Photography: Lynden Floss
Never living in one place for long as a child, Tanya Barbariol found her happy place in nature. “I’ve always adored being outside, making, baking and trying all the crafty things,” says the 33-year-old designer and florist. “Although my family didn’t really get into celebrations and special occasions, I have always loved them.”
In her early twenties she did a TAFE course in floristry. “Although it wasn’t aligned with the style I loved and wanted to learn, at the end of the course I was officially ‘certified’,” shares Tanya. “It’s something I don’t think is necessary, if I’m honest, but at the time it was needed to get your foot in the door.”
Who: Tanya Barbariol, florist, designer and founder of Oh Flora.
At a glance
Where: Byron Bay Hinterland.
Why she does it: “It’s all about giving to others – an experience, event or gift that’s memorable and special,” says Tanya.
Visit: ohflora.com.au, @ohflorastudio
Working at a few retail florists helped her gain experience but she quickly discovered it wasn’t for her. “I knew I wanted to work in the events and weddings side of flowers so I made a hilariously basic business card and website and told everyone I knew I was available!” she recalls. Her first clients were friends and people she met through her stall at the local markets. “I started well before I had a lot of experience and I have no regrets. I think it’s so important to not allow perfectionism stop you from starting.”
Her business, Oh Flora, has evolved over the years, with the scale of events blossoming along with her following. The introduction of a store has been another natural progression, with Tanya designing and selling ethically handmade ceramics and tableware with the help of a small team of women. “It started as a classic case of not being able to find something I wanted and needed for my own events,” she explains. “The growth was exciting and also daunting as we quickly learnt we wanted to keep things on the smaller side so we could ensure the main priority of quality and ethics behind it all.”
It hasn’t always come up roses. “Extreme heat, wind, short set-up times, being told last-minute that the flowers you ordered have been destroyed in a storm and having to come up with an alternative really quickly…” Tanya rattles off the long list of challenges. “As any florist would tell you, it’s a beautiful job but it’s honestly filled with stress – and cleaning!”
Running a business is made easier when you have a heavenly home workspace in the Byron Bay Hinterland. “What started out as a 1960s double garage has been transformed into a beautiful studio I’ve waited a long time for,” says Tanya. It also allows her to stay close to her husband, management consultant Matteo, 35, and their sons, Oscar, three, and newborn Luca, who arrived not long after Home Beautiful’s shoot with Tanya.
For now, mornings are slower, sleepy and often involve an amble to the nearby cafe for coffee before work begins. “I know this season of having young children is short and I want to be with them as much as possible,” Tanya shares. She’s focusing on smaller events at the moments, which are still hugely rewarding. “There’s nothing better than seeing your clients’ faces when you create their dream wedding or tablescape. Knowing you’ve been part of something so special makes the hard work worth it.”
“I love a lot of textures, layering and colour, with some interesting and unexpected elements.”
Tanya Barbariol, florist
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