Happy New Year 2023

7TH JANUARY 2023

 

Hello and a very Happy New Year from all of us at Pretty Busy Blooms!

 

I just want to start off by thanking everyone who has supported my business in 2022.

 

It has been a funny old year, full of ups and downs! At the beginning of the year, I was finding my sales were fairly slow and I was concerned that because of the financial situation that we are all facing, that this was the way it was going to be, therefore I must get my finger out to ensure it didn't happen! So I got myself into gear and plunged myself into social media training. It meant spending alot of time on Facebook and Instagram investing time in lives and scheduled posts. I was so happy that I started to get bookings for salon and home installations, which looked fab when finished and is definately something I am super proud of.

 

The downside of spending more time investing in my business was that I felt more and more torn with my job as a HLTA in a primary school. I loved them both equally but due to workload, driving miles to and from work and struggling with my work-life balance, something had to give! In November I reached crisis point and really felt as though my mental health was suffering. I then did something that I never ever thought I would...I handed my notice in at school and put it out to the universe that I would (I definately would) find something.

 

I had been working with a lovely lady called Hayley from CDC in Chester le Street, on growing my business. We talked about how stressed I was feeling and I decided after that meeting that I needed to do something and that was to find a part time job working from home. The idea behind it was so I could grow my business in my studio around my new job without having to leave the house! I was delighted to find out that I was successful in my interviews and I start my training for my new part time job in March this year. I can't tell you how happy this has made me feel and how this is going to change my life for the better!

 

I haven't even told you about my workshops were last year either have I? I am so so proud, honestly. So in the summer of last year I had a meeting with the owners of The Mood Food in Birtley. Its a beautiful venue (if you've not been, literally where have you been?!) and so much care has been taken to ensure customers have not only great quality food but a fantastic atmosphere too. Chris and were amazing and we discussed their ideas for myself to hold their first Halloween workshop. It was a bit of a challenge for me (not really a fan of that time of year) but I set about organising it and it sold out within a week of advertising - brilliant! We had a great morning, creating some fab wreaths for adults and children with paints and even broomstick making!

 

Next came Christmas, what a whirlwind! My husband Michael and I (also roped in my 16 year old too lol) spent the majority of our weekends in November and December cutting up spruce and mossing wreaths! It was soooo tiring and I am so pleased I had him by my side to help. Michael has became my wing man and for the first time ever have worked as a team to make my workshops a success. With two sold out events at The Mood Food, two at Crinnions and a private event at Chesters, I felt delighted to be asked back for more in 2023.

 

So what is there to look forward to in 2023? So so much! More workshops, new products, two wedding bookings, an installation and Christmas bookings and its only January. I am really looking forward to sharing news with you and can't wait to see where the new year takes us!

 

Nicki xxx (Wearing hugely positive pants)