The Southsea florist who is loving life after moving her business

Owner Liz Penman decided to branch out and move to new premises on Elm Grove in Southsea after previously sharing with other retailers as she built the business up over the last three years.

The move from an Albert Road shop, which she shared with her interior designer, to her new premises, marks a new exciting chapter for the business which caters for weddings and offers flower deliveries, as well as offering people courses on how to make wreaths.

Liz said she is delighted to have made the move earlier this month.

She said: ‘This is my firs solo shop which gives me more floor space. We are not a traditional florist with us doing things a bi differently. For example, we have indoor ports and pots and plants locally sources, as well as candles and botanical jewellery. Everything has a botanical theme which adds to our uniqueness.’

Although Liz has only been in the new shop for less than a month, she told The News that business is thriving. ‘Trade has been great so far I love being on Elm Grove – it’s such a wonderful place.

‘It’s nice to see familiar faces since I’ve been at the new shop and also meet new people. Everyone has said how much they like the shop with it having more space.

‘Having a bigger shop means getting in more stock which provides new challenges with cash flow. It’s great to be in my own shop and to have built things up organically over the last three years.

‘Southsea is such a wonderful place to have an independent shop with there a real solidarity between all the retailers here. We all socialise and support each other which helps a lot.’

The 31-year-old, who also lives in Southsea, said she prides herself on the customer service she offers. ‘It’s so important to make people feel welcome,’ she added. ‘I hope people enjoy coming into the shop.’