Sophie Wiking’s path to floristry felt like the perfect fusion of all she loved: the joy of working with organic materials, the satisfaction of getting her hands dirty, and the thrill of visual creativity. During her training in Malmö, she often found herself at odds with tradition. “When explaining the spiral technique, my teacher insisted that the bouquets had to be round and symmetric,” she recalls. “I found this ridiculous. I knew immediately that I wanted to step away from the traditional way and create something more natural.”
True to her vision, Sophie is now celebrated for her delicate arrangements, full of frills and ruffles that evoke a sense of effortless beauty. Her bouquets, crafted for weddings, events, exhibitions, and editorials, are a dance of lightness and grace, never too compact or rigid. They embody the Swedish concept of “lagom”—just right, perfectly balanced. It’s no surprise that someone once crowned her “the queen of bounce,” a title that captures the lively yet tranquil, airy quality that defines her work.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live and work in Gamla Enskede in Stockholm. I quite recently decided to move back to my hometown after having spent twelve years away living in Copenhagen and Malmö.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
I guess most people would like to go somewhere secluded to relax, but I’m quite the opposite. I like the buzz of the city, and I like people watching. Stigbergets Fot at Götgatan has the best outdoor seating for this. It is a great place to just sit and relax, have a beer and look at all the people walking by. In the winter I also like to visit the greenhouse in the Bergian botanical garden. They have a lovely orangery as well, where you can have lunch or Swedish fika. I like to bring my sketchbook with me, that way I avoid looking at my phone and am able to clear my head for a bit.
© Ola Erickson
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
Rosendals Trädgård is a true Stockholm gem that I recommend to everyone. It’s a biodynamic garden with a cafe, artisan bakery and shop. In the summer you can harvest your own bouquet from the cut flower garden, and in the farm shop you can buy biodynamic vegetables (they have the best tomatoes!), homemade preserves and pickles, and carefully selected crafts.
© Charlotte Westring
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
I think creativity is something that’s always been encouraged in Stockholm, or in Sweden in general. The mentality is to constantly evolve, to make things work better and more efficiently. For example, we’re known for our strong focus on environmental sustainability and innovation in green engineering, such as renewable energy sources and eco-friendly technologies.
© Visit Stockholm
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
I rarely go out to eat these days, but from what I’ve heard every other restaurant that opens up in Slakthusområdet is worth the hype.
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
I would have to say all of the vintage boutiques. Stockholm is an amazing place to go second hand shopping and to find unique stuff. If you’re ever here on a Sunday, make sure to stop by the vintage market at Hötorget.
© Visit Stockholm
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
I mainly get my news updates from Omni, a Swedish news app.
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constraints – which one would you choose?
Nowhere else. I’m way too happy where I am right now.
© Courtesy of the artist
