New Directions: Nay Bellamy

From Fashion to Florals: A Conversation with Nay Bellamy

In the first of our New Directions series, where we celebrate women who have made the transition from fashion to art, we are so excited to sit down with Nay Bellamy to find out about her creative process, and what drove her to make this creative shift.

Q: What inspired you to transition from fashion buying into botanical art? Was there a particular moment that sparked the shift?

I actually started out in design before moving into buying, so creativity has always been at the core of what drives me. That’s one of the things I loved most about working at Ted Baker, it was a brand bursting with imagination and originality. I was constantly surrounded by creativity, and that really shaped my outlook.

But everything shifted after I had my first son, Arlo. The fast pace of the fashion world, which once felt exhilarating, began to lose its sparkle. I found myself craving something more hands-on, more emotionally connected and something I could truly call my own. I trained to become an art educator, and that experience reignited a fire in me. Suddenly, I was immersed in the world of making again, and it felt like coming home.

From there, I started creating little pieces on the side, purely out of love. It wasn’t until I had my second son that I decided to really go for it. I gave myself permission to follow that pull toward something more meaningful and far more creative.

 Q: Tell us about your creative process—where do you begin, and what inspires your designs?

My process usually starts with the flowers themselves. There's something about receiving a new bunch from one of the amazing local, sustainable growers I work with. It's like a little jolt of inspiration every time.

Colour is a huge source of inspiration for me, too. I find it everywhere: in vintage textiles, antique markets, interiors, and even the odd piece of bric-a-brac. I often collect bits and bobs without knowing exactly how they'll be used, but they always seem to find their way into my process. I guess I’m always collecting ideas, whether consciously or not.

Q: We love your USP where you paint the frames—can you tell us more about this approach?

Thank you! I’ve always loved the idea of giving new life to something old. When I come across an antique frame, often a bit battered and forgotten, I don’t just see it as a frame. I see a blank canvas. I then carefully restore and make it into something new.

Rather than treating the frame as an afterthought, I make it part of the artwork. I like to imagine how the entire piece will live and breathe together, the frame and the painting as one whole. There’s something really satisfying about transforming something unloved into something fresh and contemporary while still preserving its story.

Q: What's your favourite flower to paint and why?

Oh, that’s such a hard one! I have a real soft spot for the twirly, whirly-stemmed flowers, the ones that seem to dance and move even when they’re still. There’s something beautifully organic and free about them.

But if I had to choose, I’d say the bearded iris is my favourite. There’s something otherworldly about them, like they’ve come from the bottom of the ocean or some dreamlike universe. They’re bold and unusual, and I love the challenge of capturing that essence in paint.

Q: How have your years in fashion influenced your work?

Fashion taught me everything about composition, colour, and pattern... all things that are deeply embedded in my work now. Even though I’m not designing clothing anymore, I still think in terms of palettes and collections.

People often tell me they can tell I used to work in apparel, which I find fascinating. Maybe it’s because I still subconsciously imagine my pieces as wearable in some way? It’s funny how those instincts stay with you.

Q: What’s been one of your most memorable or meaningful moments in this journey?

One of the biggest pinch-me moments was working with Quinn Says and seeing the reaction to my first range. I’ll never forget the overwhelming feeling of joy and disbelief when people from around the world connected with my work.

It was the first time I truly felt seen as an artist. To have something so personal resonate so widely, was really humbling.  That moment gave me the confidence to really step into this path fully.

Q: Describe your ambitions for the future of your business.

I have this dream of building a studio that opens up into a cutting garden, a place where I can grow my own flowers and create right from the source. It’s the ultimate vision of creativity and sustainability all in one.

I’m working with some really exciting brands this year, and I’d love to continue that journey, building deeper, more meaningful collaborations. And I’d absolutely love to see my work evolve into other forms like ceramics, fabrics, maybe even homewares. It feels like there’s so much more to explore.

Q: Who inspires you and why?

MY MUM! Always! She’s an absolute powerhouse and has taught me everything about strength, resilience, and determination. Watching her navigate life with such grace and tenacity has been endlessly inspiring.

I also really admire Emma Grede and Jo Malone both incredible examples of women who’ve built something meaningful from the ground up.