Dawn Smith

After a hectic career in the design and fashion industry, Dawn Smith decided to channel her boundless energy in a new direction.

After qualifying as a florist, Dawn started to explore the possibility of bringing together her skills as a designer and florist within the world of artificial flowers. This was something that had not been done before. The artificial flower market still carried certain taboos brought about by poor quality stems and mass production.

Dawn realised that the quality of the flowers was paramount if she was to be a success, and to this day will only buy in artificial stems of the very best quality and workmanship. Creativity was also key and Dawn started to design bespoke arrangements tailored to an individual's style or surroundings. In 2001 Dawn was contracted to supply flowers to a couple of major recording studios in West London. Word of her designs soon spread and she was soon creating arrangements for restaurants, bars and offices in London and the surrounding counties. Friends and associates were soon asking for her consultation services in designing and decorating their homes.

Dawn very soon outgrew her studio at home and in 2003 opened the RTfact shop in Claygate Village. She still works to the same principals. No project is too large or too small and most arrangements are bespoke.

Dawn lives in Guildford with her two lovely daughters, plus Milo the family cat and Harvey the Tibetan Terrier (pictured here relaxing at home!).