Okke Lagana - Anggrek Lombokensis

It began with a simple appreciation of the beauty and emotional impact of flowers. It grew into an understanding of how flowers could tell stories, mark important moments and connect people. Over time, it became clearer that floristry was not just an art but could be a viable and meaningful business.

Okke Lagana is the founder of Anggrek Lombokensis, a popular flower studio and gift shop in Kuta Mandalika, Lombok. Recently, mylombok spoke with him about what was a somewhat indirect path to his current business.

He was born and raised in Bandung, where his education and early work experience were geared to a career in tourism and entrepreneurship. 

‘I started in the hospitality and culinary industry’, he says. ‘It ranged from working in a luxurious 4-star hotel in Bali, to being involved in setting up and running smaller culinary ventures in Bandung and Kuta Lombok. These experiences taught me about operational management and marketing, leadership and decision-making, teamwork and customer service — all of which are essential skills when building a business’.

He also worked as a sous chef at Terra Lombok, a plant-based restaurant. Working with fruits, vegetables and edible flowers, decorating plates and tables, serving people and making them happy with vegetable-based creations was almost like a stepping stone to his florist business.

‘Now, I take care of living plants and I create floral arrangements that bring joy in a different but equally meaningful way. Every flower arrangement becomes part of someone’s memory. It’s food for the soul. Creativity and connection with people are what I enjoy most and I bring my hospitality and service skills into my work’. 

The idea for Anggrek Lombokensis came from what he saw as a gap in the market. While working as a chef or helping his wife with family occasions, he often struggled to find quality flowers for dinners, special events and gifts. He would collect decorative items from nature – from bushes and the ocean –and often had to travel to Mataram to find floral arrangements.

He believed South Lombok deserved something beautiful, thoughtful, and locally based. 

‘I also wanted the freedom to build something aligned with my values. Most importantly, though, I wanted the flexibility to plan my own schedule and stay close to my family. I sometimes think of the  business as my second child’.

Planning to flourish

He had watched his mother run a salon and offer wedding makeup and decoration services and he understood the dedication and creativity required. The first step was education. He took business and floristry courses in Jakarta, Bali and Bandung, attended floral events, and made useful connections with senior florists across Indonesia. When he was ready, he began working on the foundations of the business: financial projections, legal structures, property rental, brand identity, interior design, supplier connections, recruitment and training. The process was very hands-on and every step was carefully planned. 

‘There was no launch or grand opening’, he says, ‘just steady growth, learning through experience, and adapting along the way’. 

Obviously there were challenges. The biggest was balancing creativity with the realities of running a business. Staying inspired while dealing with practical matters is never easy but he was fortunate in the strong support he had.

‘Support came from family, friends and people I met along the way – sometimes in unexpected ways that make the journey a little bit easier. I’m still surrounded by beautiful, kind hearted people. My wife is my biggest support. We are a husband-and-wife team building a florist business driven by love, creativity and hospitality’.

Okke is also supported by three florists from Lombok, each bringing creativity, attention to detail and a love for flowers. They care for the blooms, design arrangements and manage customer orders and deliveries. For larger events, the business employs other florists part-time. 

Behind the scenes, Okke manages operations, logistics and client support, to keep everything running smoothly. His wife, Almitra, has a background in business, economics (accounting), marketing and visual design, as well as a passion for art; she oversees strategy, finance, marketing and media campaigns.

‘Together, we combine hands-on management and creative oversight to deliver beautiful arrangements and a thoughtful client experience’.

Just as important as strategy and operations are adaptability, consistency and good communication. He sees them as the keys to meeting challenges, providing a reliable service and maintaining strong relationships with staff, clients and suppliers.

Connecting, with flowers…

It’s clear Okke finds his work rewarding. Flowers are important in love, celebration, gratitude and even in sad farewells. He’s constantly reminded that what he creates becomes part of these meaningful moments and emotional milestones in people’s lives.

‘Whether people want the simple gesture of a single stem, a hand-tied bouquet, a DIY arrangement or a seasonal bloom box, we can help. We provide table centrepieces and glass vase arrangements – ready to display – for everyday or special occasions. We even offer a monthly membership, with fresh blooms delivered regularly’.

Anggrek also provides custom floral arrangements for weddings, private events and special functions. Working closely with clients is a priority, and this connection is reflected in the events they plan.

‘We host a flower arrangement workshop once a year: ‘Akhir Pekan’ – a ‘weekend’ event in a beautiful setting, with food, art, music, dancing and, of course, flowers. Groups that want hands-on experience creating floral arrangements for their special occasion can also book a smaller workshop in their favourite location. And… coming soon, a regular opportunity, on Saturdays, for people who want to design their own centrepiece and experience the joy of arranging flowers’.

A sustainable business

What often surprises Okke is the scale of impact his work has. He invests the same time and energy as he did as an employee, but now he sees how, when they are directed into his own business, the effect is multiplied. 

‘It creates opportunity. It creates livelihood. It creates space for creativity. Through the business, we’re not only arranging flowers; we’re also building a small ecosystem. I can open doors for others to work, to grow and to express themselves. It spreads beauty, connection and more love in the world’.

He sees entrepreneurship as more than earning income. It’s about contribution and impact, benefiting individuals, the community and the environment.

‘Anggrek Lombokensis encourages people to express their feelings, beautify spaces and inspire art in sustainable ways, with fresh flowers. At the heart of our floristry is a commitment to sustainability. We source locally, when possible, and we minimise waste and the use of floral foam. We always design with seasonal blooms to reduce our environmental footprint. Every arrangement reflects our respect for nature and our responsibility to protect it’.

The business operates through a combination of direct orders and online communication, with a strong focus on personal service rather than mass retail. Customers include locals, visitors to Lombok and business clients. Many are people who value thoughtful design and personal connection over something generic.

Okke is happy to base his business in Lombok. Its slower pace, strong community and natural beauty constantly inspire his work. It’s a life that encourages balance and mindfulness, which are reflected in the business.

‘Running this business has been as much a personal journey as a professional one’, he says. ‘It continues to teach me patience, resilience and the importance of staying connected to the reasons I began it. I hope it continues to grow, sustainably, and that we deepen our creative identity and remain a business that values quality over scale. This business lives because of that demand.

‘A huge thank you to our dear friends, clients and flower lovers. Having a community that trusts, appreciates and supports what we do is a blessing’.

To find out more, go to: Anggrek Lombokensis Instagram 

or to the official website: anggreklombokensis.com