This month we had the pleasure of meeting business partners Katie and Terri, who are the Founders of Worm, a floral design studio creating projects and styling occasions across London. We caught up to find out all about the inspiration behind their work, their creative process and how it all began.
Can you tell us about yourselves and Worm?
Worm started in 2016 when we were both feeling a bit lost in where we were heading in life and wanted to have some autonomy in being creative. We only knew each other a few months so much of the foundations of our relationship is based on being business partners which is why it works so well.
Where did your passion for floristry come from?
We were both really passionate about flowers and I (Terri) lived on Columbia road at the time and we had our early meetings with the flower market bustling outside the door on a Sunday. We were both always filling our houses with flowers and bringing flowers to friends and it felt like something we would like to explore.
How would you describe your work?
Wild and natural with a story to tell.
Where do you draw inspiration from when creating new arrangements and displays?
First and foremost the season. What nature is offering us sustainably. We will always seek out something locally grown rather than fly something half way across the world for a project. We really like to work conceptually so will always look for a theme in which to enrich the story with the floral design, whether it’s ingredients from the menu in a restaurant or something from the narrative in a shoot or a fashion set up.
What gave you the courage to start up your own business and what advice would you give to those thinking about doing the same?
The courage came from being a duo. We have been so much braver along the way because we always had each other to fall back on. It makes you so much braver. There have been times when we would have definitely said no to jobs because we didn’t feel technically able but we always spurred each other on and said yes. Be sure to have a strong support network around you who will also understand that you might be absent from their lives while you get your business started.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
No two days are ever the same for us but usually we are at the studio really early to make the flower arrangements for an event and then stuck in traffic trying to get through central London in a van and trying to unload without getting a ticket and trying to install before the guests arrive. Theres a lot of rushing and dodging and meeting new people and eating bourbon creams from the glove department. Then back to clean out buckets and tidy up before going back to take it all down again. It can be really tiring but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
What are your go-to wardrobe staples?
Layers. Our studio is freezing in winter. We can’t ever really have the heat on because its not good for the flowers so we always have a few layers on. We both love linen and live in it in Summer and use it a lot in our work. We love colours inspired by nature.
What Wrap styles are you looking forward to wearing this summer?
We are both looking forward to wearing our flowy linen dresses. When we are setting up events and weddings (fingers crossed we can!) it can be hot and sweaty but we like to feel well dressed incase we need to be among the guests along the way.
And finally… Katie
If I wasn’t running Worm… I can’t imagine doing anything else.
My favourite flower… Dandelion
My day isn’t complete until… I go for a run.
Words to live by…The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house.
My ideal breakfast… is a Chinese buffet breakfast. I was in China teaching flowers a couple of years ago and adored going for breakfast. We used to go to these huge canteens and have the buffet breakfast. I loved the food but the best part was watching all the different people enjoying these huge long breakfasts.
A holiday destination I love… The south of France to look at the sky at dusk. The light there is perfect.
Go-to London hangout… I love the filter beds tucked away beside Hackney marshes.
And finally… Terri
If I wasn’t running Worm… I would probably still be feeling a little lost as a jobbing actor.
My favourite flower… Lily of the Valley.
My day isn’t complete until… I’ve done bath time with my 1 year old.
Words to live by… This too shall pass.
My ideal breakfast… Sri Lankan breakfast. Really ripe papaya with lime followed by string hoppers, curry and coconut sambal. A feast. Then back to bed please.
A holiday destination I love… Spetses, a blissful Greek island.
Go-to London hangout… Pimlico area for a nice day out. Early flower market stroll, then onto Tate Britain and back over the river to the Garden museum for lunch.
 Indigo Linen Dress > |
 Linen Shirtdress > |
 Linen A-line Shirt > |
 Linen Cotton Tiered Dress > |