About Me
At a young age I used to love gardening with my mother. I aways felt that having the beauty and aroma of fresh flowers in the house, made it a home.
I had many jobs and talents in my lifetime, but nothing was more satisfying than being surrounded by God’s beauty and learning how to display and make pieces of art come to life with flowers, foliage, plants and leaves.
I studied floristry, went on many courses, and still go on different courses when I can. I love when a new and exciting flower course comes up that I am interested in learning. I was a late learner and have a thirst now for knowledge, in my old age! So I am constantly gaining new skills and tools. I am 52. Mother of 3, and grandmother. I love what I do. The Secret Garden came about when I moved house and had an empty garage on the side of my house. The garden was a jungle, so it felt like my own secret garden, hence the name of my business. It’s my happy place, where I go to create magic. I am full of inspiration and new ideas. If it means using fruit and vegetables or dried chillies and pumpkins in my creations, you bet I will experiment and get it right.
I used to teach floristry, but once I moved back to London, I knew, after being in dead end jobs, that I must return to what I love best. So I opened my own business 2 years ago, for the festival of Shavuos, Pentecost, which is when God had made a miracle and the Mount Sinai was decorated, full of beautiful flowers for this miraculous occasion of receiving the 10 commandments. Therefore, synagogues and Jewish people decorate their homes with beautiful flowers for the festival. I have been very fortunate since I opened my business, to decorate many synagogues with breathtaking designs of flowers and fruits. This year people stopped me in the streets over the festival to compliment me, and marvel at my work. I was very proud. So was my husband. I work closely with the community and do a lot of welfare work with synagogues and charities.
I have my faithful returning customers who love my unique, individual, bespoke style. I have businesses who have weekly subscriptions and men who have subscriptions each week for their wives.
A friend of mine told me about The Accelerator (boot camp) Course at Work Avenue, so I thought that since I had just opened my business, I would go on the course to help me. It was a 6 week course. There was a Dragons Den type ending where an influential group of panelist’s judged the different businesses and what we had learned. The winner was to receive £10,000 towards helping their business grow. I gave my pitch and presented my business to the panel, after which, I was quizzed about my business. The other 13 contestants pitched too. We all then went on a break, while the panelist’s chose the winners. I came 1st! I was in total shock! I won an award at the Business Award Ceremony, together with £10,000 towards my business where by the money goes back into Work Avenue, and they give me all their expertise, web designers, graphic designers, social media support, mentoring, plus so much more. I am so delighted with this achievement.
I am grateful to my fantastic suppliers, as so many people have commented on the quality of my flowers, and how they last much longer than anyone else’s in the area. One supplier comes each week straight off the motorway in his huge truck from Holland. I love going on the truck, but I am like a kid in a candy shop and want to buy everything, as I just marvel in astonishment at the beauty of these magnificent flowers, foliage, leaves and plants. I am careful to treat the flowers as soon as they come in, and I think that helps with the longevity of my supplies. My absolute favourite flowers are delphiniums. Their vibrant colours, blues, purples, pinks and whites are just something to admire. I imagine each flower on the stem to be pixie hats. I do treat myself every now and then!
My business has grown in 2 years. I have freelance staff, who are so delightful to work with. We do barmitzvahs, batmitzvahs, parties, proposals, engagements, weddings, Sheva Brochos, workshops, all festivals, get togethers, Shabbat gifts and flowers, plus lots, lots more. We have some great ideas that are in the process of coming together
As a sideline, we also sell plants, gifts of nuts, dried fruits and chocolates in dishes or in arrangements, candles and diffusers.
When the weather is good, I love to work in the garden, out in nature.
People often come to me not knowing what to choose, for example for a wedding, but I sit down with each customer, we go through everything, and they usually come out with a smile on their faces, which makes me so happy. I go round to people, especially the elderly, sit and discuss what they like and dislike, and give them that personal bespoke service that we each long for. My customers love that I give them undivided time and attention. I never rush anyone, as each customer to me, is a valued customer. I am a people’s person. I love listening to peoples stories. My customers are my friend’s, and are like my family. My personality, charm and interpersonal skills are being happy, content, experimenting, having a vision, having patience, and listening. The most fulfilling thing for me is to see that person open the door, receiving their gift, admiring my work, and thank me with the biggest smile on their faces.
I look forward to hearing your story, getting to know you, and creating masterpieces for you too.
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