Meet the Founder: Bronte from Sonder + Stone on Business, Blooms + Big Decisions
Ever wondered who’s behind the florals? 🌸 Meet Bronte — the heart and hands behind Sonder + Stone Boutique. From number cruncher to creative queen, Bronte’s journey into the world of artificial wedding flowers is as unexpected as it is inspiring.
Today, she’s giving us a peek behind the scenes of the business she’s built — with a few fun facts sprinkled in 💫

How did Sonder + Stone come to be?
I actually started Sonder + Stone as a creative outlet while I was working in accounting. It began with homewares and home arrangements — something I could do in my downtime that felt more me. As demand for what I was doing grew (especially for weddings!), it naturally evolved into what it is today: a boutique artificial wedding florist creating modern, elevated designs across Australia.
What made you pivot from accounting to flowers?
After 10 years in finance, I knew I wanted more creativity in my everyday. I loved the structure of business — and I still use that side of my brain a lot — but I craved something more fulfilling, something hands-on. My business gave me that spark, and once I realised there was a genuine demand for beautiful, custom artificial florals, I knew I had to run with it. It was actually during COVID that I decided to quit my job as a financial controller and pursue Sonder + Stone full time — something some people thought I was a little crazy for given what was going on in the world… but BEST DECISION EVER!
Why artificial flowers?
I started using artificial flowers when the business was doing homewares — to spruce up the vases we were selling. It was a perfect match for me, given I can't keep any plant alive to save my life 😂 I realised I had a real love for floral design, which took me quickly from creating arrangements for homes and businesses into artificial flowers for weddings. I love that our couples get to keep their flowers too — there’s something really special about that. Plus, when they’re styled well and made with high-quality materials, they’re just as stunning as fresh.
What does your typical week look like?
As a small business owner, I wear all the hats — accounting, marketing, customer service, design work... you name it. No two weeks are ever the same (which I LOVE!). Most days you’ll find me deep in design work, managing orders, chatting with couples, prepping for events, and juggling timelines behind the scenes. I’m lucky to have an amazing close team who helps get everything safely packed and delivered to couples around Australia 💐
Favourite design you’ve ever done?
That’s like choosing a favourite child! But I love working with colour and texture — so any palette that’s brought to me with that brief? Gimme gimme! But really, I love my job and getting to be creative every day with different designs is just so much fun.
Something couples don’t realise about artificial flowers?
Artificial flowers have come such a long way, and we’re here to change the beauty standards around them. The bad rep they used to have is shifting, and we’re so excited to be part of that movement — especially with all the benefits they offer couples. Plus, you’re not limited by season or fragility, so we can really get creative with colour and structure.
Quick fire 🌼
✨ Favourite flower combo right now? Rich tones like burgundy, fig, and merlot paired with deep green and soft ivory — modern romance meets moody luxe with organic shapes and texture
🍸 Go-to cocktail order? Margarita, always
🌍 Favourite place in the world? I just got back from Santorini — such a beautiful part of the world!
💡 If you weren’t a florist, you’d be...? Probably running another type of business... I could never go back to corporate life haha