This month on “Behind the Biz, we have the pleasure in talking all things flowers with Nicola Walters of the boutique floral studio ‘’Fresh Flowers” Studio Milk supplies candles and diffusers to Nicola to display in her gorgeous studio. Welcome Nicola, so nice to talk to you.
Tell us a little bit about your business
Hey Kim, thanks for the opportunity. We are a small family run boutique florist operating out of Kaitaia in the Far North. We offer flower bouquets, arrangements and add on gifts for any occasion, custom designs, flower subscriptions, funeral sprays and a full wedding service.
What was the inspiration that led to you starting out and why the interest in flowers?
I’ve always had a passion for flowers for as long as I can remember, once I finished high school I chose to study culinary arts rather than a certificate in floristry simply so I had more job opportunities while travelling the world. A few years after my return to New Zealand the opportunity came up to take over the Fresh Flowers business, so I did and here I am.
Weddings and flowers go hand in hand, in your wedding service how do you and the bride go about choosing florals?
They certainly do. More often than not most of the time brides come to me with a vision of their wedding florals in mind providing me with their inspiration images of the look they are wanting to achieve. If not we discuss the style they have in mind for their wedding and the flowers stem from there. We offer awesome packages and for anyone wanting more bespoke flowers we offer a full consultation in person by email or by phone.
With the next wedding season approaching, what are some of the trends that you’ve noticed in floral displays/arrangements/colours etc?
I think that 2020 we will continue to see statement pieces full of lush green foliage with pops of colour here and there, as well as incorporating dried palms, Native Toe toe (also known as Toi toi) and the likes. A number of my 2019/2020 brides are personalising by adding different mediums into their bouquets, local flax flowers crafted by family, another is incorporating artificial hydrangeas among the fresh. Relaxed, loose and stylish bouquets of neutral tones will continue to feature and are timeless.
Which flower is the most requested/most popular?
Roses would be the most requested flower which are available in an amazing variety of colours year round. Another would have to be Peonies which sadly have such a very short season and of course the classic Dahlia which I just love to incorporate where I can.
Has the journey so far been as you expected it to be, have you experienced any ‘surprises’ or ah ha moments along the way?
It’s more than I ever expected it would be, and I have great community support which I’m so thankful for.
What aspect of your business gives you the most joy and what motivates you to continue?
The creative side of the business gives me the most joy, certainly not the paperwork. I’m continued to be motivated by the reaction I receive from customers when they receive their flowers whether it be a birthday, funeral, anniversary or a bride on the biggest day of her life.
You also have young kiddies, how do you manage the work/life juggle and what do you like to do ‘after hours’?
I have an amazingly supportive husband, family and friends and there is no way I could do what I’m doing without them and their support. My business works around our family and is extremely flexible which I love.
What one piece of advice would you give someone looking to start out in business in the ‘floral’ world.
Do it because you are passionate about it!
Thank you so much Nicola, it has been so awesome ‘meeting you’ in the Instagram world and hopefully I’ll make it up to beautiful Northland over the summer - Kim
You can find all of Nicola’s beautiful floral arrangements and a full list of services over at www.freshflowerskaitaia.co.nz or follow along on instagram https://www.instagram.com/freshflowersktaComments will be approved before showing up.
