A Suffolk teenager has put her petal to the metal by setting up her own flower shop.
Kodie Brooke, 18, from Ipswich, opened a business in Debenham earlier this year.
She took the plunge a few weeks after completing her level two floristry course at Suffolk Rural College.
Called Flowers by Kodie, she is following in the footsteps of a former award-winning student (called Emily Robbins) who previously ran her own company at the same location before leaving to have a baby.
Kodie currently doesn’t drive, so it takes her three and a half hours a day to commute, but she is determined to make her project bloom.
She said: “I was at college for a year and really enjoyed being creative. During the course, we did things like table decorations for a big event, a Suffolk New College industry dinner at Milsoms in Kesgrave. I learnt a lot at college. As part of the course we had to have an industry placement and mine was in Sudbury. It was quite a trek – but the college helped fund my travel.
“I’m not sure where my love of flowers came from. I find it (working with flowers) quite relaxing.
“I left college and thought I’d best start looking for a job. Then, I happened to speak to the previous owner of a flower shop in Debenham (Gina who had it before Emily) and now I own a business.
“So far it has gone alright. I think of the best all the time, even though people say different. I do everything. I’ve had a few funerals, and some weddings are booked for next year. The community (of Debenham and the surrounding area) have been very supportive. I had an open event and that was very busy – everyone was really nice.
“In fact, my whole family has been supportive – especially my mum, dad and uncle Arryn. I need to buy 20 pumpkins for Halloween, and I can’t carry them all on the bus. So, my dad is going to help out with that.”
What is your message to other teenagers about setting up their own business?
“It has been fun – and I believe that if you really have got a passion for something, then figure things out and do it yourself.”
Four months in, what are your future plans? – “I’m trying to build up awareness of the business and the brand and the goal is to continue to grow. I’m going to get my driving licence next and that will enable me to do deliveries. I also want to open the side room and create a gift shop – and I also have plans to have the courtyard of the shop as a garden centre for the village, where I’ll be selling plants.”
So, what is next? – “I’m doing a few Christmas markets in Debenham, I’m working with the sports centre and I’m going to create a workshop based around Halloween and Christmas.”
Alison Liddiard is a floristry lecturer at Suffolk Rural. Alison said: “Many of our students get the skills they need from us and go on and set up their own businesses. The fact that Kodie has done so at such a young age is incredible. She is a real inspiration, and we are so proud of her. We are delighted we were able to help on her journey to success.”