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Small Business Driver: XOX Floral
As the only sustainable florist in Taupō, XOX Floral prioritises using seasonal flowers, embracing sustainability and sharing their learnings and ways of working with others – a practise that has earned the business a favourable reputation in the central North Island town and beyond.
Kristen Somerville, the founder of XOX Floral, uses seasonal flowers to create wild, rustic, fresh and dried floral arrangements that look like they are straight from the garden. Kristen has been picking and arranging flowers since she was a young girl, and after a short, stressful career in journalism, was drawn back to the art form of floristry – now characterised by her own unique arranging style. Surprised at how unsustainable the floristry industry is – especially considering it has a natural product at its heart – Kristen is now proud to prioritise sustainability in all aspects of XOX Floral’s functions.
The month of alert level four lockdown in March 2020 gave Kristen the chance to re-evaluate her business, focusing on purpose and efficiency. Although these four weeks were tough from a financial perspective, Kristen is positive about the kickstart it gave her to access free business coaching, improve her e-commerce website, and keep on top of her social media presence. Due to fresh flowers being expensive and difficult to access, Kristen’s preferred style of using dried flowers in her floral arrangements has also increased in popularity.
With flower deliveries serving as a mainstay in XOX Floral’s business, having a reliable, attractive and sign-printed vehicle has been a huge advantage – something the business has recently acquired through Toyota’s Small Business Driver programme. Having access to a vehicle like a trustworthy Highlander (one that can fit buckets of flowers, ladders and boxes in its boot over the wedding season) helps to take the pressure off Kristen and her team while also serving as a driving advertisement for her business.
The additional Mediaworks advertising provided to XOX Floral through Toyota’s Small Business Driver initiative also assisted the business hugely throughout the quiet winter season in Taupo.
If you’re looking for beautiful, natural floral arrangements at your next central North Island function, consider Kristen and the team at XOX Floral – you won’t be disappointed! Read more about the business here: https://www.xoxfloral.co.nz/