Ambrosia Designer Florist | Vendor Spotlight

What inspired you to create your business?

I wanted to combine my 2 passions in life - food and flowers so 'Ambrosia" was born. I had worked in floristry for over 10 years when I started brain storming the concept of floral designs with a food theme, the when we moved back to Invercargill 12 years ago, the opportunity arose for me to start my own business so I jumped at the chance!

Take us through a day in the life of your business

 I am at the flower market at 8am every day, Hand picking the freshest best quality blooms for the studio, the studio opens at 9am so the staff arrive and we set up and start creating the morning orders so the deliveries can start at 10am, once the morning is under control, we tidy the studio, create designs to be sold in store and look ahead to the afternoon orders, I'm often on the computer collecting website orders, answering wedding inquiries and planning upcoming functions. The afternoon deliveries start at 3pm and then its time to plan ahead for the next day. Every day is different in terms of the types of orders we do and the designs we create so it's always interesting.

hat is your favourite wedding trend at the moment?

 I love that Brides are embracing greenery! Wild, natural, free form bouquets are my favourite and Brides are loving that look this season!

Advice for Brides to be planning their big day? 

rust in professionals, we know what we are talking about, I hear of Brides spending hours and hours making and sourcing things for their wedding that they never use again afterwards, that's a lot of time, energy and stress doing something for the first time that a professional could probably do in a fraction of the time and save you the stress and when you way up the cost, you would probably find it cheaper to go with a professional.

Any tips or tricks you can offer Brides to be?

on't skimp on your flowers - I know I'm a florist and have to say that, but its true! Flowers really bring the whole theme of a wedding together, they create such a special ambience at your venue and make your photographs really come alive! When you look at all the props and accessories that people hire for their weddings, flowers are still a cheaper option.

What is your favourite place in Southland?

Riverton and the Caitlins - I LOVE being by the sea and amongst nature.

I wish I knew how to... 

Ski! I have never learnt and living so close to those beautiful snowy mountains, I wish I knew how to

TV show you wishes was still on air?

Frozen Planet - I love anything David Attenborough narrates about nature

What advice would you give your 18 year old self? 

ollow your passion - which is what my 18 year old self did and I wouldn't change a thing :)