Blooms, coffee and cake and music will be on offer in St Lawrence with the opening of Violet’s florist at the former Foliage site.
Mum-of-three Mel Osborn previously ran some floristry workshops for Foliage and when she discovered owner Keeley Wilson was moving to larger premises in Broadstairs, she decided to take the plunge and open her own shop.
The 49-year-old, from Westgate, said: “I was a florist around 20 years ago. I had my kids and a shop in London and decided to give it up.
“I did stuff that fitted around the children, working as a teaching assistant at Palm Bay and Drapers Mills, but kept up some floristry as I find it relaxing.
“Keeley asked me to run some workshops and when she said she was leaving, I thought ‘I’ve just become unemployed and this is a good opportunity to take.’”
Mel has named the St Lawrence High Street shop Violet’s after her daughter and hopes to be open before the end of this month.
She said: “ We are just decorating at the moment to give it a refresh and getting some furniture in.
“We are going to start small with coffee and cakes, some plants and the flowers.
“I will be offering a selection of bouquets and taking some orders, although not for weddings because I can’t be away from the shop to go on site, but I will do funerals and event bouquets.
“It’s a bit scary as it has been a long time since running my shop in London but I will be looking to do some music nights from 7pm to 9pm and entertainment, possibly having a DJ once a month.
“I’ve just applied for an alcohol licence so we will have some beers and drinks.
“It just came along at the right time and there is demand for it.”
Mel will be holding a launch event for Violet’s.
Great to see something new being opened up so quickly!
The absolute best of luck to you, I hope it’s a great success