Relocating to Dubai to start a new job on the brink of a pandemic would be a challenge for even the strongest among us. Finding your footing in these uncertain times is exactly what the creative director of the chic flower company Fine Blooms had to do.

With a background in fashion, Chloe Szukilojc’s approach to a fabulous bouquet is a little different to what you have seen before. With her creative eye and desire to create something unique has been a hit with the younger clientele who prefer another take on traditional arrangements. Implementing trends and keeping an eye out for the latest developments in the world of beautiful flowers has made Szukilojc’s one of the most in-demand florists in the Dubai – and she’s only moved here from Australia in February.

Below, we find out how she made the unexpected circumstances work in her favour. What was your favourite subject at school?

Textiles and Design. What was your first job?

Flipping burgers at Carmel’s café in Palm Beach, Sydney, Australia. It was a little boat shed that was quite literally on the water. Palm Beach is also known as Summer Bay—it’s where they film the Australian television drama Home and Away . How did you know you wanted to be a florist?

I have wanted to be a florist for as long as I can remember but I didn’t feel like it was something I could pursue as a full-time career when I was at school—there was more pressure to follow the traditional route of going to University and studying. So, when I finished high school, I studied fashion business and then worked in a fashion agency for a few years before realising I wasn’t truly fulfilled. I have been lucky enough to come back to my passion and really make a career of it. I have been mentored and taught by some incredibly talented and renowned people in the industry. Being surrounded by people that hold such a strong passion for the same things you do where you can learn and bounce ideas off has shown me that this is defiantly the right path I took. I love flowers. I love nature. I’m constantly in awe of how such beauty is formed from very little. It’s such a deep passion that drives me every day. What are the key elements of your role?

Trying to stay creative and keep up to date with what’s happening in fashion, events and global trends. I really like to think outside the box and try to use multiple platforms to continually inspire me. Leading a team and business making sure that everyone is working in harmony and sourcing. I am constantly sourcing new products from Holland, plants, vases and tools that can push my creative visions and make them come to life. Talk us through your daily routine.

I guess this is one of the things I love about my job so much: every day is so […]