A FLAIR FOR floral
These two businesses take wedding design and floral arrangements to a whole new passion-driven level.
Although Heike le Cordeur always enjoyed being creative, she joined the corporate world after matric. ‘In 2010, I was in my fifth year as a business process analyst in the IT department at Media24, flying to Joburg every week. But the creative spark never died, and becoming pregnant with my daughter triggered a slow exit from the corporate environment to start something I could do from home in Cape Town,’ says Heike. ‘A friend in the events industry asked me to do the flowers for some of her smaller weddings, which I did from my own kitchen.
‘Only when every single surface in my
house was covered with flowers did I decide to create my own little studio at home, and started Fleur Le Cordeur.’
Every one of Heike’s floral designs is distinctive, and sometimes weirdly wonderful.
‘Our typical client doesn’t want the conventional. They want an experience rather than just flowers on the tables, and to be transported to a floral wonderland.
‘I take inspiration mostly from my clients’ personalities and what they like. Then I’ll add something drawn from fashion houses or architectural and interior trends. The time of year, the season, my mood, my favourite flowers at that moment – all these things inspire!’
Heike has no regrets. She has found her corporate background exceptionally helpful in her journey to becoming an entrepreneur. ‘I learnt so much about teamwork, logistics and running a business or project, as well as about operating in a fast, pressured corporate environment. Combining these skills with my creativity produced Fleur Le Cordeur!”
Being an entrepreneur isn’t without its challenges but, says Heike, ‘I flourish on motivation! To be in control of creating an environment and culture in my company that works, and to lead a team of people who want what I want, is all positive. On the other hand, there’s a challenge in having no security in terms of what tomorrow holds.
‘I also find it hard to switch off. My mind often wanders to the next project, as there are no set working hours.’
The future is bright for Heike. ‘In September we start the new season with a wedding in Mozambique. I am super excited to be able to use the local foliage to create the installations!
‘My favourite wedding wasn’t my biggest, but one where we created custom floral prints for the bride to use as tablecloths, backdrops, a canopy and stationery. The bride, the groom and their entire family were such openminded people to work with.
I have an incredible team that pulls together to conjure up similar magic for every event we do.
‘I find so much happiness in seeing my team grow, learn and become specialists in the field!’
Margaret worked in a corporate environment for 20 years but she also had a passion. ‘Whenever there was a family gathering, I did the flowers.’ When her husband, Joe, became the director of a company that required a lot of entertaining, she ventured into events planning and catering.
Margaret left her regular job in 1998, deciding to turn her passion into a full-time job, and Corporate Flower Consultants was born.
Margaret’s son, Colin, became her business partner.
As mother and son got busier, they were approached by a new Pretoria shopping centre, Atterbury Décor Centre, to open a shop. The French-style store drew attention from both new customers and the media, making its way into local magazines and newspapers. Even so, the two realised retail wasn’t for them, and that their passion lay in functions and weddings. In 2006, they established Atomic Orchid.
The company combines seasonal flowers and natural elements in unusual ways, and the duo has developed a reputation for innovation. Margaret and Colin find inspiration in international trends, and resourcefully translate this into something new with what’s available locally.
‘One of our biggest projects was the nuptials of the first princess of the Royal Bafokeng tribe in 2008,’ Margaret recalls. ‘The entire town was invited and we were commissioned to do the VIP function. From designing the décor for the marquee and dance floor to the church ceremony, we did everything. There were 10 000 stems of roses among other flowers. It was the most beautiful wedding.’
‘Our clients are so important to us; some have been with us for 15 years. We’re known for our customised approach – every design that leaves our studio is bespoke.’
Margaret is always on the lookout for new opportunities to widen the range. ‘We’ve just launched a fragrance called Jacinto, derived from the hyacinth, and we’ve been commissioned to create a fragrance for Steyn City Club House. We’ve been so blessed in forming these kinds of relationships.’
‘Our clients are so important to us; some have been with us for 15 years. We’re known for our customised approach – every design that leaves our studio is bespoke.’