For much of my younger life, I spent so much time trying to fit in. I moulded myself into whatever version I thought I needed to be - softer, cooler, quieter, louder - depending on the season of life and the people around me. I became quite good at adapting, at wearing little masks that I hoped would make me more accepted.
Over the years, I’ve been through many “eras”: Chic Kelsey, Cool Girl Kelsey, Party Girl Kelsey, Bohemian Kelsey, Mother Earth Kelsey, Cottage Witch Kelsey - each one special in her own way. Looking back, I can see that every version of me was trying her best to grow into herself, to find her place in the world.
When I think about the last twenty years, I hardly recognise that shy, quiet girl who once tried to blend in. Somewhere between those eras, I blossomed into the woman I was always meant to be - a wife, a mother, a florist, and a business owner. I’ve built a life that feels authentic, imperfect, and beautiful in its own soft, ordinary way.
And the woman I am now? She lives without fear of judgement. She cranks Celine Dion as she drives across the city to the flower market, lets her son crawl into bed beside her each night, and proudly admits that her favourite cuisine is English - yes, I said it! Give me a hearty pie or a roast dinner any day over a salad or sushi roll. While others are sipping espresso martinis at a bar, you’ll probably find me curled up on the sofa, sipping tea and watching Downton Abbey reruns for the hundredth time.
I’m not afraid to put it out there anymore - to show all the little quirks that make me who I am. For so long, I tried to tidy myself up for the world, to be the version that felt the easiest for others to accept. But now? I’ve let go of that need to mask or edit myself. I don’t want to live to meet other people’s expectations - I want to live fully as me.
Sometimes I wish I could hug thirteen year old Kelsey. She was often lonely, always the last to be chosen, and never quite sure where she fit. But what I’d tell her now, at thirty three, is that she didn’t need to change - she just needed time. Time to grow, to learn, and to realise that the very things that made her different would one day become her greatest strengths.
I wouldn’t go back to those early years - not for a moment. Every awkward stage, every reinvention, every heartbreak led me here. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
Finding my signature style
My style has evolved through many chapters, much like I have. I’ve had my polished, city inspired years, my bohemian phases, my “Mother Earth” seasons - and each version of me taught me something about what feels like home. But over time, I realised I didn’t need to chase trends or mould myself to fit someone else’s aesthetic.
Instead of looking to celebrities or influencers for inspiration, I’ve learned to take my cues from the world around me - my craft, my flowers, the shifting seasons, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. The colours of my garden, the feel of linen against my skin, the soft pastels of dried petals - they all guide me far more than a passing trend ever could.
These days, I’d describe my style as a mix of dainty floral dresses, linen shirts, peasant skirts, and cosy knits - the kind of clothes that feel both romantic and practical. I love a gentle cardigan thrown over a cotton dress, or a simple shirt tucked into a flowy skirt. It’s English countryside meets Australian cottage - soft, natural, and lived in.
My hair is usually loose and wavy, sometimes tied back in a claw clip when I’m in the studio. My makeup is light and fresh - a dewy base, a little blush, mascara, and a rose tinted lip balm. Nothing too heavy or polished, just enough to feel like myself.
What I wear now feels like an extension of my work and my values - grounded, feminine, and easy. My clothes are practical enough to move between the garden, the flower market, and my studio, yet pretty enough to make me feel put together when I stop for coffee or deliver flowers. There’s a beautiful flow between my wardrobe, my work, and my home - all sharing that same sense of comfort, romance, and simplicity.
It’s taken me years to realise that personal style isn’t something you copy - it’s something you grow into. Mine has been shaped not by what’s popular, but by what feels peaceful, authentic, and real.
A Halloween Recipe
As the days grow longer and the garden bursts back into colour, I always find myself craving something comforting yet familiar. Spring might be in full swing here, but there’s still a little chill in the evenings - the kind that makes a slice of something warm and sweet feel just right.
This spiced pumpkin pie is my twist on the traditional - silky, gently spiced, and finished with clouds of maple sweetened cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans. It’s a dessert that bridges the seasons beautifully - cosy enough for those breezy nights, yet light and fragrant enough to suit spring.
You’ll need:
1 ½ cups pumpkin purée
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup cream
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp clove
A splash of vanilla extract
1 pie shell (store bought or homemade - both are perfectly fine)
For the maple cream:
1 cup thickened cream
2 tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
Whisk together pumpkin, sugar, eggs, cream, and spices until smooth. Pour into the pie shell.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the centre is set and lightly golden.
Whip cream with maple syrup and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Serve the pie warm or chilled, topped with a generous spoonful of maple cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
Best enjoyed with a cup of tea, a candle flickering nearby, and a spooky film on.
A Gentle Reminder ...
As October draws to a close, I can hardly believe how quickly Christmas is approaching. The garden is slowly changing, the roses are beginning to bloom again, and there’s that familiar hum of the festive season in the air.
If you’re starting to think about meaningful gifts this year - the kind that make a home feel warm and loved - my candles, diffusers, and everlasting florals make beautiful, thoughtful presents.
And for those wanting a little magic in the lead-up to Christmas, I have two Wreath Making Workshops booked - both held in my cottage garden, surrounded by the scent of pine, cinnamon, and fresh blooms. It’s one of my favourite traditions of the year, and I can’t wait to welcome you into my garden once again. To make a booking, please visit the workshops section of my website and select the date.
Every version of me has led to this moment: a slower, more grounded, joy filled life surrounded by flowers, family, and purpose.
Thank you for walking this journey with me.
With love and wildflowers,
Kels x