Bluebell Wood Florist | Tewkesbury | Cheltenham | Gloucestershire | Jackie Dean
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THE LIFE OF A FLORIST

Uncertain times but looking forward

4/1/2020

7 Comments

 
I'm sat in my empty shop in front of a computer because I need to.  I need to say out loud how things are right now as a Florist during this terrible time of Corona Virus.  A human being going through this scary time when you are so fearful for your family, friends and the country and the future. Also a small business owner, like so many, who have seen their work, their passion, their team, their customers just disappear overnight.  A roller coaster of emotion: the day I closed the shop, after a very strange but still lovely Mothers Day week started the first dip.  On the Sunday morning I knew the right thing to do for my team and my customers was to close the shop - no risk to be had! I was alone in the shop late morning when Ricki and Trevor were out delivering and all bouquets had been collected, safely.  All stock had been sold - miraculously and I stood in my beautiful, empty shop and cried.  Yes a very selfish cry, a cry for my loss, the business I had built from nothing to one that was doing well. The loss of Jess the person who had been with me for most of the time, from Apprentice to Shop Manager and friend, the loss of all of the wonderful team who work in the shop or with me, the loss of my lovely customers and shop friends and the loss of the flowers and being able to create with them.   Funny thinking about it now I stood in a shop as empty as the brand new one I started with back on the 1 October 2016 - full circle.  As I stood there Jo another florist walked through the door and asked how I was - she knew, as she was feeling the exact same feelings.  We both knew this was much bigger than us and knew our sadness was selfish but gave each other permission to do so just for that day.  I have watched and listened to the floristry industry over the last few weeks and the devastation that has occurred has been astonishing.  Seeing tonnes and tonnes of flowers destroyed at Aalsmeer, Holland as growers sent flowers to auction and they couldn't be sold.  So growers businesses hit, the auction and distributors, wholesalers and then the many floristry businesses.  Shops closing as non-essential - no income to pay the outgoings - waiting daily to see how the government will help - and they have to a degree.  Couples postponing their weddings they have planned and dreamt about for so long, grieving families unable to say goodbye to their loved ones in they way they would have wanted to - it breaks your heart.  Two weeks of thoughts, of worry, of sadness, of fear are now turning into seeds of hope.  My brain is starting to function a little - I have always looked forward and now I want to plan, I want to hope and believe we will get through this stronger so I have to plan for the future.  I always say in the shop Adversity drives Creativity and this has been so true with many businesses I have seen since this has happened and I am going to keep creating and looking for new ways to brings flowers back into peoples lives as they may be seen as a luxury but they make people smile and feel great and that's what we need right now. Im going to keep looking forward :)
7 Comments
Ann
4/1/2020 01:45:20 am

I am so sad for you. The business you built was so good for the community and brought it together. I live in Malvern and met Jess at fair at the Animal Sanctuary and she came to my stall and told me about joining you and how excited she was. I hope that in the future you can start again. Take care

Reply
Joanne Scrivens
4/1/2020 01:52:36 am

Your thoughts echo the way so many of us are feeling. Hopefully when we are on the otherside of this we will all be a little wiser, kinder and have a new sense of Community and speaking personally I will be spending any money I have with as many small businesses as possible to support people who have had the vision, passion and drive to create wonderful businesses like yours.

Reply
Brigette Hall
4/1/2020 03:40:15 am

Hi Jackie,
Just had a read of your blog, and still looking at my Mother's day flowers that Katie gave me, they are just coming to an end, amazing how things change in 10 or so days. You and your flowers will be back - stronger than ever. Take care
Brigette

Reply
Trevor & Mr.Chunks
4/1/2020 06:02:43 am

We both miss seeing your happy face each morning. It's the reason we get up and out in the morning. Hopefully it won't be too long before we are released from home arrest.

Reply
Geraldine Dean
4/1/2020 07:40:35 am

You will be fine Jackie. The shop fulfilled your dream and the success you had was due to your very hard work and talent. We are so proud of you and we are sure you will turn this horrible set back into an even better ( if possible) beautiful and exciting new shop. Good luck and lots of love.

Reply
Diana Parke.
4/1/2020 08:32:35 am

As someone once said "Things can only get better".
The flowers will keep blooming for you and you will need them again in the future.
Think positive.

Reply
Helen turberville
4/1/2020 02:05:48 pm

Ohjackieheartbreakingtorreadthisitsmydearestwishmyfavouriteflotistsurvivesthiscrisis!yourpassionforflowersshouldhelpyousurviveiwouldliketothinkourlocalauthorityis supportingsmallbusinessownerslikeyourself!?idearlyhopetohearyouuarebackmuchlovehelenxxxx

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  • Home
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    • Adults flower activities
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