Wynn opportunity knocks, Mark follows his heart to change careers and open new floristry business
A Downpatrick man has stepped away from a senior position with one of Northern Ireland’s best known fashion retailers to follow his heart and open his own floristry business.
Mark Wynn opened the doors of Lily’s Floristry & Gifting in Annacloy on August 1st after spending time training in the US to develop his style with his aunt who is a design/manager in a large florists and gifting store in Maryland.
The former manager with DV8 has a clear concept for his new business and is determined to bring a U.S. influence to his new florists.
Mark said: “There is such a big difference between U.S design and what happens in the UK and indeed across Europe.
“A lot of the design in Northern Ireland is focused on hand-tied bouquets whereas I intend to use a lot of asymmetrical designs using big and bold colours. I’m really determined to bring something different for my customers.”
Mark returned home from America on Wednesday July 27 before a frantic final few days getting everything in place for the grand opening.
He said: “I’m really excited to be opening my new business. I did question if now is the right time to do it as we emerge from the pandemic, but then I thought there is probably never going to be the perfect time.
“I’m grabbing the bull by the horns when I am still young, and I am going to really go for it.
“I was part of the management team at DV8 after following in my mums’ footsteps into the fashion industry. She worked in fashion as a visual merchandiser and was a real inspiration for me growing up.
“But floristry has always been close to my family, and this is where I have got my creativity from. It’s exciting to be taking what has been until now a hobby and turning it into my business.”
As Mark prepared to launch his new business he received support from the British Business Bank through a loan and access to a business mentor.
Mark received £14,500 from the Bank’s Start Up Loans programme in partnership with Enterprise Northern Ireland Ltd which he used to invest in his shop including purchases such as a till, counter and design supplies.
Susan Nightingale, UK Network Director for the Devolved Nations said: “Our Start Up Loans initiative was created to help ambitious entrepreneurs like Mark.
“The creative industry is significant for Northern Ireland and it’s great to support Lily’s Florist from the beginning of its journey.
“The value small businesses bring to Northern Ireland’s economy is essential, and the Start Up Loans programme is designed to develop exciting businesses like Lily’s Florist.”
Mark added: “The process of applying for the loan with British Business Bank was very quick and efficient. The application was very straightforward and the overall help you receive from Start Up Loans is fantastic.
“I would recommend Start Up Loans especially for someone like myself who has little experience in running a business.
“Although I worked in retail for many years, running your own business is a completely different experience. British Business Bank provides a mentor who has a quick response to any question you might have.”
“For the future, I would love to expand Lily’s Florist and offer international delivery. However, for now, I am extremely excited to open the doors of my business and get started.”
Mark has also been documenting his journey towards opening Lily’s Floristry & Gifting on Instagram. Visit lilys_florist_annacloy for more.
