We caught up with Isobel from Pickleberry flowers to gain an insight into her passion for all things floral.
Who or what inspired you to set up your business?
I have been around flowers since I was a little girl. My sister Tessa had a shop in Holt, Norfolk and I spent most weekends growing up in the shop, I loved it, the smell, the people, the flowers and watching in amazement at Tessa’s creations so she is definitely an inspiration.
I also thought myself as a bit of a fairy growing up and believed that foxgloves were fairy hats, the inside of a periwinkle flower holds a fairy wand, Lunaria ‘honesty’ are fairy wings. I would never stand on a toadstool, make a daisy chain and wear it as a crown, tell the time by a dandelion, suck the sweet nectar from a nettle otherwise known as a Cinderellas slipper.
So I do believe my childhood has led me down this path.
What do you love most about your work?
I am going to give you 5 things …
- Creating using ingredients I have grown from seed and watching them grow is really very special.
- Working out the mechanics behind large installations and arrangements excites me. I think this is why flower school is so important, anyone can flower arrange. Its about working out the mechanics and keeping a perishable product
- looking its best, time keeping, organising a team all at once in a very short space of time.
- The fact that when I go for a walk, run or drive I am constantly looking at the ever changing seasonal goods around me, so I’m working subconsciously.
- Meeting Brides. I have made some very special relationships. I think the only bridezilla I have ever known was me!!!
- Making the Bridal Bouquet, it really is the cherry on top of the cake.
What does a typical day in your life look like?
Every day is different, no two the same and I like that, it makes it exciting. Some days its cleaning buckets, sweeping, clearing down and others it’s ‘wedmin’ (Wedding admin) or meeting a bride for a coffee.
What do you think is the secret of success?
I am still learning this one, but from what I have learnt its to be true and have faith in yourself.
Who or what can’t you work without?
Scissors/Secateurs. I have them everywhere! In every room, in every draw, in every shed, in the car and in my handbag! I love to forage. I do this legally and with permission from the land owners.
What advice would you give to others thinking of starting a business?
Make sure you love what you are doing and then it will never feel like your working.