Tiltedtulip

My love for flowers

MONIQUE GOUWS

FOUNDER AND OWNER | FLORISTRY DESIGNER

Hello, my name is Monique. I grew up in the Helderberg Basin, about a 40min drive from Cape Town with two older brothers, chickens, and dogs. My love for flowers started at an early age, wondering around in my grandmother’s garden between the iceberg roses and sticking my nose in every rose to absorb the scent. I remember always having a rose in my hand on the way home, with the stem carefully wrapped in damp kitchen towel so that the thorns will not hurt me.

After I finished school, I went to study a three-year Event Management course at The Aleit Academy. While completing my practical hours in my second year, I interned at a wedding and event florist. This is where my passion for flowers truly exploded! I enjoyed it so much that I joined them again in my third year.

After my graduation in November 2019, I went to America to work in a country club in Florida as a waitress. After the first week I felt the urge to work with flowers again. I spoke about flowers so much that I got the nickname ‘Blommetjie.’

The head of the food and beverage department heard I had experience with flowers and even asked my assistance in doing some table arrangements for themed nights. I was there for six months but my adventure was cut short due to Covid-19 and I returned home on a repatriation flight.

As soon as weddings and other celebrations were allowed, I started freelancing for other florists and have since gained much more experience.

I would describe my style as wild, lush, unstructured, and romantic. I am always willing to try new things and dream with my brides/clients.

A FEW FUN FACTS ABOUT ME

  • I am a mom to a black miniature Dachshund named Daisy.
  • Since I can remember we had chickens in our back yard. My mother use to look for me when I was around 4 or 5 years old and would usually find me in the chicken coop, on the ground, holding my favorite hen.
  • I started doing ballet at the age of three and was a ballerina for 13 years.
  • Since starting my floristry journey, I always drive around with secateurs in my car. You never know what you might see!
  • I love gardening and have had success cultivating various types of flowers. Ranunculus, Zinnias, Scabiosa, Cosmos, Gomphrena, and Larkspur, to name a few.
  • I always have a look at the vase section in homeware stores. Even if I do not plan to buy anything, you never know what you might find.
  • I am a big arts and crafts person. Scrapbooking, sewing, crocheting, flower pressing, and photography are all on the list of my favourite crafts.
  • I am terrified of bugs and reptiles. Unfortunately, with foraging it is something I must deal with more than I would like!
  • I love pink, always have, and always will