York florist launches two new ventures in lockdown

With weddings and events cancelled for most of the past 12 months, the floristry industry has taken a huge hit since the Covid outbreak.

But Nicola - who runs Lottie Roberts Flowers - has kept going and launched a subscription service as well as a postal flowers, LottiebyLetterbox, meaning customers across the UK can enjoy her special arrangements.

So, congratulations to Nicola who is our trader of the week. If you are doing something special in your business, or if you know a trader that deserves the spotlight, click here to send us a nomination and they could be our next trader of the week. Or you can find the form at www.yorkpress.co.uk/trader/

Here is more about Nicola's story:

How long has the business been going?

As a professional horticulturalist, I've worked for The National Trust, the Royal Horticultural Society and the University of York in a career spanning over 30 years, I took a creative leap of faith in July 2018 and Lottie Roberts Flowers officially launched in August that year. In 2019, I became a member of York Wedding Suppliers, a group of talented local businesses providing wedding planning services in this wonderful city.

Nicola Frear - York florist and our trader of the week

I'm delighted to have been providing flowers for all occasions since launching Lottie Roberts Flowers in 2018. I also offer a flower subscription service to suit all budgets.

Flowers by Nicola Frear - Lottie Roberts Flowers - Photo credit Nikki Pix Photography

Tell us why this business is special?

I've been described as "not a regular florist"! I love using exotic flowers and bright colours in my floral arrangements and bouquets and love it when clients are happy to let me be free when I'm creating their order. Having said that, I also listen to clients and book private appointments in their homes to discuss their requirements, offering a truly personal service if that's what the client wishes. I work from home and with no real overheads I can offer an affordable service - for example, if a bride simply wants a small bouquet for less than £15, then that's not a problem - no job is too small!

Flowers by Lottie Roberts Flowers Photo: Robert Harrison Photography

How have you adapted during the Covid-19 crisis?

Obviously 2020 was a disaster for businesses globally. Everything stopped overnight - weddings, wedding fairs, photo shoots. During the autumn months I was delighted to have a stall at The Pop Up Pirates market which was on Micklegate. This was invaluable in keeping positive - not only did it keep my business ticking over, I also made some amazing new friends and have collaborated with some of those wonderful independent businesses since. With the onset of the third lockdown, I was expecting January to be grim. I was amazed when my phone started ringing - people were sending flowers to loved ones they could not visit. I've always said delivering flowers is like delivering happiness and it has really felt like that over the last few months. Earlier this year, I launched my subscription service, and also now offer postal flowers around the UK with my LottiebyLetterbox service, both of which have been popular!

Lottie Roberts Flowers 

What is your favourite story about the business?

I've always rather liked intimate weddings, and in 2019 this went one step further when I was asked to provide flowers for two secret weddings! The first one was so secret, I didn't even know Kelly and Ben were getting married! "We're going to a wedding", Kelly said, "please would you make a couple of buttonholes, and I'd like some flowers for my hair, and maybe a little bouquet for my daughter to hold..." No pressure, I thought. I carefully prepared all the flowers and delivered them on the day, and said I hoped everyone had a fabulous time at their friend's wedding. I was amazed later that afternoon, when Kelly appeared on social media, sporting a new ring and sharing the happiest of photographs of their special day! One of the best weddings ever!

Find out more at: www.lottierobertsflowers.com/

And remember - if you are doing something special in your business, or if you know a trader that deserves the spotlight, click here to send us a nomination and they could be our next trader of the week. Or you can find the online nomination form at www.yorkpress.co.uk/trader/