I started my business, Thistles Studio in 2017 between finishing my GCSE’s and starting my A-levels. I never knew growing up what I wanted to do career wise. I studied Business, Art and Geography at A-level but decided university was not for me! I came to the decision of making Thistles Studio my full-time job before sitting my exams. I have always loved art and being creative. I wanted to combine my two favourite things, art and the countryside to create a business I am passionate about and reflects the two things I love the most.

I originally started creating artificial flower wreaths and this is where my love for flowers grew! In 2020 I started experimenting with dried flowers to create wreaths and other arrangements and I decided that this was the direction I wanted to take my business in. I started by sourcing my dried flowers from a local wholesaler, but quickly realised I wanted more variety’s and colours to create with, which is why in 2023 I put a polytunnel up on the farm and got sowing!

I think it is so important to know where your flowers are coming from which is why I decided to grow my own. I have learnt so much about the growing and drying process of flowers, and I am always experimenting with different colours and varieties.