MEET THE MAKER
We chat with Flora - agriculturalist & creative behind Flora Grow.
“Flora Grow was established to help make gardening fun and easy for people to access information and products related to gardening. Flora, the owner and founder (Yes, her name is Flora), has always had a passion for plants, nature and people. From a young age she spent time with her mum, an avid gardener and this is where her love for botanical things begun. Flora, aptly named by her mum, seemed destined to follow a path that involved plants.”
Can you explain your work and what you do/make?
Flora Grow is a gardening based business that I started to encourage people to give gardening a go. I want to show people the magic of gardening and that it can be enjoyed for all ages and whether you’re in an apartment or have a huge space.
Tell us more about the business. How did it start?
A friend who owns a gift shop asked me if I could develop a gift box for gardeners starting out. So I can’t claim the idea of the Flora Grow Kit entirely.. So I got together some pieces and then made a prototype and then launched it 2 weeks later. It happened all very quickly but it grew from there. All of the kits were made on a big table in my bedroom at my Nana’s house.
Where do you find your creative inspiration?
Instagram is like a magazine and I am always seeing cool ideas on there for colour pallets, planting combinations, logo and brand ideas. I scroll waaaay too much on Pinterest and I am forever creating new boards and saving ideas for a dream shop etc. I probably get a lot of inspiration from the garden too. Just being in amongst the plants and soil and being away from screens is so good for the brain. Also getting away. A day trip to the beach or a weekend away is so refreshing and helps get my creative ideas flowing too.
How important is it for small businesses to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
I think in New Zealand we feel so small but we do have 5 Million people in this country. We have the power to build up small businesses and get them thriving if we work together. I think there was this huge push to support local and shop local where you can after covid and that seems to have dropped off. We need to slow down in consumerism and think about the affect it has if you make that extra trip to the farmers market or buy flower from a road side stall. That money going directly to those small businesses really is so powerful. Small businesses are so important to NZ’s economy. If you don’t have the financial means a follow, like, comment or even a recommendation to a friend or colleague is still so appreciated and important to do.
What is the most important message you want to send out to others thinking about starting a business?
Start small, don’t invest heaps of money and grow as you can. It is hard. If you think you have tried everything there will always be something more you can do to improve, change or enhance the business. Think outside the square and have a point of difference. Ask for help and don’t be afraid to do so!
Do you have any daily rituals?
Not a thing, I am hopeless at getting out of bed and I have no routine to my day. I would love to think I am that girl that gets up early, goes to the gym, has a tea and then gets into the day but I’m not haha. Goals though and I am working towards it!
What art inspires you?
I love so many different types of art. I used to love going to the Christchurch art expo every Winter but haven’t been in a few years. Some of my favourite NZ artists are: Fleur Woods, Carrie Broomhall & Ben Reid.
Top 3 fave small businesses?
This is tough because I love businesses for different reasons! I couldn’t possibly pick 3! Some businesses I love their philosophy, some it’s their branding, some it's their products. Some of my all time faves:
The Old School Collective Waikuku
That is the hardest question of them all hahah! But they are some that really stick out in my mind as favourites or inspiring.
Where can we see more of you?
Follow my Instagram account @floragrow.co.nz would love to see you there. Where I share all sorts of things from gardens I love, tips and tricks, the products we sell, upcoming workshops etc!
