Most mornings for Mia, owner of Buds on B start before the sun comes fully up.
With a strong coffee, a playlist at full volume, and a trip to the markets or local growers around the Sunshine Coast. It’s early, but Mia believes that the best part of her job is being able to pick flowers by hand, check in with the growers and load the van with whatever the season has to offer that week.
One she arrives back to the studio, the buckets are filled, blooms are soaked with stems trimmed and foliage stripped. Mia then reviews the day’s orders, organises deliveries and fills the shop front with fresh grab-and-go bunches. “It’s busy, but it’s such a nice rhythm.” Says Mia.
Music is always a part of the mix. “I’m a massive music lover,” she laughs. “If you walk into the studio, there’s a good chance you’ll get a full-blown concert. I sing and dance my way through the day, especially if I’m prepping for a big wedding or event. It helps me shake off the stress and just enjoy the process.” She says.
Putting the Flowers to Work
There’s no over-styling or over-thinking at Buds on B. Mia’s whole approach is about letting the flowers do what they naturally want to do. “I’m really drawn to what nature gives us,” she explains. “I like to let the blooms guide me, without forcing them into something too structured or manipulated.”
That’s part of what makes their work feel so fresh, it isn’t about chasing trends. It is honest, intuitive floral design that highlights texture, movement and whatever is in season. “I’ve seen more people asking for bold, sculptural floral designs lately, probably from what they’re seeing online. They’re fun to make, but can get expensive,” she says. “I love those big statement moments, but I also love the shift toward simpler, more textural arrangements. Think beautiful foliage, a bunch of one amazing bloom, or layers of playful shapes.”
A Glimpse Into Spring at Buds on B
As the temperature starts to rise, a new wave of flowers begin to roll in. “Spring is definitely one of our favourite seasons in the studio. It’s when things start buzzing again after winter,” Mia says.
One bloom she always looks forward to is the flowering viburnum. “It’s this gorgeous, old-school flower, kind of like a mini hydrangea in soft blue or white. It just gives this dreamy, cottage garden vibe that I can’t get enough of.”
As for colours, Mia loves to work with a range of colours. “White and green is still super popular, it’s clean, timeless and fresh. But I’ve also been loving the moodier tones lately like deep burgundy, plum, rich greens. They’re romantic in such a different way.” And when she’s designing just for fun, she leans straight into texture. “Give me a big, beautiful vase and some layered, tactile blooms and I’m in my element.”
Flowers with Feeling
The community around Buds on B plays a huge role in shaping the work. “As both the business owner and florist, I take feedback very personally,” she admits. “When clients appreciate my work and trust my vision, I feel free to create inspired designs. But when people have negative views about the floral industry, it can really make me question the value of what I do.”
That emotional honesty infuses everything from her client relationships to her sustainability practices. About 80% of Buds on B’s stock is Australian-grown, much of it local. “Farming’s not easy or cheap,” she says. “Supporting local growers helps sustain both the industry and our community.”
Everyday Flowers, Just Because
Buds on B isn’t just about events. Most days, the studio is filled with regulars picking up bunches for themselves or someone they love. “If you want something simple and joyful, I always recommend disbuds,” Mia says. “They’re part of the chrysanthemum family, they’re affordable, and they last ages. You only need a few to make a little vase look amazing.”
For something with a bit more impact? “Orchids. Especially cymbidiums. They’ve got the longest vase life and just one stem makes a statement.”
Growing with the Seasons
This September, Mia turns 30, a milestone that’s got her reflecting on how far Buds on B has come. “I bought the business when I was 22,” she says. “So I’ve basically spent all of my twenties building it, learning about flowers, about business and about myself.”
There’s nothing huge or flashy on the horizon, but that’s kind of the point. “Floristry is one of those last-minute industries. You never really know what’s around the corner, so I try to go with the flow and stay open to what each week brings.”
Whether it’s a wedding arch, a wrapped bunch for the weekend, or a single stem to brighten a desk, everything that leaves Buds on B has Mia’s hands and heart behind it.
The Micro Wedding Trend
While Buds on B isn’t a full-time wedding florist, Mia has carved out a special space in the world of smaller, more intimate celebrations. “I actually love working with brides who are a little last minute,” she laughs. “I put a lot of energy into the ceremony flowers. That’s the moment you’ll look back on.”
And she makes it work in a way that’s both beautiful and smart, designing with repurposing in mind so ceremony flowers can be used again at the reception. It’s thoughtful and practical. “I love when a couple brings their own ideas to the table, and I get to run with it in my own way. That mix of their vision and my design style is where the magic happens. No two weddings ever feel the same.”
About Buds on B –
Buds on B is an independently owned and operated florist shop nestled in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. With a strong commitment to supporting local and Australian growers and wholesalers, the team at Buds on B proudly showcases their products, choosing quality over quantity every time. They deliver daily bunches of exquisite flowers across the Sunshine Coast, using beautifully sourced local blooms. Through their work, Buds on B invites others to celebrate the artistry, sustainability and natural beauty of the region’s floral offerings.
