Finding Purpose in Bloom
“You’d think the best time to chase dreams is when you have all the time in the world,” Alison Seow muses, founder of the captivating floral studio, Lule.co. But for Alison, it was the very feeling of being pressed against the wall that propelled her forward.
Taking a year off to be a stay-at-home mom while her husband shouldered a demanding work schedule, Alison found herself questioning her purpose. The days felt endless, filled with milk bottles and a yearning to rekindle the spark of her career. Scrolling through endless ideas, a seed of possibility was planted – Lule.co.
The vision was clear: financial independence, contributing to the household, and the flexibility to be present for her family. Yet, the fear of overwhelming orders or flowers too big for her car threatened to hold her back. “Silly thoughts,” Alison laughs now, “but paralyzing nonetheless.”
With her two young children in tow (aged 1 and 3), Alison’s early days were a whirlwind. Flower runs were conducted in a Myvi while her children, ever-present, witnessed the dedication and perseverance required to bring Lule to life.
“Those intense moments,” Alison reflects, “laid the foundation for the stamina I have today. 18-hour workdays don’t faze me anymore.”
Five years have passed, and Lule has blossomed into a brand that reflects Alison’s unique artistry. Unafraid to push boundaries, she champions unconventional local and native Malaysian flora, crafting arrangements with a fluid, organic feel. Sustainability is also a core value, with Alison educating clients about the environmental impact of traditional floristry and introducing them to eco-friendly alternatives.
“There’s always a trade-off,” Alison acknowledges. Now with her children aged 6 and 8, the challenges have evolved. Balancing homeschooling, swim classes, and daily projects requires constant recalibration.
“Finding the ‘why’ helps me stay grounded,” she shares. For Alison, prioritizing her family means operating from a home-based studio, even if it means sacrificing a larger team or certain projects. Some days, tucking her children in is impossible, while others require letting go of lucrative projects to prioritize family time
Lule is an embodiment of purposeful living. Alison frequently includes her children in her work, fostering their understanding of hard work and the pursuit of dreams. “I am a mother, a wife, a creative, and an entrepreneur,” she declares. “There is no separation. Accepting this makes me a better mother at home.”
Alison’s quote to remember: “In the toughest of seasons, people grow beyond what they think they are capable of. Let me tell you something about flowers. They are more resilient than you think. And people — are grittier than flowers.”
More on Alison’s work at Lule, visit her website or instagram
Contact : luleandflora@gmail.com | +6017-685 0805
Also read:
Arkateori’s Story of Motherhood and Creativity
Spicing Up Sarawak, One Peppercorn at a Time
