Some stories begin with a business plan. Others begin with something far more powerful, a shared moment, a leap of faith, and a bond that has always been there.
For Roxi Blu and her mom Gai, the journey into floristry did not start with a dream of owning a shop. It started with loss, resilience, creativity. And a mother who taught her children that kindness and determination matter more than anything else. Today, the two work side by side, bringing beauty into people’s lives one bouquet at a time, and in the process they have discovered something far deeper than simply running a florist. They have discovered purpose.
Roxi grew up in Durban North, where early mornings with her mom were part of daily life. The two would sit quietly together, watching the sunrise over the ocean, something that still feels meaningful today. Life changed suddenly when Roxi lost her father at just 13 years old. Christmas was only days away and high school was about to begin. In an instant, her mom became a single parent raising three children.
“It makes you grow up quickly,” Roxi says. “You learn resilience very early, and you realise how strong your mom really is.”
Gai’s response to life’s challenges left a lasting impression. She showed her children what hard work, independence and sacrifice look like in real life. Every morning before school, she would repeat the same words, “Be good, be kind, be clever.” It is a message Roxi still carries with her today.
Roxi went on to study somatology and travelled the world, working in places like the Caribbean, Seychelles and Florida before eventually returning home to start her own successful beauty salon. For nearly two decades she built a thriving business, something she describes as both rewarding and physically demanding. What she didn’t expect was that a completely different path would suddenly appear, and that it would involve working side by side with her mom.
The story of how the two came to own a florist is almost accidental. After retiring from her career in sales and marketing, Gai agreed to help out at a local flower shop for just a few mornings a week. From the moment she stepped inside, something shifted.
“The smell of fresh flowers and eucalyptus just filled my soul,” she says. “And I fell in love with the people too. There is something very special about the joy flowers bring.”
When she noticed the shop was for sale, she mentioned it casually to Roxi. Within two weeks, the two had taken a leap of faith and bought the business together.
It was not a polished operation when they took over. Orders were still written on scraps of paper, there was no proper database, very little marketing, and almost no digital presence. What the shop did have, however, was history. It had been part of the Durban North community for years, and it already held meaning for many people.
“We didn’t really know what we were doing,” Roxi admits, laughing. “We bought hope and a dream and then figured the rest out as we went along.”
Working together as a mother and daughter has turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of their journey. The two complement each other naturally. Gai brings experience, structure and calm, while Roxi brings creativity, energy and a strong understanding of how modern customers connect with brands.
But what truly makes it work is the emotional connection between them.
“I have my own personal cheerleader every day,” Roxi says. “My mom motivates me constantly. She’s my best friend and my biggest inspiration.”
Gai agrees that the partnership has changed her life in unexpected ways. “Roxi has taught me to be fearless,” she says. “She pushes boundaries and reminds me that it’s never too late to try something new.”
Despite the long hours and the pressure that comes with running a small business, the two speak most about the joy they feel when customers trust them with important moments in their lives. Birthdays, anniversaries, apologies, new babies, and sometimes sympathy flowers, each arrangement represents something deeply personal.
“Flowers aren’t just pretty,” Roxane says. “They’re emotional. Every bouquet carries a message.”
What surprised both of them most after taking over the shop was just how meaningful flowers are to people. Many assume florists focus mainly on weddings, but the reality is very different. Most orders come from everyday life, the quiet moments where someone wants to say something meaningful but struggles to find the words.
“We’ve realised that people often feel more than they express,” Roxane says. “If we can help someone show love, appreciation or even an apology a little more easily, then we feel like we’re doing something worthwhile.”
That emotional understanding naturally flows into the work they do for weddings, where flowers play an even more important role.
One of the most important things Roxane tells brides is to think about feeling first, and appearance second.
“Start by asking how you want your wedding to feel,” she says. “Flowers are emotional. They set the tone for the entire space.”
She also recommends booking a florist at least three months in advance, especially during busy wedding seasons. Availability, sourcing and the scale of the wedding all play a role, and leaving it too late can limit your choices.
For brides on a tighter budget, she suggests focusing on the areas that matter most, particularly the bridal bouquet and the ceremony space. Simple table décor, such as single stems in small vases, can still look elegant without adding unnecessary expense.
While the floral trends are exciting, the heart of this story is still the relationship between a mother and daughter who chose to take a risk together. Their journey has not been without challenges, but they both agree that the experience has strengthened their relationship in ways they never expected.
“We’re not just working together,” Roxane says. “We’re building something meaningful together.”
Gai smiles when she talks about the future. “We’re proud of what we’ve created, but what matters most is that we’ve done it side by side.”
In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to underestimate something as simple as a bouquet. Yet for Roxane and Gai, flowers represent connection, kindness and the small gestures that make life meaningful.
Whether it’s a wedding, a celebration, or simply a moment where someone wants to say “I’m thinking of you”, the magic of flowers remains the same. They remind us to pause, to appreciate beauty, and to show love more often.
And sometimes, the most beautiful stories are the ones that grow slowly, one stem at a time.
Details: You can follow Roxane and Gai on Instagram: @FlowersOnKensington TikTok: @Flowers.On.Kensington and Facebook: FlowersOnKensingtonKZN or visit FlowersOnKensington.co.za
Bridal Flower Trends for 2026
Whimsical and airy arrangements
Brides are leaning towards flowers that feel light and organic, with plenty of movement rather than tightly structured bouquets. The goal is elegance that looks effortless rather than overly formal.
Soft pastels and romantic tones
While classic whites will never disappear, softer colours are becoming more popular. Pale pinks, muted peaches and delicate lilacs are being used to create a romantic atmosphere without feeling too traditional.
Calla lilies and orchids are making a strong comeback
These flowers are becoming favourites again, especially for brides looking for something refined but slightly different. They work beautifully in minimalist bouquets and add a timeless feel.
Bouquets are becoming more intentional
Rather than simply being bigger or more extravagant, bridal bouquets are now more thoughtful. Many brides are choosing flowers that have personal meaning or emotional value, which makes the arrangement feel far more special.
Statement installations are everywhere
From floral arches to hanging arrangements and ceiling installations, flowers are becoming the visual centrepiece of many weddings. Even smaller weddings are choosing one standout floral feature rather than spreading the budget too thinly.
