We Meet Fashion's Favourite Florist, Ronny Colbie

Few florists have a CV to top Ronny Colbie’s. The Canadian-born and raised florist started his career at just 17, in some of Toronto’s leading floral design studios. He now resides in Balham – or ‘the Balhamas’ as he playfully likes to call it – and has a client list that reads like a who’s who of the fashion, beauty and luxury London lifestyle sector, from Larry King to David Gandy, Candice Lake and so many more.

‌His floral career was propelled to new heights when he took the job of Lead Floral Designer for the Soho House Group in 2012, working on all the iconic locations and helping to launch the hugely successful Soho Farmhouse.

‌In 2018, Ronny took a leap of faith and launched his own brand – one that could bring together his signature unique style at a price point that wasn’t unrealistic and could be accessed by all – be it for a special occasion bouquet, wedding day or one of his stunning scented candles.

‌We sat down with the florist to chat everything from his favourite London restaurants and where he’ll be holidaying this summer, to the book currently on his nightstand, plus, the vitamin C serum he can’t live without. Here’s what he had to say…

Where do you live in London and what do you love about it?

Balham, What’s not to love about the “Balhamas”? I love that neighbourhood.

Do you have a local restaurant you return to time and time again?

For me it’s all about breakfast… The restaurants I love are Milk and a local one called Sweet Maria.

Where would you book for a cosy date-night?

Belgravia is my favourite area in London, and there is a particular restaurant called La Poulet au Pot. I was brought there on a first date and I actually enjoyed the food more than my date, but the restaurant stuck with me.

Do you have any hidden gems in the city?

I am a casual guy and I just like really good food. My favourite place is Metro Pizza in Clapham Junction, I’ve never tasted tomato sauce and pasta so spectacular. It’s where all the Italians go in south west London, so you know it’s good.

Where’s the best restaurant for a special dinner out?

The Maine on Hanover Square. My long-time friend Andrew Cooke is the chef there, and the owner, Joey Ghazal, is also aesthetically pleasing. They do the best fish tacos in town.

What’s your go-to when ordering in?

I like to go tasty but healthy so it’s usually sushi. Tsunami in Clapham is a favourite.

Where is your favourite place for a healthy lunch?

North Street Deli – It’s a vegetarian deli with freshly cooked salads, hummus nd the best healthy treats you can find in the south west.

Where is great for finding unique gifts?

Everyone’s gifts are unique, so I try to shop locally and explore my neighbourhood to find the perfect ones. Portobello Road, Westbourne Grove and the Notting Hill areas always have something interesting to do and buy.

What are your favourite interior brands?

I’m really into David Grouppi – it’s minimalistic and tactile. I dig it.

Let’s talk flowers, what are your top tips for displaying flowers in your home?

It’s so important to think about seasonality and to try and reflect the colours in your home. I have two homes, one that is minimalistic and another that is very traditional, inspired by my own garden.

When styling flowers in your own home, it’s so important to think about seasonality and to try and reflect the colours of your interior.

What beauty or grooming products can’t you live without?

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum. It’s without a doubt the best serum for your face and I absolutely live by it.

Do you have a signature fragrance?

La Fayette Street by Bond No.9.

What was the last book you read and what’s currently on your nightstand?

The last book I read and couldn’t put down was I Don’t Take Requests by DJ Fat Tony. It was an authentic read and an inspiring story by a dear friend. I’ve also got Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill on the go.

What are your favourite podcasts?

60 Songs That Explain The 90s is so good.

What music have you been listening to recently?

Aside from flowers, music is my second love. You can find me listening to iconic songs by Jamie Cullum, happier songs by Robyn, and a hard session of Drum and Bass. My favourite genre is Disco and I love female musicians like Janet Jackson.

Do you have any morning or evening rituals you do every day?

My day starts and ends with walking the dogs – I’m a slave to the people and things I love.

What does your fitness routine look like?

I play tennis twice a week and do hot yoga sessions three times a week. I love sweating it out.

Let’s talk travel. Where’s on your list for 2023?

I’m looking forward to a trip to Alaska with mum and partner in September. So far this year I have done a week in Chamonix and I’m sure there will be a week in Mykonos at some point.

Where do you love for a beach break?

For beach breaks it has to be Mykonos. My partner and I go every year with a group of friends to a place that is just steps away from the town centre.

What’s your favourite UK countryside hotel?

Babington House – I worked for the Soho House Group for a number of years and this one wins my heart.

What’s in your carry-on bag?

I like to pull a Naomi Campbell and disinfect everything when I get on the plane. I pull out my big book, a pillow and eye mask. I’m known to fall asleep and love my Airpods.

For a city break, we love a long weekend in New York City, especially the buzz of Soho. I love the Mercer Hotel or the Whitby.

How did you come to launch your own brand and store?

I knew that there was a gap in the market because there are not a lot of florists in the industry that have a similar aesthetic. I had developed a beautiful signature style and I wanted to share that at a fair price. I have always said I would have my own brand by 3 – I took a leap of faith with my fingers crossed and hard work behind me and I’m here.

What are the best and worst pieces of career advice you’ve ever been given?

The best would be to not to give up when times get hard. And, it would be naive to think you could start a brand and not face struggle. Looking back now, my struggles give me strength. You never know what will happen next.

And the worst? When you have your own business, everyone advises you even when they haven’t run a business themselves. I always trust my own intuition. Mistakes are fine and they happen and that’s how we grow.

Can you share any highlights from your days working as the head florist at the Soho House Group?

I’ll always remember the day when I opened up Soho Farmhouse and meeting Nick Jones and Natalie from the events team. Working alongside somebody like Nick Jones was amazing. I owe that man a lot. His faith in me will be forever cherished.