An Event Planner’s Flower Logistics
Earlier yesterday, I had the honour of talking to one of the most talented florists in the country. If you’ve seen the breathtaking flower arrangements displayed at weddings, birthday parties or baby showers around town, then you were probably witnessing the work of Kingdom Barbie Doll Florist, founded by the beautiful Barbie Kalebe. Having started with one bridal bouquet for a friend’s wedding, Barbie has since been in the flower business for over ten years now. She’s hardworking, she’s determined and she’s 100% self-taught! Here’s my conversation with her:
Q: How do you shop for flowers?
B: It depends on the quantity that I require. For smaller arrangements, I shop from Woolworths and Pick ’n Pay. I also like to shop at Absolute Creations, a flower shop at the LNDC building. For bigger arrangements for events like weddings, I used to shop from Waldorf Flowers in Bloemfontein. These days, however, I prefer the Multiflora Flower Market in Johannesburg. On such occasions, I like to personally go shopping to ensure that I get fresh flowers. Then occasionally, I’ll use a courier. The flowers are packaged in cardboard boxes which preserve them for a long trip back here.
Q: Tell me about the cost of flowers.
B: Flowers are more expensive when buying locally. Buying from South Africa is a little more reasonable. It also depends on the type of flower. Dry flowers like Bunny Tails, for example, are extremely expensive. Other very expensive flowers are Peonies and Orchards, followed by Roses. Spiders and Sprays, which I use mostly for coffin sprays, are relatively more affordable.
Q: How do you store them?
B: In a cool, dry place, in buckets of water mixed with plant food.
Q: Which flowers are your favourite and which ones are in season right now, for the holidays?
B: I like the purity of Alstroemerias, Dahlias, Lisianthus and Orchids. They are just such clean flowers. For decorating for the holidays, I recommend potted Orchids that are sold in beautiful packaging for Christmas.
Q: What’s the most you’ve spent on flowers?
B: About M10,000, twice now. Once last year for a wedding of 250 guests and again this year for a wedding of 150 guests.
Q: What’s the one thing you’d like for your customer to know about ordering flowers for an event?
B: Fresh flowers, as compared to artificial flowers, will always look more beautiful in terms of texture and overall presentation. However, they are expensive. Usually, my client will look at beautiful events organised by event planners like the talented Precious the Planner and ask for a similar concept, unaware of just how much they’d cost. They’re shocked by a quote for their required arrangement. The more extravagant the arrangement, the higher the price so, the cost of flowers should be their starting point when drawing up a budget.
QUICK FIRE ROUND
Who inspires you the most in business?
I wish to have my own flower farm someday so, I like farmers. Check out De Plante Roses.
What’s the one thing that people don’t know about you?
Hore ke bohale (laughs).
How do you like to unwind at the end of a busy day?
Nothing feels better than a nap.
Advice for someone wishing to start a business like yours?
Like any business, it doesn’t take a day to build. It is going to take time to perfect your craft and it is not easy. Also, the market’s becoming a little more competitive now. How well your business does will depend on the quality of delivery and how well you market yourself. So, be willing to put in the hard work.
Kingdom Barbie Doll Florist is based in Maseru, Lesotho. Follow her work on Social:
Facebook: KBD Florist
Instagram: @kbdflorists_2020
