Saturday is here. What a strange period of time we are living in at the moment . I have had time to reflect on a lot of things lately. Trying to take away as many positives I can, but it can be very hard some days. I definitely feel more than ever very grateful for the simpler things in life; time to read, a hot cup of coffee with no children disturbing me for five minutes, having the countryside on our doorstep and my job. My love for floristry has increased even more than I thought was possible over the last few months. I have such a connection to nature. Not only because it is my job but I find I am at my calmest, most happy and content when I am outdoors.
There are a selection of florists and flower growers that I hold with such high regard and one of those ladies is Rosebie from The Real Flower Company. Over the years on special occasions my Mum has sent numerous hat boxes of beautiful English scented roses and flowers arranged by The Real Flower Company to various friends and relatives. The feedback is always such praise and joy. So it was an absolute dream when Rosebie agreed to answer my 5 questions and my mum is rather excited about this one too!
So grab yourself a cup of something lovely and take a five minute break with Rosebie.
Alicia: Let's start at the beginning: where did your passion for gardening come from?
Rosebie From my mother and my grandmother who were both fanatical gardeners and instilled in me a love of plants and nature. My mother could make a garden anywhere; as an army family we were often posted abroad and she always managed to create a little corner of England in the most improbable places to remind her of home.
Alicia: Today The Real Flower Company grows and supplies the most amazing scented roses to the floristry industry. Could you explain to the reader why so many roses that are bought have lost their scent and why are the roses grown by The Real Flower Company are different?
Rosebie: In most instances, Roses are bred for the longest possible shelf life and as it is the rose’s scent which reduces this it was often the scent that was sacrificed. The Real Flower Company roses are grown for their scent; they are like the old-fashioned roses of one’s childhood, exquisitely perfumed and vibrant with colour and texture.
Alicia: Obviously you are a big supporter of British flowers. When the season is over in this country you have your flower farm over in Kenya. Can you tell the reader a little bit more about the farm and how it still follows The Real Flower Company's ethics.
Rosebie: Tambuzi is a company not just operated for profit but with the aim of improving the world around it. The company’s strap line ‘stop and smell the roses’ sends a simple message – to slow down, notice and enjoy everything around you. The company strongly believes in the concept of shared values, and it considers the welfare of its employees and the neighbouring communities to be part of its strength. It employs around 500 people who without Tambuzi, would not have a job to be able to support their families at home.
Tambuzi is also the first flower farm to be Carbon neutral and gold standard which is an unbelievable achievement and one which they are quite rightly ( as are we, ) hugely proud.
Alicia: You are a very successful business woman. You employ many women as well. As an industry we have a great deal of women running businesses. What advice would you give to women thinking about a career change into floristry or looking to set up a business of their own?
Rosebie: To go into it any new business with your eyes wide open! You need to be honest with yourself as to what you are trying to achieve from this business. The flower industry can be very much feast or famine as far as work goes. It is a notoriously difficult industry in which to make money. You therefore need to have clear objectives and a passion which will drive you forward when things are tough. Dealing with perishables is always challenging!
Alicia: You are an award winning English Flower grower, you have won numerous medals at the Chelsea Flower Show, you have been featured in Vogue, Harpers Bazar, the Telegraph to name but a few publications. What has been a particular highlight for you in your career, , when you have stepped back and just thought 'I created this'?
Rosebie: To be honest, the highlight is always seeing peoples reactions when they have received one of our bouquets and are overwhelmed by the scent and how it has the power to transport them back to their childhood. This is always a magical moment for me and makes me so glad that I have persevered, when over the years I have come close to thinking am I mad and finding a simpler career!
Bonus Question
Alicia: We can't ignore what is going on in the world right now. One of the things that I believe this whole experience has proved is how much we value the outside and nature. What are some of the things you have learnt from this period and what do you do to relax when everything is too much and you need a bit of head space?
Rosebie: We have been amazed by the amount of flowers people are sending. Bouquets and posies have been winging their way all over the country, bringing love and encouragement and virtual hugs wherever they are needed.
When I walk away from my desk at the end of the day I like to get into my own garden to see what is happening; there is much solace to be had from finding a new shoot here and a bud there. It is also such a bonus to have my family with me, we are not often together for so long and it is a treat to sit down for supper together at the end of each day.
A big thank you to Rosebie and The Real Flower Company for such an inspiring interview. Join me next week where I am delighted to share my 5 Questions with the delightful Sarah Statham of Simply By Arrangement.
The Real Flower Company
https://www.realflowers.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/therealflowerco/