Factory Creatives: Kiki

Factory Creatives is a new series where we head out into the city to find out more about the local creatives at the heart of our programme. We caught up with Kiki at her art studio to talk about plants, flowers and tea ahead of her Make & Create sessions: Art of Chinese Tea and Art of Chinese Calligraphy.

Can you introduce yourself?

I am Kiki, a florist and Chinese tea sommelier. I founded Floriental, a Flower and Tea Art School which is based in Manchester.

My floral work is inspired by nature, embracing the movement, texture and character of plants in their most authentic form.

I teach floral artistry and traditional Chinese tea ceremony practices, creating experiences that encourage people to slow down and reconnect with nature. I help people appreciate the beauty of plants, craftsmanship and aesthetics in everyday life.

What or who inspires you to do the work that you do?

I have always loved plants. My journey began with gardening at home and gradually evolved into exploring more artistic ways of connecting with nature. My work sits somewhere between horticulture, floristry and tea culture – combining plant knowledge with creative expression and sensory experiences.

Working with plants brings me a sense of calm and being grounded. It allows me to create in a more intuitive and free-flowing way – away from artificial structures or expectations.

Why did you choose the location in your photograph?

This is my art studio where I have been creating floral works and hosting classes since 2023. I recognise every stem, leaf, flower and fruit branch within this space. I care for them almost as living companions, not as merchandise. I hope that their beauty, character and life come through in the work I create.

Over time, I have had many meaningful encounters with different people here through art projects and events. It feels deeply rewarding to share a natural, artistic way of living and to pass on my passion for plants while bringing moments of joy and creativity to others.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester’s arts and culture scene?

What I love most about Manchester is the respect people have for art and cultural expression. No matter what form of creativity you pursue, there is always space and opportunity to share your work and express yourself. It feels like an open and inclusive environment where people are encouraged to create freely, without constantly worrying about the judgment or expectations of others.

What would you say to someone who has never been to Floriental?

At Floriental, we teach professional skills to become a florist or tea sommelier. But more importantly, we create a space where you can slow down and reconnect with nature. Through flowers, tea and creativity, we hope people leave feeling inspired, relaxed and more connected to themselves and the world around them.

Kiki's Make & Create workshops – Art of Chinese Tea and Art of Chinese Calligraphy – run throughout summer as part of the wraparound activities for our monumental exhibition, Ai Weiwei: Button Up!