Women in Business - Cath Fowler

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WOMEN

IN BUSINESS

with CATH FOWLER

FROM THE DIGITAL LANEWAY

NIKKI

BURRELL

FREELANCE FLOWERS

Can you tell us a little bit

about your business?

Freelance Flowers Floral Design Studio is a local fl orist based in Coffs Harbour. We deliver throughout the region, with an emphasis on style, elegance and bespoke fl oral art. Specialising in seasonal fl owers, we house a team of creative and highly inspired fl oral designers.

Our fl oral team is renowned for exceptional workmanship while using superior quality fl owers in both traditional and contemporary fl oral designs. Each staff member has their own sense of style and creative instincts which provides our valued clients with more choices and inspirational pieces.

I’m also excited to say that I am opening a second shop in the New Year on the Northern Beaches of Coffs.

What’s your favourite part of the work you do?

I love to work with our clients and discuss their vision of what they would like to create and being able to bring that idea to life. Whether it’s for the celebration of someone dear, creating bespoke wedding fl orals, celebrating anniversaries, showcasing someone’s business or house with corporate designs, bringing joy to new parents or a bouquet of blooms to let someone know you’re thinking of them or just to brighten their day.

I’m constantly in awe of the beauty of nature and we get to share this with anyone who orders through us or comes into our store.

Who is your greatest infl uence in business?

Defi nitely my family. My late father was a local Accountant in Coffs Harbour who had his own business here for more than 30 years. He was the hardest working man I know. He taught me that hard work, vision, determination and a sense of humour will help you succeed in business. His advice was to always stay true to yourself.

My partner Mick and our 3 children Liam, Willow and Roxy are also the greatest infl uence on our little business. They are all involved in the business and you will generally see them in the shop after school or work, unpacking fl owers, serving customers, delivering our fl oral designs or sitting up at the fl oral bench sharing their day’s events with the wonderful staff. I cherish the fact that I have their unwavering support.

Have you always lived on the Coffs Coast?

I’ve been fortunate to grow up at Moonee Beach. While I moved away a bit for education and other business opportunities, this piece of paradise with its natural beauty of the beaches and the hinterland seems to beckon you home. Most of all it’s family, friends and community that makes you feel home.

I love that I get to be part of this supportive community and that our customers often come into the shop just to take time to “stop and smell the roses” as they say.

What piece of advice would you give women making their way in the business world?

Have a vision and stay true to yourself. Take the time to support other women in business, share in building each other up. Seek out other women who challenge and inspire you, spend time with them and together share ideas, hardships, goals, achievements and challenges.

Be aware of what other women on the Coffs Coast are doing in business. Applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes and encourage them in their business. When we all support one another, everyone succeeds.

Where can people fi nd out more about your business?

We are located at Northside Shopping Centre on Park Beach Road. freelancefl owers.com.au @freelancefl owers

Freelance Flowers Floral Studio