Florist has stood the test of time

And nearly 18 years later, the Church Walk florist is still going strong as owner Natalie Carpenter celebrates 10 years since she took over the business when she was just 19.

“The florist shop has been in the town for nearly 18 years and the name has stayed the same throughout,” the now 30-year-old said. “We’ve gone with the times in terms of trends and what we have gone for is quite modern with a shabby chic look at the minute.

“I was originally working for someone else in Bath and she had this shop in Trowbridge. She asked me how I would feel about taking it on and I was only 19 at the time and so I didn’t know what to do. I thought I was too young but after speaking to my parents I changed my mind.

“It is nice to think how it all started but I definitely don’t think I would have done it without the support of my mum and dad, Sue and Michael.

“We have become quite known in Trowbridge and we are the only florist in the town now so I think we have stood the test of time and got through the recession. We have contracts with local undertakers and we have a lot more business now than five years ago.”

Absolutely Fabulous Flowers offers bundles of beautiful floral decorations from just £20 with the flowers being imported from Holland or Bristol.

Mother’s Day proves to be the biggest hit with customers with hundreds of orders pouring in every March. Trade is steady throughout the year according to Miss Carpenter, who will be celebrating 10 years as owner on October 1, when she will be offering 10 per cent off everything on the day.

The longest member of staff at the florist is Catherine Bolano, 48, who has worked at the shop for nearly nine years after a change in a career.

She added: “I knew Natalie’s mum and I asked for part-time work while I was training in floristry even if I could come and help out for free and everything fell into place and I’ve been here ever since.”

For more information, visit www.ab-fab-flowers.co.uk.