Every new business we support is as unique as the person who creates it.
Our team continues to support businesses and business owners across Anglesey. We caught up with some of those owners to hear about their experiences running a business.
We asked how the support from Môn CF has helped them achieve their business goals. It also gives us a chance to get a look behind the scenes to hear what’s next for their business.
A unique business that’s recently reached out to Môn CF for support is Florees.
We spent an afternoon with Stacey Rees. Having recently opened a flower preservation business in Holyhead, here’s what she had to say!
Q1. Hi Stacey, could you tell us a little about yourself and your business?
Yes. I’m Stacey, I own a business called Florees. I make jewellery and artwork using real flowers that I preserve right here in my shop.
Everything you see here is handmade by me. I source most of my flowers from local florists and work with local small businesses to frame some of the art you see on my walls.
No two flowers are the same, so every piece I make is a one-of-a-kind item, something I love.
Florees products include bespoke jewellery, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings.
I craft handmade gifts, framed artworks, and prints. I also offer a flower preservation service. And specialise in the preservation of wedding bouquets, which I turn into framed art.
I use my own process of drying and preserving the flowers. The technique I use makes the petals hold their colour and stay vibrant once they’re cast in the resin. It helps draw people to my work!
I use high-quality materials for all my jewellery, like sterling silver. It was important that my products be suitable for sensitive skin.
Like a lot of new businesses, Florees started as a lockdown hobby. I started working with flowers and resin. Drying petals and bouquets, and once I got going, things grew from there.
Before I knew it I was running a business and working a full-time job, and trying to juggle three kids! Things got busy!
I was making everything out of a set-up I had in our garage and selling my pieces on Etsy. But I outgrew that space and realised I needed something bigger.
That’s when I started to realise I had the chance to make something of the business, that this could actually work as a career!
Q2. How did you initially approach Môn CF – was it always for Business Support, or did you come to us for a different reason initially?
I’d heard of the work Môn CF do, and I saw their announcements about the grants that were available at the time.
I reached out to see if I could get any help with some items I needed, like a printer, and some other business essentials.
They put me through the application process, and I was lucky to receive some funding to help me get started.
I used the funding to upgrade some equipment, but by this point, I’d already started outgrowing the garage.
I knew Môn CF had helped a few other local business owners find premises. I reached out to them again to see if they could help, hoping they had somewhere I could rent as a studio.
As soon as I could make the enquiry, Alun put his coat on and was showing me around the available properties. He took me around the shops and showed me what was available. I told him I’d had my eye on the shop I’m in now. And even though it’s not a Môn CF property, he knew the owner and got the ball rolling to help me get set up here.
It was a massive help. As soon as I saw the inside I knew straight away this is where I wanted to set up my studio, it’s really nice here.
It’s proven to be a great location. With good footfall and the support from the community has been incredible. It’s so nice to feel so welcome and see people when they come in.
Q3. Could you tell us a little more about how your business grew thanks to the support you received?
As I mentioned before, the business was set up in my garage, and as it kept growing, I was running out of space. I was taking over the house with all my stuff. We had flowers everywhere!
Môn CF pointed me in the right direction when I was looking for a studio, which has helped my business provide a welcoming place for customers to visit. I can trade from here, and I can use the space as my workshop where I make all my products.
Getting the space has had the added benefit of improving my work-life balance. Something that’s important to me. I have three young children and I want our house to feel like home, not like work.
It was easy to get distracted by home life when I was working from the garage, it’s nice to have a place where I can come focus.
Môn CF also helped me write my business plan. I didn’t know where to start at first. My mentor was so helpful and created the whole plan with me. She told me about all the marketing I should consider and told me about some courses that were available.
There is so much knowledge in Môn CF, it was a great help to be able to access it. If you don’t know where to start, having that kind of support is so useful.
Q4. Could you tell us about your plans for the future of your business?
Well, a big part of my business comes from my online sales. Expanding what I can do online is going to be a major next step.
I’m currently working hard to get stock ready for the Christmas rush. Seems early I know, but I need to be well ahead on these things because I make everything myself.
I’m getting a lot of support from my sister. She’s a social media marketer in Ireland, and she’s been a great help in getting my brand out there.
Social media is a big part of my business, it’s how I get my brand noticed and it’s how people find out about me. Making content takes a lot of time, so I’ll be doing some more work on that soon too.
I also have lots of new products and artwork to release soon.
Q5. One more, if you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about starting their own business, what would it be?
Yes, my advice would be to definitely make sure you’ve got that support.
Research and reach out to organisations that can help as early as you can, it makes a huge difference.
Don’t be afraid to lean on them as well, it’s what they’re there for.
My husband has been amazing too and has really supported me through the highs and lows.
If you’re really passionate about what you want to do, believe in yourself and go for it. Keep pushing and you can get through anything! It won’t come easy, but when it works it’s so rewarding because all the hard work has paid off.
Thinking about starting your own business?
Get the support you need with Môn CF!
If you're thinking of starting your own business, or already have a business, Môn CF's Business Support team is here to help!
Able to provide support in all aspects of business, from funding to policy writing, through to a full recruitment service, our team is here for you.
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Get in touch with our Business Support team today!