Blush & Bloom is a bit off the beaten track. Tucked away in a mainly industrial area of the city, the flower studio’s unexpected location is in keeping with owner Becky De Oliviera’s quirky style.
Originally from Truro, Nova Scotia, the hard-working floral designer has been pushing petals for over 15 years. “I moved to Toronto in 2009 and learned everything I could about the wedding industry in the city,” she explains. “After a few years I knew it was time; I was ready to go out on my own.”
She launched Blush & Bloom in September 2012 and spent the first year operating out of her 200 sq. ft. garage with just a cooler and an air conditioning unit. “I had flowers everywhere,” Becky describes. “They were spilling into the street and overflowing in my bathtub.” She decided to relocate her blossoming business to a nearby space on Sterling Road in November 2013.
Becky enlisted the help of stylist and close friend Tiffany Pratt to transform the former woodworking shop into a functional floral studio. The dollhouse-inspired interior is bursting with colourful petals, vintage vases and charming knick-knacks. String lights and pieces of lace hang from the ceiling and the studio’s gallery wall features beautiful images of Blush & Bloom clients wearing intricate flower crowns and clutching lush bouquets.
“I wanted the space to work logistically while still feeling like a true reflection of my style…I think most people get it when they walk in and see all this crazy stuff happening,” she laughs, as she gestures to a wall adored with whitewashed antlers, salvaged windows, framed botanical drawings and a shimmering sign made of glitter.
