Every time I get sick of the fashion industry, I threaten to change career path, and there are usually only a few options. One of them is working in a video store (sitting around watching videos all day = fun, but there isn’t much money involved), surf bum (hanging out on the beach surrounded by surfers = fun, but I don’t know how to surf) and the other is a florist (playing with flowers all day = fun, but the reality is poking yourself with thorns, dirty hands, and waking up at 3am to go to the flower auction. And dealing with brides.) Regardless, I am somewhat envious of my friend Jessica who has her own flower shop, Quince Fine Florals.
It’s in Kerrisdale (actually, Mackenzie Heights) so just a hop and a skip away from my house, and it is exactly how I’d imagine my flower shop to look like, if I had the time, knowledge, skill, money, and will to open my own. Jessica was destined to work in the floral world, she trained at Thomas Hobb’s, one of Vancouver’s best florists, and her middle name is Blossom.
Here are some photos of her shop, located at 4870 Mackenzie Street, Vancouver. By the way, she is selling those Chanel No5 scented candles I mentioned a while back, as well as the latest scent in the candle range, Shalimar. Scroll down to the bottom to read Jessica’s floral tips, and to see some pictures of her bouquets.
Above, Jessica Blossom Clark, founder of Quince Fine Florals. I love the idea of having a job where your uniform is a striped apron and a pair of Hunter wellington boots! Here’s a few of Jessica’s floral tips.
For the home - Make flowers last by changing the water every couple days and re cutting the stems, it DOES make a difference in terms of longevity.
If you are a bride – Try to work with what’s in season to keep your budget in check. Right now feathery frothy peonies are available in blush pinks, dove whites and a gorgeous dark crimson.
For special events – Think outside the box: A charming centerpiece for an evening can be as simple as a cluster of planted succulents atop pebbles. Succulents are a readily available mediterranean style cactus that last throughout the summer and have a very modern minimalist look.
Here are some of Jessica’s arrangements.
