Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Hampton.
Hi Emma, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My flower life started during the summer of 2016. I was craving a creative outlet and reached out to a Venice florist, Pigsty, who I had been following for a while. I wasn’t really looking for anything paid; I could just tell she had a really cool thing going on and I wanted to spend some time in that space. I think we both thought I would just be a studio assistant for a few months that summer, but it actually turned into a very consistent gig for about five years.
I started as just a studio assistant – sweeping the floors, delivering the flowers, extra hands at events – but slowly was given more responsibility to build arrangements and even run events. Through Pigsty, I learned the ins and outs of the flower world, which gave me the tools to feel confident launching my own flower business.
After I stopped working at Pigsty full time, I continued to decorate dinners for our friends or send flowers out occasionally. Then, this past November, with some serious inspiration from my friends and other women starting small businesses, plus the free time from the pandemic, plus a new apartment with a sunroom-turned-studio, I finally decided, “All in on flowers.” It’s been rockin’ ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
So far, so good! I’ve been lucky to have a mostly positive reception from the community and have been able to steadily grow without invading my day job too much yet. If anything, the hardest part is staying in budget! When I go to the market, I’m so overwhelmed with product I love and I wish I could use it all to make the best best best flowers no matter the order size…maybe one day!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a florist known for my whimsical, wild-style arrangements. I like to push the design boundaries, whether through unique color-combos, shapes, or even specific flower choices. I think this commitment to the weird, unique designs has really drawn people in, as often it’s unlike anything they’ve seen before.
I am most proud of the community that is developing around Roobarb. It’s been so exciting to connect with small business owners, many women, who are also pursuing their passions. There’s been so much collaboration amongst us that has really allowed all of our inspiration to flourish.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I’m seeing flowers really take off into the mainstream. With HBO’s Full Bloom TV series and many more large events featuring unique flowers and florists, more everyday people are able to name famous florists. With all of this attention, the design boundaries are being knocked down every day. I’m seeing lots of unique ikebana-style arrangements, dyed flowers, dried flowers, and even painted leaves! The days of red roses and baby’s breath are over – flowers as an art form are on their way!
Pricing:
- Small Arrangement – $75
- Medium Arrangement – $95
- Large Arrangement – $150
- Weddings – $1500+
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: roobarbstu.com
- Instagram: roobarbstudio
Image Credits:
Jasmin Riedel Stephanie Shih Edin Markulin
