Presenting UMI FLORAL, one of the cutest florists in Vilnius, Lithuania. Specialist in perfectly curated arrangements, UMI FLORAL pays attention to detail and soft features, resulting in beautiful and unique flower bouquets.
Read our article and learn more about the fantastic world of UMI.
1. How were you introduced to the world of flowers?
My introduction to the flower world was very organic. I grew up in the countryside with gran's and aunt's houses nearby so, growing up I've seen my mum, granny and aunt take care of their immaculate gardens. They were always blooming, full of the most beautiful hydrangea bushes, roses, magnolias, clematis, echinaceas, you name it. Flowers would change seasonally starting with tulips in spring and I'd always admire the love and care my family has for them.
2. Why do you love working with flowers?
I love the meditative part of playing with flowers. Combining different textures, colours, shapes to create eye pleasing variations. You truly disconnect and feel one with nature. It's my favourite creative outlet.
3. What is the best advice you have received through your floral arrangement studies?
I'm self taught but some of the most important things I've learned were to always follow the natural shape of the flower when creating the arrangement and then build around it, leaving lots of space between the blooms to allow movement and create that organic feel. I've also learned very important technical things, such as your buckets and vases should be so clean, you need to be able to drink water from them yourself.
4. How did you manage to turn your passion into a business?
I just remember thinking why not and took the step forward. It isn't my only business, it's still very much at the beginning stages, it only being my second summer. But it started with a bang and was extremely grateful to be put in challenging situations such as doing a workshop for Lamų Slėnis magazine's event, creating floral installs for an album cover shoot of Lithuanian pop artist Jessica Shy or decorating weddings when I had no clue how any of it was done. The first year taught me a lot and I think you just have to challenge yourself and be ready to learn.
5. Are there any artists who you look up to or inspire you most?
Definitely. I draw a lot of my inspiration from florists whose work I admire, such as Vynvytis, Fritillerie, Braer studio, Studio Lilo, Willow Crossley, Louis - Géraud Castor, Cynthia Fan, opmflorist, Aiku floral, Evora flowers, etc.
6. Where do you source your floral materials, vases & tools?
I absolutely adore vintage shopping so, a lot of my vases & pots are indeed vintage. I also admire a few Lithuanian ceramicists, such as Gabriele Gurciute or Gareta Studio and have quite a few pieces from them that I use for wedding decor. Zara home is also good for bigger vases that have that Grecian feel.
7. How would you describe your style of floral art?
I'd say wild & romantic, maybe a little eclectic.
8. Do you have a favourite material or season?
I love spring for all its abundant greenery and blooming tree branches, tulips in loads of different varieties. It probably is my favourite time as we get out of the winter greys and nature is awakening. It surely is a beautiful season to witness.
9. What is the advice you would give to someone who is studying or wanting to study floral arrangement?
Just go for it! If you are passionate about something, go ahead and learn more about it. I will only say that floristry is not only about touching beautiful flowers. Behind it lies a lot of early mornings at flower wholesalers, pushing massive trolleys, heavy lifting of boxes full of tools & vases, loading up your car top to bottom, etc. It's often not very glamorous at all, which I've learned along the way.
10. Do you have any good floristry secrets / tips to share?
My tip would be to learn about the flowers and how they react to different weather conditions before you decide to use them for decor.
Change the water of your flowers regularly if you want them to last, also take off most of the foliage. Use an odd number of flowers in your arrangements for a more natural feel.
11. What is ahead in your flower future?
Oh, hopefully big things :) I'd love to have my own studio at some point and work on creative projects that would allow me to grow as a new florist.
12. For flower lovers - where would you recommend they visit in Lithuania in a 24 hour visit?
Vilnius is so beautiful in the summer when everything's blooming. I'd recommend having a walk at Bernardinai garden which has lots of hydrangea and rhododendron bushes. You can sit by the river & enjoy the sound of it overlooking all of the dogs or kids often playing in the water. I also love Bokšto skveras, which has won a design award. I admire the landscape design there executed by Buckley Design Associates and Terra Firma LT. It has such a natural meadow feel where everything works in harmony and the beautiful light system creates a truly magical feel in the evenings. Reformatų park is also a beautiful new space for a walk. As for the markets, you have to visit Halės turgus. Some of my favourite shops or cafes in Vilnius are Raštinė, Backstage cafe, Taste Map, BREW, Demoloftas, Urban Garden.
13. Tell me more about the name Umi and where it's come from?
Umi came from my love for Japanese aesthetics & ikebana. It's not my personal focus but I admire it and cannot wait to visit Japan with my husband. I also come from a town by the sea which has a very special place in my heart. 'Umi' means 'Ocean' in Japanese so I thought it was a very fitting name which also sounds very sweet.
Business Details
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/_
umifloral/ - Services: Floristry, wedding decor, workshops, personal orders, floral subscription, cards, wedding invites
