From a childhood spent playing wedding dress-up, Cindy Rynhoud’s life has blossomed into an abundant world of fresh, fragrant flowers.
I have always had a love for flowers. As a child, my grandfather and I used to grow carnations in his back garden. I was fortunate enough to have had access to everything wedding related because my mom ran and part-owned a small wedding and floral boutique in the Midlands. I loved playing in her shop. Looking back, I can see how so much of my life was preparing me for this passion that has become my career.”
As a qualified marketing whiz, and interior designer, Cindy spent the better part of her career in the corporate world. That was until her younger sister decided to tie the knot, and basically handed her entire wedding over to Cindy, including the making, icing and decorating of her cake. And although it was the first and last wedding cake she made, Cindy loved every minute of making her sister’s wedding magical. And the bug bit hard.
With her new-found passion for everything floral and wedding-related, Cindy began to dream of having her own space spilling over with vibrant fresh flowers and beautiful décor.
“I started living this dream by selling proteas at the I Heart Market in Durban and the Litchi Orchard Market in Ballito, on weekends. This is where Love Laugh began.”
In 2017, Cindy set up shop at the Lifestyle Centre in Ballito, and became the talk of town thanks to her gorgeous space, her love for people and her passion for serving them well.
In April, she opened her second store at The Yard in Hillcrest. From everyday bunches, seasonal blooms and wedding florals, to all kinds of tasteful décor, it’s a space that smells incredible and inspires you to feel alive and refreshed.
“Creating beautiful work begins with working in a beautiful space. This is what makes the floral mania that much more doable.”
Cindy divides her time between both stores; and in between this, she juggles admin, wedding set ups, market days and farm days, as she supports a number of local growers and suppliers.
“I also try to manage my social media, product sourcing, placing orders and I meet with brides and future clients, so life is pretty hectic, but I thrive on that.”
And then there’s putting together arrangements, something she really enjoys, but doesn’t get to do enough of because of her busy schedule.
Cindy is certainly not crazy about run-of-the-mill flowers.
“I think my style carries through in most of our designs. I love botanical … a wild look and feel. You will see this in everything I do. I love tulips and how they just keep on giving. I really struggle to like chrysanthemums, gerberas and baby’s breath. My favourite season is Spring, for it’s gorgeous variety. As a wanderlust woman, I also get a lot of inspiration from a simple trip to the Cape, or when I visit my daughter in the UK. Europe is far ahead of us in terms of trends.”
And speaking of trends, Cindy says 2024 will see more structured architectural florals, crazy mixing and lots of colour.
“I love these trends after the gloomy past few years we’ve had! Working in this industry, I’ve seen how happy flowers really do make people feel. And I love making people happy.”
Cindy says this is why the end result is always so important. It’s the impact her work has on others that motivates her.
“It’s that reaction from the bridal couple when they see what has been created for them, it’s the joy on the face of the recipient who least expected that surprise delivery. There are the moments I live for. It is rewarding to look back and see how far I’ve come over the years, but even more exciting to look towards the future as I dream up new possibilities. Flowers will always be at the heart of what I do. I know they can’t solve all problems, but they are a good start.”
Details: You can follow Cindy on social media IG: @lovelaughproteas and FB: LoveLaughSA or visit lovelaugh.co.za
Cindy’s best blooms for …
Valentine’s Day – Normally red roses, however I love red with shades of pink flowers mixed. It’s romantic and pretty.
An engagement – Roses, and somehow red as well.
A new house – Orchids – They symbolize beauty and luxury, and bring calm, peace and harmony.
An apology – White tulips. Tulips represent forgiveness. White tulips symbolize renewal so make a meaningful choice.
Condolences – I normally suggest something bright, happy and cheerful however, the traditional flower is a white lily.
A new baby – Pink for a girl, blue for a boy, although white and yellow are very popular at the moment.
