“Look deep into nature, you will understand everything better.”
about Francis Smith
Selfishly borne out of a desperation for floral sublimity in our corner of West London, and as two flower-fans who discovered a shared love of all things botanical, Francis Smith - Flowers with meaning was founded. We believe in celebrating the magical language of flowers, their beauty and the communication they convey to yourself and to others. We started sharing our seasonal flowers with our like-minded neighbours in the Autumn of 2018 and have continued to deliver weekly bouquets and arrangements to an ever-growing collection of private homes and local businesses. Whether by foot or by bicycle, our founding mantra still rings true: No polluting vans, no superfluous packing. Just beautiful flowers.
One of the joys of becoming known as an excellent local florist is that people call on you to create floral arrangements for the most significant moments of their lives; weddings, funerals, births, birthdays, anniversaries, Tuesdays… (because why not?!) #flowertuesdays.
We subsequently expanded our range beyond our subscription flowers and hand-tied delights, into the world of event floristry, working with newly engaged couples, both wedding and event planners, but also with well-known brands such as Harrods, IBM, Asda, Leiths, Kindred London, Anteater PR and The Oak Restaurant Group. Both arms of our business bring floral-joy and we take pride in being able to create iconic flowers for one-off events as well as arrangements for every day, that are so much more than everyday.
Meet Philippa
“Smith”, Co-founder & Florist
The first 15 years of my working life was in, and around restaurants, fine wine and the hospitality industry. Taking the step to completely retrain and change careers was a big one, co-founding with Lizzie allowed me to follow my floral dreams.
It was only after the business name was set that I realised my great-grandfather “Frank”, christened Francis Smith, also had a life-long passion for all things botanical and actually worked as a microbiologist scientist at Kew Gardens. For me, this was the unplanned signal that gave the green light for my newly formed green fingers.
I love the challenge of a highly designed stylish “less is more” concept, but I am at my happiest when working on “more is more” projects. I have an extremely keen eye for detail, love dreaming big when it comes to florals, and I bring with me my “service with a smile” training to the forefront of day-to-day business of Francis Smith.
I am with you every step of the way; from initial phone calls and emails, to the delivery of your flowers. Whether it’s a beautiful bouquet or an Elton John inspired flower-filled ballroom, I’m the flower girl for you.
- P
And Lizzie
“Francis”, co-founder
In deciding there was more to life than managing some of the most prolific song-writers of the age, Lizzie found yoga, mindfulness and wellbeing.
She developed her need for change into The Centre of Unlearning, which is where the first workshop space Francis Smith Flowers established was based.
Lizzie is no longer part of Francis Smith other than being the ever encouraging cheerleader to Philippa & all F-S-F future plans
Clematis - Beauty of the mind
Website Photography: AKP Branding Stories / Natalie D Photography / Dominika Miechowska / John Allison / My Own