Local Love Project – Sweet Caroline Floral Design, Mount Evelyn

Aug 1, 2024 | Local Love

If you live in or around Mount Evelyn you've probably already heard of Sweet Caroline Floral Design (formally Edward & I). And there's a reason for that. This beautiful little florist doesn't only deliver stunning flowers, they offer the friendliest customer service and kindest community care.

Cazz took ownership of this little shop just about 18 months ago and has kept the same level of wonderful floristry whilst bringing her own flare for creativity and passion for community spirit.

As part of my local love project I asked Cazz a few questions about her journey in business and what hopes she has for the future.

Sweet Caroline is not only a florist it also has a wonderful gifting range including many locally made and owned brands.

So next time you're looking for flowers, whether it be for a wedding, funeral, birthday gift or just something to brighten your home this is the place to go!

www.sweetcarolinefloral.com.au

Find Sweet Caroline on Instagram

41 Wray Cres, Mount Evelyn

Tell me about what your business is/does.

Sweet Caroline is all about flowers and gifts! I love creating beautiful arrangements that bring joy to people. I'm really passionate about supporting other small businesses in the community too. It’s so rewarding to work closely with customers and bring their floral visions to life!

When did you start your business and what made you want to start it?

I took the plunge and opened my shop in April 2023. After spending 34 years managing floral businesses, I decided it was time to take the plunge and start my oen! My friend Cassie was a huge supporter and really encouraged me to take the leap.

What has been your biggest achievement in your business? And what challenges did you have to overcome to reach it?

I'm really proud of making fresh, beautiful flowers accessible to everyone. It’s been a challenge to keep prices down with everything going on, but I believe everyone deserves to enjoy lovely blooms. Offering different price points has been a big focus for me.

Could you tell me about one of the most difficult times in your business? Was there any helpful lessons learnt from this?

There have definitely been tough days, but I’ve learned so much from them. I've learnt to be kinder to myself. I’ve learnt to slow down. And that it’s okay to take a break and recharge!

Has there been a particular influence, person or otherwise, that has significantly helped you? And in what way?

My very first boss, Stephen, has been an incredible mentor. I learned so much from him and we're still great friends. He taught me the importance of lifelong learning and always striving to improve. I'm also lucky to have met some amazing people in the industry who inspire me and my last boss Cass also played a huge roll in getting me to this point.

What does success mean to you?

Seeing the joy my flowers bring to people is the ultimate reward. I love it when customers tell me how much they love their arrangements. It's really fulfilling to know that my work is making people happy.

What future plans do you have for your business?

I'd love to grow my team and create a fantastic work environment for my staff. Having more people on board would allow me to offer even more to my customers.

If you could give your past self one piece of advice about starting or running this business what would it be?

Don't overthink it! Just focus on providing amazing customer service and beautiful, affordable flowers. Keep things simple and enjoy the process.

As a child what did you want to grow up to be?

Believe it or not, I wanted to be a hairdresser! But my hands are all thumbs, so that wasn’t meant to be. I've always loved being around people and being creative, so floristry was a perfect fit. It’s funny looking back now!

What do you love most about running your business?

That every day is different. I love that! I get to meet incredible people, create beautiful things, and spread happiness. It’s so rewarding.

How has having a business changed you?

Owning my business has been a real journey of self-discovery. I'm definitely more confident and calm now. There's a sense of freedom that comes with being your own boss. I don't feel the need to constantly strive for the benefit of a boss. Now I know that I can do my thing and trust that things will work out.

What traits do you possess that have helped you in your business journey?

Kindness. And great communication. I ask a lot of questions and am a great listener which helps me find out how I can help people and create something that's the perfect fit.

What’s a quirky, little known fact about yourself?

I like to have a sneaky drink sometimes to help the creative juices flow.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pasta. I could live off it. Has to be gluten free though.

Favourite book/s?

I'm not much of a reader. I always end up falling asleep!

Current (or recent) Netflix binge?

Love watching anything with a twist, especially a true story. I do get scared of horrors though. I love a bit of drama.

Describe your perfect house.

I love french provincial and warehouse styles mixed together.

What superpower would you like to have?

Can kindness be a super power? Maybe I could fly around and magically make people be kind? Otherwise, maybe Wonder Woman?

What’s your ideal weekend?

A weekend off work, probably going away somehwere with my family. Somewhere with a fireplace and nature. Go on some walks and then just eat and drink.

Emily Jack - Melbourne family photographer - chapter and song

Hey, I'm Em!

I'm a family and newborn photographer in the Yarra Valley and mum to my own 3 babies (only one's an actual baby though, the older two are 15 and 13! How!?) I am a lover of travel, old things and summer (give me all the tropical, muggy days). I love realness over perfection, but am somehow also a hopeless romantic. I love helping families to document joy filled memories in a way that feels easy and relaxed.

Find out more.