Borrowed Light is a creative flower and plant studio, using nature to mark the most meaningful moments in life
We are Claudia and Sarah
We set up Borrowed Light together in 2018 in a small studio in East London. Bringing together Sarah’s background in fine art and interest in horticulture, Claudia’s European training and a combined 45 years of floristry experience, what began as an adventure solely in flowers bloomed into an enthusiasm for all plantlife. Now, Borrowed Light is in equal parts a plant and flower business.
Look closely and you’ll see in our work what inspires us: some of the city’s most vast spaces to the smallest corners of our neighbourhood, like the curves of urban architecture, the flora in our local forest and works of art that catch our eye.
Sustainability
As a company rooted in nature, sustainability is at the heart of Borrowed Light. We have implemented many changes for the better over the past few years, and there’s a long way to go still. In our industry, for now, there’s a lot that’s beyond our control (use of plastic by suppliers, for example), but conversations about how we ourselves can be better happen every day.
Meet the Team
Today our Walthamstow studio, florist and plant shop is home to the whole Borrowed Light family; a team of florists and plant experts who, alongside us, work with a range of clients from Walthamstow locals (who often become friends) to brands and businesses in the city.
Sarah P
With a background in visual arts, Sarah has a love for immersive and large-scale installations. Once a botanist at Kew Gardens, it was her Grandmother who inspired her to eventually retrain as a florist and to work with flowers and plants. She is usually on site or in the studio basement planning events and weddings
Claudia
Gustavo
Gustavo joined the team in 2021 and is now the Walthamstow shop manager. Gustavo's background in fashion has fuelled his creative flair for crafting bouquets and table-scapes. Gustavo's knowledge of houseplants is incredible, he is definitely the person to find for tips!
Sarah D
Sarah trained as a florist in Hackney and joined our team in 2023, bringing a love of British-grown flowers and all plantlife. You'll find her in the shop most Fridays and Saturdays, making bouquets and sharing notes on gardening and houseplants
Sabah
The original 'Borrowed Light Baby', Sabah was the first to join the team when we opened our doors at CRATE and has been with us ever since. You'll find her helping out at events and looking after plants at various contract locations around London.