Wowser, well it’s pretty much a year since I got a dreaded email from my supplier stating that they didn’t know if the Dutch border was going to close due to the pandemic and if what flowers I had pre ordered were potentially all I was getting. The following weeks were full of uncertainty. Could I / should I carry on doing my flowers, how could I make my business “Covid secure”?, would I be letting people down if I indeed couldn’t get my supplies, was I putting my family at risk? I shut the shop to customers and carried on as best I could for a few weeks with doorstop socially distanced deliveries which were going well and luckily there weren’t too many supply issues.
There were heartbreaking moments throughout the year. Sadly I did see an increase in funeral tributes, due to some florists closing completely; I did gain some new contacts with some amazing funeral directors. They are all extremely professional and respectful and I was proud to assist them in paying tribute to so many peoples loved ones.
There was no 2020 wedding season. Poor engaged couples who had planned for months (some years) had to cancel their special days, the few weddings that decided to go ahead within the restrictions were cherished by myself and they all had fabulous days.
With a tinge of sadness the situation forced my hand to give up my shop in Barwell (Leicestershire). It was planned for the future but with no footfall due to Covid and the uncertainty I couldn’t justify keeping it open. Therefore I set up in my garage at home… much to my husbands delight.
Throughout the year I had the added joy of homeschooling my daughter on and off… I have a new found respect for teachers.
As Christmas approached who knew what we were going to be allowed to do. I scheduled my popular wreath workshops, changed the venue to allow for Covid measures and brought the appropriate PPE. But they were not to be… We adapted and made kits, I commissioned my friend Vicky to illustrate an instruction manual and joined the Zoom presenting and training delivery revolution (well done me!). Not quite the same as real life, but still enjoyable.
But there were positives over the last year… I was successful in my application for a rural business grant to build a bespoke floral studio at my house (MERCER BUILDING SOLUTIONS). My business has also been very well supported throughout and I was able to continue without too much disruption. I am very lucky that my family and friends have stayed safe during the pandemic.
I’ve popped just a few pictures on this post from the year… Like any other family in Lockdown; We started a veg plot and baked a lot! We had lots of lovely family time and lots of fun.
On a sad note we lost our beloved dog Izzy only last week (March 2021). She was my beautiful ‘Westie’. We had started the Flower shop together 15 years ago. She looked after me and kept me company when I was working and was the best Flower pup any girl could wish for. RIP baby girl.
It’s a year I wouldn’t want to repeat but equally one I’ll never forget! Wishing you the very best for the rest of 2021 and stay safe!
