Florist set to bloom as lockdown eases
A former estate agent turned florist is anticipating her new business venture will bloom with lockdown restrictions being eased this week.
Melanie Smith and husband Martin bought over Main Street florists Buds ‘n’ Blooms earlier this year – one of the worst times for trading for any town centre shop.
The shop shutters had to remain down due to the pandemic and there was uncertainty about when the new owners would be able to welcome their first customers indoors.
But that all changed on Monday, when the shop shutters were finally lifted and bouquets were passing through the Buds ‘n’ Blooms front door again.
Melanie said: “It has been strange, but that’s mainly because the shop wasn’t open to the public so everything in terms of business has been done through the phone or internet up until now.
“I’m excited about the new venture – naturally nervous. It’s been a stressful month or two, but it’s been more than worth it.”
Melanie and Martin live in West Mains, just a mile from the shop. Melanie has enjoyed a varied career over the years, starting in banking full-time before moving to different part-time roles as a carer and in a supermarket after having kids.
Latterly, she worked as an estate agent before taking over the florists.
“This role will be my first full-time role since having the kids,” said Melanie. “They’re now in their teens and a bit more self-sufficient.
“I’m very artistic and floristry has always interested me. Taking over Buds ‘n’ Blooms felt right and a great opportunity. Opening to the public is going to be huge. Firstly, for our customers and staff – we’ll need to be conscious of their safety as the virus is far from gone.
“Secondly, it’s clearly going to be good for the business.
“The shop is still evolving. We have new products, new fixtures and fittings, as well as new shop signage amongst other things, so it’ll be a chance for people to see where we are with that.”
To celebrate lockdown easing and the shop opening on April 26, Buds ‘n’ Blooms were also gifting a free bouquet of flowers to the 26th customer through the door.