Celebration of female-owned small businesses: Dolphin Creek Flowers

With International Women’s Day celebrated, and Mother’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to celebrate female contribution, and one way to do so is by supporting female-owned small businesses. There is a growing proportion of female-based small businesses in the UK, with 21% of 2021’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by women, 20% of small businesses (0-49 employees), and 14% of micro-businesses (0-9 employees) owned by women. However, in an economy dominated by large corporations, small businesses often get overshadowed in favour of larger, mass-producing companies which are more convenient and have competitive prices. However, there are many benefits from supporting small, local businesses, such as better quality products, better consumer and producer relationships, supporting the local economy, and less environmental damage. A female-owned small business that fits this description, and one I wish to celebrate for all the owner’s hard work, passion, and dedication to her craft, is Dolphin Creek Flowers. The owner, Natasha Blomley, has a long history in the floral industry, and this article is an attempt at a much-deserved celebration of her commitment to the sustainability and individuality of floriculture and her determination to maintain a business in such a competitive market.

By supporting a local small business, not only are you helping the community and reducing CO2 emissions, but you are also guaranteed something beautifully designed with you in mind

18 years ago, Tasha began working in the high-street florist market trade, and in doing so, became aware of the environmental issues that arise in floriculture, an aspect that many people, including myself, are not conscious of. The £1.4 billion industry’s environmental damage is often unseen. Around 90% of flowers are imported from the Netherlands, and countries with warmer climates like Ecuador and Kenya supply the UK with flowers during off-seasons, such as roses in the winter months. This mass importation has a devastating effect, as not only do the refrigerated flowers have to travel long distances in both the air and on the road, but the cultivation methods used, such as the heating of greenhouses and the use of pesticides, also have a detrimental impact. Tasha dedicates her time to making sure her business is the most sustainable it can be in the face of such environmental devastation. From large actions such as using locally sourced, British-grown flowers when possible, to smaller decisions that might be perceived as inconsequential, like always delivering her flowers in glass vases, this highlights her commitment to sustainability.

Tasha may be doing what she can to lessen her environmental impact, but it certainly doesn’t minimise her impact on the local community. Not only is she part of a wonderful, close-knit network of growers and florists who can rely on one another, but the homegrown, handpicked, and lovingly styled bouquets certainly don’t go unnoticed by consumers. Tasha carefully picks each stem based on individuality, colour, and scent, a distinct difference from imported flowers which often have less of a scent due to being bred for mass transportation and their energy going into survival instead of creating perfume. So, by supporting a local small business, not only are you helping the community and reducing CO2 emissions, but you are also guaranteed something beautifully designed with you in mind. Flowers handpicked and arranged with love and care not only last longer but smell as good as they look.

I can say with all certainty that supporting a local florist is much more rewarding – economically, environmentally, but also emotionally

Continuing to grow her own flowers with tenderness and intent, Tasha has owned her business for around six years, which is thriving alongside her flowers in a competitive market. Influenced by the seasons, often foraging for new plants, and hand-dying ribbons with natural ingredients like elderberries, Tasha ensures a unique personality for each bouquet. Having witnessed the pure joy that loved ones exude when receiving one of Tasha’s expertly crafted bouquets, I can say with all certainty that supporting a local florist is much more rewarding – economically, environmentally, but also emotionally – than just popping down to the shop and grabbing the first plastic-wrapped bunch you see. If you live locally to Emsworth, I encourage you to celebrate your mum this month, not with a Tesco posy, but instead with a gorgeous arrangement from Dolphin Creek Flowers.