Flowers by Catherine Needs Your Help!

Flowers by Catherine has grown slowly over the last 4 years, through having sales units in local vintage emporiums, pop up shops and running floral workshops, initially on a part time basis but full time from October 2019.  Inspired by You, I am an independent florist producing beautiful blooms for weddings, occasions, funerals and events and have built a strong local and online presence.  

The time has now come to put 'Flowers by Catherine' firmly on the map, by putting my name over my own shop door.  Crowdfunder are offering businesses like mine the opportunity to grow by raising funds to support their future, with donations raised being matched by local authority funding if the target is met.

I already had the vision and plans in place for 2020 and the next steps for my business.  In February 2020 I invested heavily in a rebrand, new logo and new look website, a clear picture of what Flowers By Catherine is and isn't.  My intention was to use funds from my concession location, to move into a premises of my own.  

Then COVID-19 arrived and turned all of our world's upside down! By the end of March, the UK was in lockdown and my retail unit was closed down, unable to fully trade and rent still to be paid.  In April COVID hit me and my work had to completely come to a halt for several weeks. The funds I had set aside for a premises had to be used for living expenses and supporting myself and my two children whilst I was recovering from COVID and pneumonia.

Despite this setback,  I have never lost my determination, commitment and vision and have adapted as best I can to keep the business afloat.  

I was recently made aware of an opportunity of a shop available to rent in a High Street location in Wheathampstead. A lovely grade II listed building, where I can take the business to the next level and become the florist with a difference, within the community, many of whom are existing customers.   A place where you can not only buy flowers, but gifts, candles, cards and much more, all made by Hertfordshire crafters and makers whose work I will be promoting and selling instore.  All of this, plus as an independent retailer, I will continue to be the Frenchic paint stockist for Wheathampstead and surrounding areas. Something for everyone.

There is nothing currently like this in the village, and we know we will be bringing something new and vibrant to the community.  Many people I have spoken to have said what a fantastic and much needed addition this will be to the High Street.  There is plenty of nearby free parking, a café next door and a number of established shops and businesses.  It's prominent location makes it ideal for attracting passing trade.

Being self employed is never a 9-5 job and with a lot of hard work I have raised the short-term funds to secure the premises but as with any business growth there is always more investment needed.  

Your donation, however small, will provide me with the best possible opportunity to succeed, by providing funding for advertising, signage, promotional materials, general marketing costs and start-up staffing costs to enable my full commitment to the launch.

In return, I am offering some fantastic rewards as a thank you for you to enjoy, and you have my full commitment to creating an amazing success story that YOU will be part of.

Any donation will be really appreciated, and if our target is reached we could be matched £ for £ with a Local Authority grant, which would really make a huge difference.

If you are not able to donate but would still like to help, you can do so for FREE just by sharing this story with your friends and networks to help me spread the word. 

THANK YOU for taking the time to read this, and if you can share with your friends and networks that would be amazing.  

Catherine x