The Story of Botanique Workshop with Alice Howard

#50 - Owner of Botanique Workshop, Alice Howard shares her small business journey. Initially setting up a shop focused on upcycling, later adding plants and then flowers to her offering led to the creation of her current florist and artisan gift store based in London.After studying Business Management at university, she did a ski season as a ski host before training to be a professional sailor. Aged 24, she realised that she wanted to set up a business making things. Her first shop 'In With The Old' was born. She upcycled vintage bits and bobs. And as well as stocking her own products, also stocked items from other makers. As her interests changed, the shop evolved. She started to stock plants, initially because she was selling hand-thrown Victorian pots. She began selling more and more plants. And then started selling flowers. In October 2016, a shop nearby became vacant and she decided to do a pop-up. She created a moodboard for the premises and this was the foundation of Botanique Workshop. A friend of a friend was an experienced florist and she joined Alice, later becoming her business partner. When the pop-up was ending, she decided to close 'In With The Old' and continue with Botanique. She now stocks cut flowers, dried flowers, houseplants, candles, stationery, pressed flower art, handmade ceramics and jewellery. Alice talks about the origins of her business name, her own brand product range and the impact of the pandemic on her business. Listening to this episode, you'll hear how passionate she is about being creative and making her own products, together with working with her wonderful team. Show notes are available on the My Small Business & Me website: https://mysmallbusinessandme.com/episode50Flower Photography (iPhone Version) Online Course: https://learn.flowerona.com/flower-photography-iphone-version