Independent Focus: In Bloom with The Bloom Project

The Bloom Project is a big favourite in Clarendon Park. From hand-tied bouquets to wreath making workshops, The Bloom Project is a lovely creative space with gift ideas and things to brighten up your home.

We caught up with owner, Emma, to find out more about it.

What’s your favourite thing about running The Bloom Project?

My favourite part of running TBP is the creative freedom. I love changing the shop decor or coming up with new bouquet designs. Fashion is a huge inspiration to me and I enjoy bringing this into my work. Another favourite has got to be my amazing customers and now friends. They make all of this worthwhile.

How would you describe the shop for anyone who hasn’t paid you a visit yet?

A colourful, tiny shop with a huge personality. It is crammed with plants, pots and a flower fridge displaying fresh blooms and bouquets. We offer flowers for all occasions, houseplants and delivery service in Leicester. If I was a shop this is how I’d look!

What are some of your favourite products that you sell?

I get really excited with my new houseplants that come in and love how passionate my customers are that collect plants. I also enjoy creating handtied bouquets when the customer lets me do whatever I like, so much fun to go mad. I’d also say my £10 Friday bunches are a weekly highlight of mine. They are very popular and I get people from all over Leicester coming to grab one.

Where does your inspiration come from for the shop?

As I’ve said before, I love fashion and colour and Instagram is a breeding ground for this. I get so many ideas from interior design blogs on there. I also love keeping up with the trends in floristry and have lots of florist idols that inspire me constantly through the platform.

Is there anything that people can buy who can’t get out?

I offer vouchers and bouquets that can be purchased on the website or over the phone. A voucher can also be purchased for a future workshop date and plants and flowers can be delivered across Leicester. I’m very flexible and will help anybody out that can’t make it in if they’re self isolating.

Who are some of your other favourite independents in Leicester?

So hard to pick a few! My lovely neighbour – The Allotment; they made me a happy girl when they took over the greengrocers last year and are doing amazing things in our community. My good pals at K&G Curated Space. Helen and Gra have been really supportive of my biz since day dot and their unit is mind blowing and really innovative. Can’t wait to move out of my mum’s so I can buy loads of their beautiful furniture. Lastly, Lorna at Lesser Than Three. Lorna created my fascia sign and decorates my window regularly. It’s honestly one of my favourite times, when she brings my ideas to life. I can’t draw so having Lorna understand my vision is amazing and so fulfilling.

When this is all over, what’s the first thing you’re going to do?

Work on my online business and try to build it up so I’m covered in all areas. I would love to deliver plants nationwide. I’d also like to take my family out for a meal because they’ve been amazing and kept me going!

The Bloom Project is at 57a Queens Road and you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You can visit their website at www.thebloomproject.co.uk.