Flower Stories: Ashleigh Palmowski, The Naked Florist

Welcome to Flower Stories, where we explore the vibrant and creative world of those who work with flowers. We’re diving deep into the lives of real people who turn their passion for flowers into art, business, and joy. Each week, we interview a flower lover to uncover their experiences, inspirations, and the unique challenges they face in their floral journeys.

Today, we feature Ashleigh Palmowski, the florist behind The Naked Florist in Newcastle, Australia. Inspired at the age of five by a family friend’s shop, Ashleigh returned to floristry eighteen years later armed with a fine arts degree and some life experience, and has since thrived for over eight years in the industry. In this interview, she shares her insights, artistic approach, and inspirations.

Flowers: The Naked Florist

Photography: Brooke Art Studio

Flowers: The Naked Florist

Photography: Lauren Anne Photography

1. How were you introduced to the world of flowers?

When I was 5 I had a family friend who was a florist. I thought she and her occupation was the most beautiful thing. That’s all I ever had wanted to be until, she herself had talked me out of the job after warning just how hard it is. I eventually found my way back to the industry 18 years later when I was a little older and a little wiser and have never looked back. I’ve now been in the industry for over 8 years now.

2. Why do you love working with flowers?

In the period of time of “self discovery” I had studied a Bachelor of fine arts following on from my life long love of creating literally anything. Although I don’t practice art in a traditional sense now, I see floristry as my own art form and flowers as my medium. It allows me to express emotion and passion within my creations whilst working with my hands to create something that brings do much joy to others. I also very much admire, the impermanence of these designs as though to remind you to enjoy what is happening in the present for tomorrow or may be gone. 

3. What is the best advice you have received through your floral arrangement journey?

This isn’t advice specific to my floral journey nor was it given in this period of my life. My grandmother had always said, “start as you mean to go on “. From the very start of my business I set my values and ethos for my business and have stayed true to this from the very beginning. 

4. What inspired you to turn your passion for flowers into a business? 

I started my first business when I was 9. It’s always been part of my DNA. I enjoy the freedom of choice of allows me and the fact that the only boundary are ones that I put on myself. I had chosen to have my own business in this industry before studying floristry. 

5. Are there any artists who you look up to or inspire you most?

The list would be too long. I look up to anyone who challenges the traditional nature of floristry. Anyone who pushes design boundaries and captivates not just through the beauty of flowers but through their skills. 

6. Where do you source your floral materials, vases & tools? 

I source my flowers mostly from Australian growers from the Sydney flower market and from some local farms. I forage where I can or grow my own. Most tools I source from koch and co and vases I like to get custom made. 

7. How would you describe your style of floral art?

We focus on considered colour palettes and layered textures. There’s definitely an artistic/sculptural element to our designs and a sense of play. 

The Naked Florist

Photography: Brooke Art Studio

The Naked Florist

Photography: Benedict Sutton

8. Do you have a favourite material or season?

Currently I’m obsessed with hydrangea but not for how most are drawn to it. I enjoy the shapes and sculptural play it allows me to create. Season? Summer. It provides me with the most colour variations to allow me to create detailed colour palettes. I don’t however, like the fact that it’s sooo hard to work in summer. It seems as though all the summer flowers hate the heat. Go figure. 

9. What is the advice you would give to someone who is studying or wanting to study floral arrangement?

Just start. It will ignite something in you. Research into the best form of education that suits you and freelance as much as you can.

10. Do you have any good floristry secrets / tips to share?

Where there is a will there is a way. Have a fully stocked tool bag and with a little imagination you can create anything. I can’t tell you the amount of times a g clamp or scrap of chicken wire had saved me. 

11. What’s been your best “I LOVE MY JOB” moment? 

Literally any time I present a bouquet to a bride or step back after creating a ceremony feature I think this. 

12. What are the biggest challenges you face working with flowers as a job? 

The greatest challenge would be the demands of working with a perishable item. It  means that you have to work within time constraints and pull bigger days. The care and attention each flower needs takes a lot of time and energy. Add in any complications weather can add and you’ve got added stress. 

13. For flower lovers – where would you recommend they visit in your city in a 24 hour visit? 

I’m based in Newcastle. My favourite thing is doing a little secret wildflower walk in Dudley. Flannel flowers and paper daisies bloom here. Definitely pop into blooms on Darby. Their shop is super cute and check out the Olive tree market. It’s full of artisans products. 

14. What’s ahead in your flower future?

Our future always looks bright when we have so many beautiful briefs ahead to achieve. Our goal for the future is to allow the business to take us around the world creating. 

The Naked Florist. Photography: Olguin Photography.

Thank you Ashleigh for sharing your Flower Story. To learn more about The Naked Florist or get in touch, please see the links below.

Business Details

1. Website: www.thenakedflorist.com.au

2. Instagram: thenakedfloristau

3. Services: Wedding and event florist  

Flower Stories are meant to reflect an individual’s experience and do not necessarily reflect Flower Club’s point of view.

Do you have a Flower Story you’d like to share? Email us at [email protected].