Destined for many a Christmas stable

When Julie Smith was made redundant during Covid she decided to set up her own business making unique equine festive wreaths. Since then she has had some famous customers. Catherine Scott reports.

WHAT started as something of a festive hobby making unique wreaths in the shape of horses’ heads has turned into a year-round thriving international business for Julie Smith with some very famous customers, from royalty to Olympians.

From her home near Pocklington, ably assisted by her 84-year-old father-in-law Les, she produces more than 350 wreaths a year and sends them out to clients dotted around the world.

What makes Julie’s wreaths different is that they are made of high-quality artificial silk flowers, which means they last a long time and are better for the planet than cut flower arrangements.

“Some of the designs include 450 individual pieces of foliage and flowers,” says Julie. “Many people buy them as family heirlooms to pass down to future generations.”

For more than 30 years she worked in sales roles, including stints at charities such as the

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. “I loved my job and I loved getting out and about in the open – the countryside and my horses and my dogs are my passions,” she says.

“But when Covid and lockdown happened, I was worried about our jobs and I was right as I was made redundant. Even though I had sort of expected it, it still came as a shock. I just thought ‘what now?’”

The year before Covid struck Julie had started making artificial flower wreaths inspired by her beloved fell ponies.

“I’ve always had a passion for flowers. I thought it was a bit of a crazy idea of making a wreath in the shape of a horse’s head but when I put it on social media it went mad.

“People just kept asking me to make wreaths for them – I think I made ten or 12 that Christmas.”

So when she was made redundant, Julie dug deep and decided to turn her festive hobby into a business, launching Wolds Wreaths Decor in October 2020.

“We were still in various states of lockdown and people were losing loved ones

BIG IN TEXAS: Main picture right, Julie Smith at her home near Pocklington with a wreath shaped like a horse’s head; above, Julie showing off another of her creations.