Blooming in Bukit Timah
Expat Living Singapore|June 2023
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
Blooming in Bukit Timah

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?

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