Meet our Founder, Rachel Rose Abbott
Welcome to The Botanics of Us, a brand where the beauty and meaning of flowers take centre stage in both art and life. Meet Rachel Rose Abbott, the passionate founder behind The Botanics of Us. At 26, Rachel has already rooted her love for flowers deep into her brand, creating a space where nature, art, and history converge in the most enchanting ways.
Rachel at her garden in Mt Beauty, Victoria
A Blooming Background
Rachel Rose Abbott grew up in a picturesque small town in north-east Victoria, a place where mountains and gardens intertwined to create a landscape straight out of a storybook. Surrounded by such natural beauty, it's no wonder Rachel developed a deep love for flowers and the stories they tell.
At 18, Rachel moved to Wollongong to pursue her studies in graphic design and media & communications. It was here, in her final year of study, that she created the idea for The Botanics of Us as part of her Graphic Design capstone project. Little did she know, this project would soon grow into a lifelong passion and a blossoming brand.
The Seed of Inspiration
Rachel's fascination with the Language of Flowers began at the tender age of 13 when her mum gifted her a book on the subject. "I was infatuated with the meanings, the botany, and its place in history," Rachel reminisces. This book sparked a love that permeated her high school art projects and countless craft endeavours. Flowers weren't just a part of her surroundings; they became a medium through which she expressed her creativity and emotions.
Transitioning to a Flower-Fueled Career
After university, Rachel worked as a producer in the creative industry, honing her skills and gaining valuable experience. Today, she continues to work part-time as a creative director but has decided to give her own brand, The Botanics of Us, a real shot. “I realised I wanted to establish something that truly reflected my passion for flowers and their stories, and give it a real shot, because I knew I would look back and regret it if I didn't” she says. "I've learnt so much about branding and small business in my career so far, and the more I discover, the closer I feel drawn to creating something that is my own."
Values Rooted in Sustainability and Memory
At the heart of The Botanics of Us lies a commitment to slow, sustainable creation. Rachel believes in capturing moments and memories through flowers, viewing them as emotional objects tied to significant life events. "I don’t want to cost the earth, it would be hypocritical for a brand founded on nature to not respect it in the way I create" she asserts, emphasising her dedication to supporting local growers, printers, and makers while using high-quality, sustainable materials.
Rachel's hobbies, from flower pressing to garden design, heavily influence her work. For her, this brand is not just a business but a beloved hobby turned professional endeavour.
The Brand in Full Bloom
The Botanics of Us isn't your typical flower shop or art store. It represents the constant presence of flowers and plants in our lives, reflecting how they shape our experiences and memories. Rachel's unique offerings include hand-drawn botanical prints, pressed flower artwork, and bespoke floral design services, all of which tell the timeless story of the Language of Flowers.
The idea for the brand grew from her university project, driven by a decade-long passion that has never waned. What makes The Botanics of Us truly unique is its blend of art, nature, and history, offering a beautiful way to connect with nature and discover, and share, the rich symbolism of flowers; using them to communicate just as the Victorians did.
A Mission to Spread Floral Wisdom
The mission of The Botanics of Us is to bring the Language of Flowers into people's lives through beautiful, thoughtful products and experiences. Rachel envisions her brand flourishing in the next five years, with floral design projects around the world, collaborations with other brands, and workshops that delve into the fascinating world of floriography.
Rachel hopes to inspire her community to respect history and nature, to connect with the past, and to be mindful of how they spend their time. However, building the brand hasn’t been without challenges. "I'm just starting out and trying to find my community. Self-doubt sometimes creeps in, but I’m determined to succeed," she shares candidly.
Motivation and a Personal Touch
What keeps Rachel going during tough times? "I'm motivated by how proud my teenage self, who spent hours pressing flowers and wandering around the garden to craft art with flowers, would be of me for trying to make her biggest passion in life her job," she says, a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone pursuing their dreams. This connection to her younger self and her unwavering passion for flowers drive her forward, despite the hurdles.
Join the Floral Journey
Rachel's journey with The Botanics of Us is just beginning, and she invites you to join her in exploring the beautiful world of flowers and their stories. Whether you're looking for a unique piece of art, a custom floral arrangement, or just a touch of botanical inspiration, The Botanics of Us offers a window into a world where flowers speak the language of the heart.
So, step into this enchanting garden with Rachel, and discover how the Language of Flowers can add beauty and meaning to your life, just as it has to hers.