Blooming in Bukit Timah

Australian WILMA WATTS has hopped all over Asia as an expat for nigh on 20 years. She's a master of re-invention, launching her own small florist business since becoming single in Singapore. We step into her floral wonderland in Bukit Timah to hear all about it.

- GEORGINA HOCKLEY

Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey here.

I’m from Sydney, and of Filipino heritage. My expat experience started 18 years ago when I moved to Kuala Lumpur with my now ex-husband. Following his career, over the years we lived in KL, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Singapore.

I’m now on my second stint in Singapore, and it’s been my longest posting. I decided to become a Permanent Resident and have been here for about 10 years. Both of my beautiful daughters were born here, so Singapore holds a special place in my heart.

How did you come to launch your own business Wildflower Florist?

I was keen to get back into the workforce, but not in the same industry I worked in when living in Australia. After some thought and research, I stumbled upon Nobleman School of Floral Design. I enjoyed the trial class so much that I enrolled in their professional commercial floristry course. After completing the course, I worked for a small online floristry business to get my feet under the table.

Bolstered by my passion for floristry and a desire to showcase my vision, I decided to start out on my own. Joining a workshop specifically aimed at how to open a small business gave me the courage to start one myself. And having a public relations background was invaluable in the startup phase. I launched Wildflower Florist during COVID in September 2020. I won’t lie – it was difficult, but I was up for the challenge! I’ve learnt so much (and am still learning) in a really short period of time.

How have your property needs changed over time? Do you have some things that are non-negotiables for you?