SASKIA HAVEKES — Soul Safari

"I don't think anyone would be brave enough to mentor me as I am very hard to pin down and can be quite mercurial. I surround myself with people who know me well and keep me on track, but ultimately I make my own moves."

Florist, author and fragrance creator Saskia Havekes first opened her small flower shop, Grandiflora, in Sydney’s Pott’s Point over 20 years ago. Four books, three fragrances and countless large-scale installations and floral posies later, Saksia’s striking aesthetic continues to influence a visual world far beyond the art of flower arranging.

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What was the pivot point that set you on your current path?

I was living in New York and getting more obsessed with visiting the flower market and any flower shop. I had to have flowers in my life constantly. I moved back to Sydney and started my path full time into flowers with encouragement from my sister who alerted me to enrol in a full-time course in flower training.

Photo: A beautiful gift I received that I'm currently drawing inspiration from

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s going through their own transformation?

Look at everything surrounding the situation and see it as a complete moment. Be kind to yourself, but firm and disciplined. The rest will unfold naturally.

Photo: At Rungis, the flower market in Paris

Are you following the path of a trailblazer or being guided by a mentor?

I absolutely feel like a trail blazer. I don't think anyone would be brave enough to mentor me as I am very hard to pin down and can be quite mercurial. I surround myself with people who know me well and keep me on track, but ultimately I make my own moves while also being prepared to listen and take advice form others.

Photo: Como Shambhala, Ubud

Where in the world would you describe as the place that speaks to you - your soul place?

Como Shambhala, Ubud, at the river and natural water spring. The power and force of the river is so energising and raw. I feel filled up by the whole experience of feeling the plants push up around me from the rich surrounding soil.

Floral ice sculptures with my partner, photographer Gary Heery

If you could do anything, what in the world would you want to do next?

Become a full-time perfume creator, capturing the most alluring blooms.

Photo: Our Grandiflora fragrance launch in Place des Vosges

All images used with permission from Saskia Havekes.