Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - May/June 2020

69 PROFILE Gifts from the garden Kelly Rideout has enabled keen creatives and gardeners alike to be able to gift flowers like a florist and get creative at home with her new product, Flower Wrap and Grow Tell us a bit of background about yourself. What’s your career background? I completed my MA in Art Design and Media at Portsmouth University; I was Tate e-commerce manager for six years and after having children I freelanced as a surface pattern designer and illustrator using lots of mixed media and florals in my work. This led me to grow my own flower garden where I could get daily inspiration. With the abundance of flowers, I started to gift these to friends and family. I wanted to use eco-friendly flower wraps and materials and after a lot of searching I realised there was nothing on the market. So, I designed my own! From there, friends requested their own sets, so I saw a business opportunity and I created Flower Wrap and Grow. What products and gift lines do you offer? Flower Wrap and Grow gift sets are ideal as a gift for a beginner or seasoned gardener. They include quality British seeds and eco- friendly flower wrapping materials for up to six flower bouquets. My Flower Party Sets are new for 2020 and each have a theme: Flower Party, Flower Tea Party, Hen Flower Party and Children’s Flower Party. There are flower party checklists, tips and a flower wrapping guide included along with flower wrapping materials for six guests. These wrapping kits are perfect for quick floral bouquets straight from your garden. I also produce matching greeting cards, flower party invitations and other stationery products. I have more gift items to celebrate bring creative with flowers all currently being developed. Why did you decide to start up your company? With the increase of British flower sales and the trend for ‘make it yourself’ and ‘grow your own’, I believed I was starting Flower Wrap and Grow at the right time. I aim to bring flower creativity together with creating memories and sharing experiences. With the positive effect of growing flowers for mindfulness, these sets bring wellbeing and a sense of joy when sharing thoughtful homemade flower gifts. What challenges did you overcome as a new company? It was hard to find high quality eco-friendly materials that could be printed or produced in Britain initially in small quantise in the beginning, and then being able to upscale but without compromising the quality. Also, searching for and using like- minded companies who had a similar ethos as my own. What product are you currently most excited about? I’m really excited about the Flower Party sets, which were launched this year as they are so much fun. The sets make it easy to host your own party with a step-by-step guide to flower wrapping, a party check list and ideas. Has the current economic climate affected yourself as a start-up? No, I source locally and use British suppliers who produce with eco-friendly materials. How do you market your business? Do you attend any trade shows? I have a wholesale brochure for 2020, which is being mailed out or can be sent as a PDF. Please contact me if you would like a copy sent. I use press releases, my website, social media and online campaigns. I haven’t attended a trade show with Flower Wrap and Grow products yet but I intend to in the future. Where do you see yourself in five years? My aim is to bring flower creativity to gardens and British homes. I’d love Flower Wrap and Grow to be available in leading retail outlets, farm shops, craft shops, garden centres, flower shows and pick-your-own flower events. I’d like to be working on collaborations with a special selection of companies, and simply celebrating the joy of flowers with the new products that are useful, creative and easy to try at home. CONTACT E: kellyrideoutdesign@outlook.com T: +44 (0)7799 642 461 W: www.kellyrideout.co.uk