Take Old Bar's Loren Telfer for example.

After a number of years living and working on the Gold Coast, Loren and her partner Arthur made the move to Sydney in late 2019 so Loren could complete a floristry course.

Having undertaken work experience in the industry previously, she thought the course would provide a valuable step towards her goal of one day owning her own floristry.

But when the course was cancelled as a result of the pandemic and Loren was stood down from her job in hospitality, the opportunity seemed right to move back to Old Bar and start her own business - Wild Cosmo Flowers.

Launched in May and originally envisaged as a 'side hustle', Loren says she's been shocked at how quickly it's taken off.

"It's just exploded and become real busy," she said.

"I've had a lot of hairdressers and beauticians buying off me, a lot of individuals."

Offering a range of both fresh and everlasting flowers, Loren believes her arrangements have proven popular for a number of reasons.

"My style is definitely on-trend at the moment so it's appealing to a lot of younger people and for people who have weddings coming up as well, and I think there was just a bit of a gap in the market for the everlasting flowers," she said.

Unlike fresh flowers, everlasting flowers - which have been dried and preserved - don't wilt or discolour, and it's for this reason they're becoming increasingly popular.

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But while Loren knows she's got her finger on the pulse at the moment, she's also aware of how quickly trends can change.

"I definitely have to keep on moving forward and keeping up with all the new trends that are coming up," she said.

Currently operating out of a colourful studio in the garage of her Old Bar Road home, Loren hopes to eventually open up a shopfront.

But for now she's just concentrating on keeping up with demand, which has proved to be the biggest challenge of starting her own business.

"That's pretty much it - just time, long hours, but it's good," Loren said.

"I'm loving it."

To see more of Loren's flowers, check out www.wildcosmo.com.au or follow her on Instagram @wildcosmoflowers

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