Having a creative career in mind, Sophie Powell, owner of U.FL.O., didn’t go to a floristry college or complete an apprenticeship, but instead managed to get work experience in a very small London shop after asking almost every shop in the city if they would have her. Balancing a full-time job, she did weekend work at said flower shop and then, one day, a guy got fired and she took over his job. And the rest, as they say, is history!
Sophie Powell – The Mind Behind U.FL.O., Unidentified Floral Object
With over 15 years of experience in the world of florals, from creating bouquets and installing event designs to teaching more than 5,000 floral enthusiasts around the globe, Sophie has developed a deep passion for flowers. Her goal is to share the magic of the floral world by creating memorable experiences filled with color and creativity, working closely with clients to bring their floral visions to life.
Meet the artist, Sophie Powell
By day, she creates one-of-a-kind arrangements and bouquets and leads floral workshops; by night, she designs large-scale floral installations for events and weddings across London. Sophie was even part of the Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival in 2025!
A Bit of Her History
Welcome to U.FL.O. Flower School, a beautiful, creative space in South London dedicated to flowers, floral education, and shared experiences among flower lovers!
Whether guests are looking for a fun day out, a hen party, a private class, a corporate experience, or an opportunity to expand their floral knowledge, Sophie offers workshops suited to all levels and occasions. As the former School Principal of McQueens Flower School, she had the opportunity to teach more than 5,000 floral enthusiasts around the world, leading everything from hand-tied bouquet workshops to month-long career courses. With a deep passion for flowers, she aims to share the magic of the floral world through memorable experiences filled with color, creativity, and excitement.
She shares:
"I am super proud when students go on to have flowers in their everyday lives. The fact that I may have had an input in their floral careers is massive for me.”
Conditioning Flowers is One of Her Favorite Chores
Refreshingly, Sophie shares that one of her favorite chores in her studio is conditioning flowers.
"I love the quiet time I have with the flowers, preparing them for use and giving them a moment of calm in water before their performance. The flip side is breaking down the installations. I mean, untangling chicken wire is probably one of the worst jobs!"
Positives will always outweigh any negatives, and everyone knows that Sophie will continue to amaze and delight with her show-stopping talent. As she readily confesses that her passion is to share a magical floral world through creating memories of color and excitement, working together with clients to make their floral fantasies come true.
Where is U.FL.O.?
U.FL.O. Studio is located in Iliffe Yard, South London. Situated just off Walworth Road in Elephant and Castle, Iliffe Yard is a small cobbled street home to a range of creative and artistic businesses. The dynamic space preserves some of the last surviving Victorian tenement buildings in London, adding character and history to the studio’s surroundings. Sophie is always excited to welcome guests to the studio’s new location and looks forward to sharing floral experiences and workshops in the space.
To learn more about workshops and services, visit U.FL.O's website.
Photos: @u.fl.o.london.
