Meet Torryne

Posted by Audrey Orr on January 22, 2024

As part of our 'Meet the Artist' series, Torryne Choate, an accomplished visual artist with expertise in floral arrangements, shared her creative process and reflected on her 17-year journey as a business owner. In 2007, after garnering 15 years of experience in the floral industry, she launched her own brand and shop known as Birch.

Tell me a little about how your business came to be?

“My first shop was in the Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. With the huge success of Birch, I opened a second location in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. Birch is a full service florist and a retail shop offering an array of beautiful objects for the home. I closed the brick and mortar shops in 2017, and continue to operate Birch from a studio in San Francisco. Birch offers daily deliveries throughout the Bay Area, custom floral services for private residences, event decor, editorial styling, corporate account florals and of course wedding work!"

As a creative, what is your favorite part of running your business?

"My entire business is a creative endeavor, from sourcing my materials each morning at the flower market to creating each bespoke arrangement and placing the finished work in situ."

How would you describe your creative process?

“My process is intuitive, I never pre-plan my arrangements, or the materials that I will be working with. I let them speak to me, and I have the honor of interpreting their voices.”

What is a part of your work that you never expected to enjoy as much as you do?

“Creating a bridal bouquet is a very rewarding and special part of the work that I do. Handing the bouquet to the bride right before the wedding is my favorite moment.”

What place that you have traveled to, has altered your business the most?

“My first trip to Marfa Texas in 2010- the desert landscape has had deep impact on my creative work. The quality of light, the landscape and the materials have been incorporated seamlessly into my floral work and into my work as a photographer.”

What is something you want to learn how to do?

“I want to learn to use Ubi’s M8 Leica camera!”

What is your favorite meal you’ve ever cooked for someone you love?

“This question is impossible for me to answer, as I am an avid cook and enjoy entertaining often. Cooking is another creative expression for me, and I always cook from the heart. That said, I am known for my inventive salads that always incorporate edible flowers…”

What is one thing that you do every day to stay sane?

“I always burn incense throughout the day.”

What is your guilty pleasure?

“Oysters on the half shell and a martini.”

What is your go-to movie when you need a mood boost?

“Unzipped featuring Isaac Mizrahi.”

Which Mi Cocina product is your favorite and why?

“I have a few Mi Cocina aprons that have been gifted to me over the years. My favorite apron is the half apron! I also love the Mi Cocina denim oven mitt- which I use when I am shucking oysters. I use the napkins every day. I like to tell the owner that I have brand loyalty!”

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?

“I have learned over and over that I can rely on my unique vision to not only bring beauty and joy to my clientele, but also to myself.”

What are you most proud of right now?

“I am most proud of being aware of how fortunate I am to do what I love, and to be able to thrive in the process.”

If you could pick one flower to give to your favorite person and least person, what would they be and why?

“I would choose an armful of wild poppies for my daughter, as they are her favorite flower. I don’t have a least favorite person…however, I would give someone who is clearly mired in negativity a huge dahlia, as they represent hope and inner strength.”