When it comes to weddings and special occasions, there is an entire world bustling behind the scenes, working tirelessly to create perfection. Queue Lindy Fourie, chief of dreams and flower queen whose dedication to cultivating happiness and crafting unforgettable moments is the driving force behind her success.
When it comes to weddings and special occasions, there is an entire world bustling behind the scenes, working tirelessly to create perfection. Queue Lindy Fourie, chief of dreams and flower queen whose dedication to cultivating happiness and crafting unforgettable moments is the driving force behind her success.
Sweet, fun, passionate and thoughtful are just a few of the words that best describe Lindy, whose meticulous eye for detail and deep running wedding fever have made her an integral part of a huge portfolio of special occasions.
As the co-founder Labola event and destination wedding planners based in Kloof, and the owner of Flourish Flower Studio at the Mushroom Farm in Hillcrest, she sets the bar high, pushing every creative limit while pouring her heart and soul into what she does. “I thrive on a challenge and find so much joy in being a part of someone’s special occasion. I also love the calm that comes over me when I’m playing with flowers,” says the wife and mother of two when asked why she chose a creative career in an unwavering industry.”
“It’s interesting to look back on our lives and see how we arrived in an opportunity, isn’t it? My best friend Bodil and I started our wedding and event planning business 14 years ago over a glass of wine. We wanted to be able to tell stories and encourage people to take the time to celebrate well, with memories in mind.
So we did a flower course and workshops, some online courses, and spent countless hours watching YouTube tutorials to get the gist of arrangements and find out how to balance planning, design and florals. We learnt – I continue to learn – something new every day. Over time, you just naturally start to create a work environment that challenges and invigorates you!”
Lindy says she’d always dreamed of having her own flower shop one day, so when Flourish – an already-established and much-loved brand in the area – needed someone to take over the reins, she jumped at the opportunity.
“Labola needed a sister, so it was a no brainer.”
Lindy started off with a small space she rented at Spence and Mae at The Mushroom Farm before expanding to an eccentric flower truck that brought a show-stopping vibe to markets and events. When the demand became too big for her mobile space, she upgraded to cheerful bubble of creativity and joy, also located at The Mushroom Farm, which offers a feast for the senses for anyone in need of a pick-me up. You definitely can’t miss it with its gorgeous façade and hot pink neon light!
“I’ve had so much fun transforming what was an old boardroom to a happy space filled with colour and creativity and most of all, love. And I’ve had the whole family on board, everybody except my dad, who was there from the beginning, but sadly lost his struggle to an ongoing illness in November last year. Dad was my hero. He was always so proud of me and loved to help do things with, or for me – he built my trailer, and wedding arches, wired my lighting, helped with floral mechanics and installations at weddings, and so much more,” says an emotional Lindy.
“It has been difficult to walk this road without him, but I know he would have told me to put my big girl panties on and get on with it. I’m just so grateful for the incredible support from my husband, Graham, and crazy cool kids, Lacey and Grayson, who have all chipped in to help. You simply can’t do flowers in a sad or bad mood, and being present counts,” says Lindy who has always turned to music to uplift her in stressful or troubled times.
“I used to be afraid of funeral and memorial arrangements, but now I find these therapeutic and relaxing. There’s a special calm that comes over you when you do them with the person in mind. And the ability to add something beautiful to a sad day is really rewarding. ”
Something else Lindy says is rewarding is making people smile … whether it’s in a thoughtful gesture or fresh-cut and cheerful flowers and foliage, a love-filled bouquet that sets the scene for a romantic dinner or proposal or a whimsical tapestry of blooms that serves as the backdrop for somebody’s big day, contributing to someone’s memorable occasion – even the very saddest of these – gives her purpose.
“Right up there with family, it’s something I hope I never take for granted,” says Lindy who admits that a big focus for her this year is trying to find the sweet spot between a healthy work and home life.
“It was something I struggled with last year. It was also a discussion I had with my dad the week before he died. My family mean the world to me. Also, spending more time in my own home and garden, appreciating the bounty that I have on my own doorstep is something I need to do more of,” says Lindy, reminding gardening enthusiast that March is sowing month.
“It’s a change of season and a good time to sow your favourites – African daisies, alyssum, snapdragons, bellis perennis, calendula, chrysanthemum paludosum, dianthus, bokbaai vygies, hollyhocks, pansies, poppies, primulas, stocks, violas and my fragrant favourite, the star gazer lily. They’re so simple and clean in bud form, but have such a striking colour and smell when they open.”
Whether you’re green-fingered or not, Lindy says a home will never be dull so long as it’s adorned with fresh flowers, whether you’ve harvested your own or supported your local florist.
“As if we really need a reason to indulge. We don’t actually. Life is short, buy the flowers. Surrounding yourself with beautiful blooms is good for your home and also good for you. I guess in my case I’m extra lucky, because it’s one of the biggest perks of my job!”
Details: You can follow Lindy on social media FB: flourishflowerssa or IG: @flourishflowerssa. Visit www.flourishflowerstudio.com; e-mail: [email protected], or contact her on 082 654 0692.
Lindy’s top floral décor trends
Vibrant, bold colours. Although I do think the dried flowers and rust colour palettes will still continue as a trend in KZN. The colour of the year is Peach Fuzz so I’m hoping so see a lot of that coming through in event requests.
The best bunches or bouquets when gifting someone, for …
Valentine’s Day … Ah, it might be cliché, but roses are always a hit.
An engagement … Roses – the classic symbol of love and romance.
A new house … Lilies – they’re low maintenance and smell beautiful.
A new baby … Tulips – they symbolise care and affection. I also like that they don’t look cluttered, which I imagine most new moms would appreciate.
A big, desperate, romantic gesture … Something sentimental to the receiver. A bunch of flowers in their favourite colour, or the flower of the month specific to when you met. It should show the person receiving them that you have put thought and effort into choosing the flowers.
Condolences … White flowers – for a feeling of calm.
A birthday … Peonies make wonderful gifts, given their beauty and colour variety. PS. We offer a flower subscription service where you can gift someone (or yourself) a recurring delivery of beautiful blooms.
