4.30.2014

meet jordana


Hello readers! My name is Jordana, and I am Sweet Woodruff’s head designer & manager. Nature has always played a huge part in my life, and my identity for that matter. My parents tell me that growing up I was sort of a wanderer. I would explore the forest and little streams beside my house, rummage through my grandfathers gardens, and pretty much touch and play with any animal that crossed my path. 23 years in, and not much has changed.

I first started working with flowers when I was around 15, and have never gone more than a couple months without being around them. I worked at a flower shop & garden center all throughout high school, and when I moved to Toronto for University, I worked part time at another flower shop for a couple more years. After graduating with an Urban Planning degree, I did some traveling, worked and volunteered for a few non-profit organizations, and then decided I wanted to use my hands again.

I started at Sweet Woodruff in the fall of 2012, and have loved it since day one. Sweet Woodruff is unlike any job. It has been a place for me to go and clear my head when everything has felt overwhelming. Being able to channel my energies into creating things has done more good for me emotionally and physically, than any desk job could ever.

When I first met Lisa, I was blown away by her incredibly refreshing and beautiful aesthetic. Not to mention, how humble and sweet she was. She has helped me grow even more into a designer, guiding and encouraging me along the way. I feel incredibly lucky to have found a boss who is also a great teacher, and most importantly, an amazing friend.

We've had many late nights and countless early mornings, but it’s never really felt like ‘’work.’’ Most of the time it feels like I’m hanging out with my friends making beautiful things, listening to good music and talking about life. I've had the pleasure of working with many talented and aspiring florists thus far, and it’s always exciting to have a new energy in the shop.

I love beauty, in all its quirky and non-traditional forms. I love people and animals, and try and surround myself with tons of living things. Music and art also play a huge part in my life, as I’m sure it does for most creative types. I am a mom, to a 1.5-year-old kitten named Jax! He is the sweetest, most loving creature I've ever been around. I pretty much talk about him 24/7.

So, if you’re ever in the neighbourhood, stop by the shop and don’t hesitate to come up and say hello! We can chat about plants, flowers, and cats. I don’t know much more than that ;)

- Jordana



 Photos by Vicky Starz

4.29.2014

the girls of sweet woodruff


If you've been in our shop or you've read the blog then you've definitely met or heard me talk about the talented girls that I work with, Jordana & Cara. And it will be absolutely no surprise to you how much I completely adore these two. I love how we collaborate together, I love how we inspire each other, I love how we encourage each other, I love how we make each other laugh. I love that these two talented beauties are who I get to share my every day with.

And now, I get to share them and their brilliance with you!

Our Sweet Woodruff blog has a new voice, well two actually. Look out for the new posts from all of us - the whole team - starting this week!

*Also, this is clearly not a picture of the three of us together (because I don't have a picture of the three of us together - which must be rectified immediately!!!!) but it is a picture of me right before I so elegantly fell off a ladder... one of Jordana's fondest memories of me to date ;)

photo by Rebecca Amber 


4.24.2014

workshop series | mother's day


Remember when you used to hand-make your Mother's Day gifts? She loved that! And so did you. Why not bring back the tradition, and come create a beautiful flower arrangement with us at our Mother's Day Flower Workshop!

In this 2-hour workshop we'll show you how to create a beautiful spring arrangement that you can give to you mom, all while sipping champagne in our pretty studio.

Not going to be seeing your mom in person that weekend? No problem, we'll deliver the arrangement right to her!

Material Provided:
1 hour tutorial and demonstration by Lisa Collins
1 hour arrangement instruction, with hands on guidance from Sweet Woodruff designers
All tools required to make an arrangement
Beautiful spring blooms
Elegant vessel
Sweet box, tissue and matching ribbon for wrapping 
Champagne Cocktail for sipping (flowers come together better with a bit of bubbly!)
*Flower Delivery charge additional

Date: Friday May 9th 
Time: 7pm
Cost: $200
Address: 889 Dundas Street West, Toronto

email lisa[@]sweetwoodruff.ca to reserve your spot!

photos by Tara McMullen