Joan’s Florist: rich, six-decade history, bright future in Mossel Bay
Last week Thursday saw the 60-year anniversary of Joan’s Florist, Gifts & Décor – also known as ‘Joan’s Bloemiste’.
Last week Thursday saw the 60-year anniversary of Joan’s Florist, Gifts & Décor – also known in local lingo as “Joan’s Bloemiste”.
When long-time Mossel Bay local and entrepreneur Dudley Wooldridge was in matric in the late 1970s, he had three jobs: two of these involved big retailers and the third was delivering flowers after hours for Joan’s Florist.
In the early ‘60s, Joan Gerber expressed her passion for flowers and all things fabulous by opening the shop. The flower emporium changed hands when purchased by Lucretia van Rensburg, who added décor to the mix with imports from Bali and other exotic outposts.
Fast-forward to 2012, when Dudley grabbed hold of the reins – a business decision not least promoted by his extended history with Joan’s blooming flower business, and the Southern Cape’s burgeoning tourism scene.
In his address during the 60-year celebrations at Joan’s Florist last Thursday, Dudley paid tribute to his management and staff, and shared some rosy future plans. Firstly, his acquisition of Flora Bay Protea farm, on the Ruiterbos road between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn, has enhanced the scale of offerings.
Joan’s Florist specialises in all flowers, and has been catering over the years for celebrations across the board – be it beautifying weddings or providing solace at funerals. Its contract with Avbob spans decades.
But possibly the most exciting development is its recent collaboration
with Eight Bells Hotel. The historic Eight Bells will now be offering exclusive wedding services in a joint venture with Joan’s.
Dudley calls it the ‘prettiest wedding venue in the Southern Cape’ and is excited, along with his staff, about working with the Eight Bells team to ensure memorable festive occasions.
Joan’s Florist is a Mossel Bay landmark and enterprise that local citizens can be particularly proud of.
Dudley lauded his staff – under the helm of Suna van Greunen and florist Carol Lewis, who has served there for over four decades – for their contribution to making Joan’s Florist into the phenomenon it is today.
Great gratitude was also expressed to Zest Café manager Pauline Blignaut and her able staff for adding to the Joan’s Florist magic. Find them at 13 Marsh Street or call 044 690 3223 for additional information.