“Here you go,” said a very close friend of mine after handing me a bouquet of flowers. I was shocked, of course, because this was the first time I had ever received flowers. It was a really pleasant surprise; one that I am sure to never forget. More than the flowers, it was the gesture that made me really happy. It carried so much positive energy. That was the day I realized what a simple gesture like this can do for a person. So, when I came across Florella in Kochi, a boutique flower shop located in Panampilly Nagar, it was obvious that I would go speak to them about their story. As a receiver, I knew what joy it brought me to get flowers. But, as the giver, I was intrigued to learn what they felt and what prompted them to start such a business.
In order to talk about Florella, we must first delve into the story that led up to its establishment. It all began in Muscat, where Rose’s mother, Geetha Antony, had spent her entire life. She worked as a contractual florist, providing flowers for various events. Geetha had always dreamed of opening her own store, but obtaining the necessary license had proven to be quite challenging. When her husband retired, the family decided to move back to their hometown of Kochi.
To their astonishment, soon after relocating to Kochi, they received news about an available retail space. What’s remarkable is that no one in the family had been actively seeking out such a space. Just two weeks after settling in Kochi, they were able to open the store. As of July 2024, it will mark the second anniversary of Florella.
One of the many questions that people ask Geetha is, “Where do you get such beautiful flowers from?” Many of the flowers come from Bangalore, while some are also imported. Rose shared, “Initially, we faced challenges in sourcing imported flowers. However, over time, my mother built strong relationships with vendors, making it easier to import flowers. The flower market in India is vast, with a wide variety available, even in Kerala. Due to the abundant supply, sourcing has become more convenient. So when customers come with specific requirements, we are mostly able to fulfil them.”
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Florella specialises in creating personalised floral arrangements tailored to individual preferences. “Customers can provide their budget, colour preferences, and even specific theme requirements for the occasion. My mother engages in detailed discussions with the customers to ensure that their custom bouquets are visually stunning. When it comes to special events, both my mother and I work together to showcase Florella’s unique and creative approach to floral arrangements,” Rose mentioned.
Geetha’s dedication to understanding the flower market is truly impressive. She personally engages with her vendors to stay informed about the latest floral offerings and is always eager to introduce new varieties to Florella. It’s remarkable how she even has insights into which flowers are most popular on a Wednesday (yes!). In addition to her passion for flowers, Geetha recognizes the importance of being well-versed in the market, especially considering the perishable nature of their products. This has significantly minimised wastage for the business as she knows when to sell what.
When I think about the flower business, it’s more than just arranging beautiful bouquets or perfecting the look of an event. It’s really about touching people’s lives and being a part of their special moments. Florella was a dream that unexpectedly became a reality. It’s heartwarming to see how people are starting to appreciate the joy that flowers bring to others. When you find yourself in Kochi, make sure to visit their store. You’ll be greeted by the sight and fragrance of freshly picked flowers, and you can also explore the wide array of unique, handcrafted items that are guaranteed to bring joy to any flower lover.
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