Portsmouth florist doesn't let lockdown put a dampener on her blooming business

WHEN lockdown rules put a stop to household mixing, it could have meant the end of Claire Lester’s blooming floristy business.
Claire Lester, of Claire's Floristry, which operates from a caravan in Bedhampton Claire Lester, of Claire's Floristry, which operates from a caravan in Bedhampton
Claire Lester, of Claire's Floristry, which operates from a caravan in Bedhampton

Claire, from Fratton, set up Claire’s Floristry in 2014 and had been operating from a studio set up in a kitchen at the back of her parent’s house.

However when lockdown restrictions meant she would not be able to enter their home, she upped sticks and set up shop in a caravan instead.

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Claire, who is the preferred supplier of Portsmouth Football Club, now runs her business from a converted caravan in her parents’ front garden in Bedhampton, alongside home-schooling her son.

Claire Lester, of Claire's Floristry, which operates from a caravan in Bedhampton Claire Lester, of Claire's Floristry, which operates from a caravan in Bedhampton
Claire Lester, of Claire's Floristry, which operates from a caravan in Bedhampton

And she says her business is flourishing after seeing it grow throughout pandemic, despite the challenges the year presented.

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She said: ‘I’ve definitely found that people have been using flowers as a way to tell people they love them or miss them.

‘Lots of people have had birthdays, anniversaries etc and haven’t been able to celebrate so they’ve been sending flowers instead.

Claire Lester, of Claire's Floristry, which operates from a caravan in Bedhampton Claire Lester, of Claire's Floristry, which operates from a caravan in Bedhampton
Claire Lester, of Claire's Floristry, which operates from a caravan in Bedhampton
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‘Sadly there’s also been many people losing loved ones, so lots of people have been using flowers as a way to tell people they’re thinking of them.’

All of her designs are eco-friendly and use paper instead of cellophane wrapping, and she avoids using plastic ribbon.

Claire said: ‘I always try to be different and stand out. I do what I can to try and be as sustainable as possible and to also support local businesses, for example I sell token £5 wraps, so people are more inclined to come to me rather than just grab flowers from a supermarket.

‘I also use vases to replace packaging wherever possible so I produce as little waste as I can.’

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She also launched a second business, The Boozy Florist, in January 2020, with her business partner Jade Scotney.

Originally, the pair hosted in-person workshops for adults, where they’d provide alcoholic drinks and flowers for groups to create their own arrangements as a different style of party or get-together.

The workshops were held outdoors when they were able to be, but are now on hold until restrictions ease.

For more go to clairesfloristry.co.uk/ or call 07801579000

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