Taunton florist Nicky Heal enlarged his shop just in time for a record day, writes Phil Hill.
Trading out of a small unit in Foundry Way for 14 years, he expanded into the adjoining bigger premises on Tuesday, February 10 this year.
Nicky’s Flower Studio had already been thriving when he decided to knock into the next-door premises in time for Valentine’s Day.
Born in Taunton, he lives on the Quantock Hills, just down the road from where he grew up on his parents’ farm.
After attending Hargrove School, in Bridgwater, he went on to Bicton College to study floristry and horticulture.
“Coming from a farming background, we’ve always grown flowers at home,” said Nicky.
“Growing up, I used to sell flowers at the farm gate, with people putting their money in an honesty box.
“I’ve always been interested in flowers and vegetables, and it was always the only thing I ever wanted to do after school.”
While still at school, he worked part-time at Denman’s Florists in Magdalene Lane, Taunton.
After finishing at Bicton College, he went on to work there full-time for four and a half years until it closed.
Nicky was then employed for the next year at The Garden Room, in the unit next door, until the owner retired.
He said: “I then set up on my own in Foundry Road, where I opened on August 15, 2011, at the age of 21.
“It’s a good area of Taunton to be in.
“There are plenty of independent shops, and it’s very busy.
Read more
Interview: Meet the woman responsible for the Taunton Independent Quarter
Interview: Meet Taunton's most prominent 'muscular Christian'
Interview: Meet the Somerset councillor who stood for Parliament
“Business is thriving, and I get a lot of repeat customers.
“It’s the only florist in the centre of town at the moment, and it made a bit of a difference when Judith Goss (based in Station Road) closed recently.
“Valentine’s this year was the biggest week we’ve ever had, and I’m looking forward to Mother’s Day this Sunday (March 15).”
With things looking up, Nicky replaced his lone long-serving member of staff, after she left to start a family, with two new employees at the end of last year.
The builders will move in at the end of this month to complete the work of joining the two premises together.
“The business is going from strength to strength,” added Nicky, who is now aged 36, and whose older brother is in the Army.
“It’s been a learning curve after setting up my own business at the age of 21.
“I don’t have much spare time, and when I do, I grow my own flowers.
“As well as the shop, I teach floristry and willow weaving to groups and clubs.
“I’ve actually gone back to Bicton College to teach willow weaving every other Sunday, although things have changed there and none of the staff who taught me when I was a student are still there.
“I teach clubs throughout the South West, in Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire and Somerset.
“As to the future, I’d like to grow more flowers and do more workshops in the shop.”
Share