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 “The Smiths & Co. @thesmithsandco“
No.2 “Sammy Taylor Photography @sammytaylor.weddingphotography“
No.3 “The Collect Co. @thecollectco_“
#5 Favourite lockdown snack?
“I would probably have to say the M&S Yumnuts. If you haven’t tried one, you need to ASAP!”
#6 What’s your most recommended lockdown pick-me-up when you’re feeling down during lockdown?
“Doing something creative, going on a walk and cuddling my puppy.”
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dreamt continuously about) during lockdown?
“I can get it more now but the lack of sourdough at first!”
#8 Name a dinner/meal or beverage choice you feel might bring someone joy to their lockdown life…
“Melissa Hemsley’s slow cooker chicken curry…delightful and healthy!”
#9 Talk us through what’s new at your brand…
“I have just launched a Valentine’s bouquet and also dried boho flower crowns for children and adults.”
#10 What’s your lockdown outfit most days? Have you, say, developed an unhealthy attachment to the elasticated waists of your leggings like myself?
“Got to be wide leg comfy trousers and a knitted jumper!”
#11 What series have you now completed on Netflix/Amazon Prime etc.? Any recommendations?
“Not long finished Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime, so good!”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My parents.”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated during lockdown?
“My mother-in-law dropping homemade treats on our doorstep!”
#14 For a little Instagram-escapism and positivity, what account would you recommend?
“@cultivatedbyfaith is an incredible florist based in Southern California. What I would do to be out there creating floral magic right now!”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “Lockdown has made me slow down.”
No.2 “The simplicity of a hot drink.”
No.3 “Extra time with my husband and pup.”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted again?
“Dim T.“
#17 What would be your five film recommendations to watch during lockdown…
No.1 The Intern
No.2 1917
No.3 Now You See Me 2
No.4 The Devil Wears Prada
No.5 Dark Waters (currently halfway through)
#18 What book would be top of your lockdown book list?
“At Home in Joshua Tree: A Field Guide to Desert Living by Rich Combs and Sara Combs. Such a beautiful book.”
#19 Name an odd purchase you’ve made during lockdown…
“Just bought a vintage Moroccan rug…oops!”
#20 The best gift you received this festive period?
“A Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser. It makes the best hot chocolate!”
#21 Name a brand you would love to collaborate with…
“Rue De Seine.”
#22 What’s your advice to lockdown brides?
“Keep going, keep planning as much as you possibly can! It won’t be long now…”
#23 Your favourite beverage?
“Probably just a simple peppermint tea.”
#24 Name your favourite magazine to curl up with.
“I have to admit, I don’t read magazines but if I did, it would be Vogue.”
Discover more about the designer and her incredible floral creations by heading to the Olive & Ochre Etsy page or her Instagram.
Want to read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite bridal brands, boutiques and designers? Head on over to the Bridal Editor WFH Diary page.
