Bread and Roses - An Irish Journey Connecting Communities through Floristry.
I first heard about the Bread and Roses project back in 2017, when I was working in a busy flower shop in London. A friend and colleague, Olivia Wilson, told me about the project she was spearheading, a project which focused on teaching a floristry programme to women from refugee and asylum seeking backgrounds. A charity which aims to use floristry as a tool to connect women, build confidence and teach them a transferable skill.
People ask me, “Did you go to school to be a florist?” The short answer being no, I trained on the job. This is a very common way of teaching floristry, especially in shops and family run businesses. I was trained by each and every florist I worked alongside. There was such skill and knowledge passed down from generations of florists in this way, it’s really an incredible thing. In a world where so much of our knowledge comes from google, it’s a wonderful thing to be taught skills which are generations old, by another person. Getting taught on the job by people who you admire, is an amazing gift. This always stood out to me about the Bread and Roses project. Having the ability to pass along a skill which can in turn, help people feel good about themselves, is such a rewarding practice. Adding another layer to this is using your skills to help a marginalised community. Now that was inspiring. The Bread and Roses tagline is “floristry as a tool for social good” and it’s that literal description which explains it perfectly, simplicity in complexity.
I have predominantly worked as an event florist for most of my career. Providing floral installation for large scale weddings and fashion events. Growing up on the West Coast of Ireland, I had never been exposed to this extreme affluence. There’s no denying flowers and teams of florists are a luxury. However, it’s important to remember a simple flower for what it is, a gift from nature that everyone is entitled to. Olivia Wilson puts it perfectly -
Amidst a world increasingly divided, I firmly believe that fostering integration is key to bridging these gaps. In Dublin, we've witnessed a troubling rise in racially motivated violence, perpetuated by the growing culture of fear surrounding immigrants and refugees, fueled by far-right political groups. The scenes of violence and chaos that unfolded on the streets of Dublin in December 2023 were a stark reminder of the urgency to uphold the humanity of every immigrant and asylum seeker. In such times, flowers are a universal symbol of kindness and empathy. In our workshops, it's crucial to extend friendship and encouragement to our participants, affirming their value and contributions to the community. Every individual in this country possesses the capacity to make positive contributions, and it's essential to celebrate and uplift each other.
Settling back in Ireland after years living in London, I felt it was time to take the initiative to begin establishing a Bread and Roses branch in Dublin. However, Covid had reared its ugly head and resulted in lockdowns in Ireland, which stalled the whole process. I focused on finding an organisation to partner with, it was a slow process but a connection was established with a wonderful organisation called Spirasi. Their knowledge and support of the refugee crisis was eye opening. It’s been a privilege to meet and work with people who are so gifted at what they do.
It’s so fun to see the excited expression on the faces of the Spirasi team when I haul buckets of flowers in through the corridors every Monday morning. It’s such a valuable reminder of the emotions flowers and nature bring to us humans. There is extensive research to support the therapeutic benefits of working and receiving flowers. A study from Rutgers University highlights groundbreaking research on the emotional impact of flowers, suggesting that these natural elements play a significant role in improving emotional well-being. Conducted by Professor Jeannette Haviland-Jones and her team, the study reveals that the presence of flowers triggers feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and gratitude. Over a 10-month period, participants consistently displayed genuine smiles and reported decreased feelings of depression, anxiety, and agitation after receiving flowers. Furthermore, flowers fostered intimate connections, leading to increased social interaction with family and friends. The study indicates that flowers not only have an immediate positive effect on mood but also contribute to long-term emotional health. Dr. Haviland-Jones emphasises that flowers create welcoming and sharing atmospheres in spaces where they are displayed, challenging conventional beliefs about managing emotional well-being.
Developing the Bread and Roses project in Ireland has been an incredibly enlightening experience for me. It has enriched various aspects of my work, humbled me, and provided invaluable insights into the struggles faced by asylum seekers in Ireland. This endeavour has also expanded my knowledge of floristry, introducing me to new facets and approaches. Most importantly, it has allowed me to cultivate genuine friendships and connections that I cherish and hope will endure for years to come. - Read more about this topic.
