GrowBiz Case Study 5: Sweet Smell of Success
DATE
With all the mayhem caused by the Icelandic Volcano we have heard much about imported perishables on the news. One of those items was flowers, writes GrowBiz facilitator Fiona McPhail .
Three years ago I listened to Beatriz (pictured) talk passionately about the plight of flower pickers in many countries, not only the pay and conditions as we would normally think of conditions, but the actual harm done to them due to chemicals used on many flowers produced for this country.
She told me that her dream was to show people that flowers could be produced in a way similar to the fair-trade policies of the now well recognised teas and coffees we take for granted.
In order to get her business recognised, and to be taken seriously, Beatriz opened her shop ‘Butterflies of Blairgowrie’ and sold only ethically produced flowers, buying wherever possible locally produced flowers.
Getting flowers from throughout the UK was next, only when necessary, going further afield through companies dealing ethically. Beatriz maintains that the beauty of non chemically produced flowers, like roses, is their scent. “Often people coming into the shop are taken aback at the wonderful aroma, something that so many flowers have lost by production methods,” she said.
As business continued to build, GrowBiz helped by introducing her to further local potential suppliers. Discussions took place and now she is working with a smallholder who is also interested in flowers. Together they have looked at the bookings for weddings and functions for the forthcoming season and have planted accordingly.
Beatriz’s ambition has always been to work from home with her garden as a showpiece for her work. Feeling that her name was now known in Blairgowrie, with her website www.Butterfliesofblairgowrie.co.uk and through her wedding commissions, she felt able confidently to relinquish the shop front and return to her original idea of working from home.
Beatriz now holds an open day each month when people can pop in, and over tea, coffee and home baking, to view what she does . She runs events and classes for those interested in flowers. At other times she works by appointment and can be contacted on 01250 871040 or through her web site.
“One of the pleasures is walking round with my supplier, enjoying the selection process and knowing how delighted our bride will be with the finished result,” she said. “We both enjoy this, especially having time just to admire the plants as we go. Those who love flowers will understand how we feel being able to stop and to smell the blooms.”
Fiona McPhail is delighted to discuss any aspects of her own and her organisation’s experience with interested folk from any part of Highland Perthshire.
She can be contacted on 07912 786 864 or fmmcphail@btinternet.com
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