Everything's Coming Up Roses

For SARAH LIM, founder of Poppy Flora Studio, nature is her motivation, passion and muse.

- Zara Zhuang

First, don’t call Sarah Lim a florist. To the founder and creative director of Poppy Flora Studio, “floral artisan” is a more accurate reflection of what she does at her retail and workshop space in Seletar, where she creates and teaches flower arrangements, conceptualises sets for shoots, weddings and events, and conducts classes on botanical drawing and painting. “From the start, I didn’t like to be known as a florist,” the 48-year-old says, “because, especially in Singapore, people think florists sell flowers at wet markets.”

Second, contrary to what social media might have you think, floral art isn’t all glamour and fun. “A lot of people have this misconception that it’s relaxed,” Lim adds. “It’s not – we’re a proper business and we’re building a brand, and that comes with a lot of hard work.”