What’s in a name?
Otok
noun
a piece of land surrounded by water
We were on the lookout for a name that appeared simple and ambiguous, but still had quiet personal relevance.
"Otok" fit the bill perfectly. It's the Croatian word for island, which ties into our founder's heritage and connection to the Elaphiti Islands. But it's more than that. "Otok" also represents the three places she calls home—Australia, the UK, and Croatia. Each of these places holds a special place in her heart, with family, friends, and cherished memories.
Three islands, three homes, one name.
It’s a privilege to intersect peoples lives at key moments of significance, and we take that very much to heart in everything that we do.
We are for the flower lover, the local customer, and the gift giver. For weddings, celebrations, farewells and tributes. Our mission is to envision, inspire and create for your life’s moments
– this is otok
Our Story
Alexandra's passion for floristry started young, sparked by the flower shop across from her family's store and a worn-out VHS of My Fair Lady. This fascination grew into a lifelong love for flowers and a dream of becoming a florist in the UK. But her path to floristry wasn't a direct one.
Despite her creative streak, Alexandra pursued a Bachelor of Health Science and an MBA, spending over a decade in the corporate world. Yet, her obsession with flowers never waned. Finally, she made a bold move, leaving her corporate career for an extended holiday in the UK. After a stint back in Australia, she attended floristry school.
Upon finishing her training, Alexandra was unexpectedly offered a position at a leading floristry studio in London. It was here she fell in love with both flowers and a man from Devon. This twist of fate led her to settle back in the UK, where she's refined her craft, developing a style that's bold, playful, and a bit whimsical.
Now, Alexandra is the founder of Otok, her own floral boutique. With Otok, she brings her vision to life, crafting arrangements that highlight seasonal British blooms, particularly from south-west growers. Conscious of the floral industry's carbon footprint, she prioritizes sustainable, recyclable, and compostable choices, avoiding imports whenever possible.
Having grown up in a four-generation small business, Alexandra values being part of her community and witnessing its special moments. Her work is a testament to her belief that flowers can tell stories and express emotions.