So… I opened my very own florist in Swanage!
So it’s somehow been almost 10 months since my last update here… which is bonkers, I know!
But I promise you I have a very good reason!
If you’re not already following me over on Instagram, you probably won’t know that I’ve recently opened my very own florist in Swanage: Tied!
Yes, really!
I was lucky enough to be able to secure a beautiful little shop on Swanage’s High Street.
This has been a long-held dream of mine and I can’t tell you how excited and thrilled I am that it’s finally come true. Eeeek!
It’s been a really crazy few months, so I wanted to take some time today to bring you all up to speed with what’s been going on.
But, first, a quick recap…
I’m Selina and I run a floral design business in Swanage, Dorset. I first discovered my passion for floristry whilst working in marketing, which led me into starting an incredible career in London’s luxury floral design industry for around six years.
As fun as that was, it didn’t take long for me to miss my hometown though, and so I eventually decided to return to Swanage with my husband, where I’ve worked as a floral designer in Dorset ever since. You can take a look at some of my work here.
Since returning home, I’ve always dreamt of opening up my own florist in Swanage… somewhere for me to work from, sell from, a place for locals to come together and enjoy beautiful flowers, buy artisanal gifts, and even a place for floristry workshops too. A real local hub for all things floral design and gift-giving.
Well, back in September last year, that dream finally started to come true when I was lucky enough to be able to secure a gorgeous little shop on Swanage’s high street at No. 62. This shop really was the perfect spot for me; I’ve always loved it and I even got married next door in the town hall! So when it became available, it just felt like fate.. like it was meant to be!
Tied florist, Swanage
Everything quickly fell into place and, just like that, I had my own florist in Swanage!
Only it wasn’t ‘just like that’ at all, as you might’ve guessed from my silence on here!
The shop is hundreds of years old and it was in need of some serious TLC. At times, it really did feel like we were in an episode of Grand Designs with one problem just leading to another! There was so much work to get through and it was pretty overwhelming at times.
The shop was in need of some serious TLC…
Thankfully though, slowly but surely, and with lots of help from my wonderful friends and family, we were able to open Tied just in time for Valentine’s Day! Which, again, definitely felt like fate.
Here are some photos I love from our first few weeks…
Mother’s Day soon followed Valentine’s and since then, the shop has been going from strength to strength. I can’t quite believe the progress we’ve made! I feel so thankful to everyone in Swanage for embracing the shop and welcoming it into the community.
We’re the first florist in Swanage to open in close to ten years and we’re the only florist in a 10-mile radius, so it definitely feels like we’ve got an important local role to play, which I absolutely love! Swanage is my hometown, so to enrich the community feels really special.
I’d also just like to shout out Ankorstart and SaveTheHighStreet.org who have helped me in this journey after I won their “Open Your Shop” competition. Thank you guys for all your support in making this dream a reality!
I was actually interviewed recently by SaveTheHighStreet.org, which you can read here.
You’re invited to Tied florist in Swanage
Now our doors are open, I’d absolutely love to invite you guys to Tied. Our address is 62 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NX and all are welcome. We’re currently open from Tuesday to Saturday between 9:30am to 5pm.
Looking to mark a special milestone, express your condolences or just brighten up someone’s day? We’ve got a locally-sourced range of fresh-cut seasonal stems, hand-tied bouquets and artisanal gifts and cards made by independent artists fit for every occasion.
You can also, of course, pop in to talk to me about how I might be able to help bring your floral visions to life for your wedding or any other special occasion you’ve got planned. Drop me a message here and we can organise a time to chat. I’d love to hear from you!
So, what’s next for myself and Tied?
Well, as you might imagine, I have a very exciting summer ahead of me!
I’m busier than ever, continuing to work with my wonderful clients, alongside running the shop. It’s definitely a challenge but it’s one I’m absolutely revelling in.
Tied is so much more than just a florist and gift shop – it’s my new workplace, studio and a community hub, all in one. I’ve got so many plans for the place, even including hosting showcases and flower arrangement workshops too.
Stay connected with Tied by following us on Instagram and visiting our website to keep up to date with what’s new. I’d love you all to be part of this exciting next chapter in my journey as a florist in Swanage.
And do get in touch with me if you’re looking for a Dorset florist to make your next occasion that even more special!
Hope to speak soon,
Selina x
