Atherstone florist fulfils dream by opening her own shop

A new florist shop is set to take Atherstone by storm as it celebrated a week since first opening this Tuesday.

'Evelyn Rose Florist' opened on April 6 on Carlyon Road and brings over a decade of floristry experience to the town.

Business owner Stephanie Rowntree, 28, was born and raised in Atherstone, and has always dreamed of owning her own florist shop.

Stephanie was originally inspired to become a florist as a teenager when deciding on what to study at college. Having originally planned to do makeup artistry it was her grandmother, Margaret, who pushed her in the direction of floristry.

After enrolling on the course she has not looked back, and now boasts 12 years of experience, having spent the last six years helping to manage another shop in Hartshill.

"It is something that I have always wanted to do," says Stephanie, "a few members of my family have their own businesses, so that is the sort of environment that I have been brought up in.

"I lost my nan a couple of months ago and that sort of gave me that little push that I needed really.

"Having the people to support you is a massive help and gives you that strength to keep going."

Stephanie has already been doing bespoke flower work for weddings and events for the past few years, which combined with her experience of running a shop means that the opening of the business was the natural next step for her.

All that was left to do was find a premises.

"I always knew that it would be in Atherstone that I wanted to launch the business, because I know the area so well."

Stephanie took over the lease on Carlyon Road two months ago. Since then redecorating work has been completed by the landlords, and she has installed ornaments and features, collected over the years, to help bring her new business to life.

"I now cover all sorts of occasions, birthdays, births anniversaries, anything really.

"I have actually just finished a project, somebody asked me to cover a bike wheel. They brought it in and I have covered it in greenery all around the edge, for the customer to display in her garden."

As well as bespoke designs, Stephanie is also stocking a range of bath bombs and cosmetics from 'Bomb Cosmetics'.

"Over the years on various occasions I have brought a lot of their gifts and stock, so I thought it would be nice to stock them as well."

As well as the encouragement from her late grandmother, Stephanie has also kept the family feel strong, naming the shop after her four-year-old niece, Evelyn.

The timing of the opening could not have been better, with lockdown restrictions easing this week meaning that non-essential shops can now open to trade with customers once more.

Reflecting on her first week since opening Stephanie said: "I am expecting it to get busier as word of mouth and social media picks up. But the first week has been busier than I expected it to be honest."

Stephanie is also holding an open day on Saturday 24 April 10.00am - 3.00pm at Evelyn Rose Florist, Carlyon Group D4, Carlyon Road, Atherstone, CV9 1LQ.

For more information or to place an order with Evelyn Rose Florist please follow this link.