Culcheth florist is being run by a former NHS nurse

Melissa Curley qualified as a paediatric nurse in 2004, and worked in public health until 2021, when she decided she needed a career change.

She is now the proud owner and CEO of 'Melrose & Pops - Designs and Events,' which can be found at the CPS Shopping Centre in Culcheth.

Melissa now owns Melrose & Pops - Designs and Events, which is based in Culcheth (Image: Melissa Curley)

Melissa started her company from her kitchen in early 2022, having always had an interest in art and design.

Her business grew at a serious pace, and she says her kitchen 'quickly became [her] office.'

These successes allowed her to open up her own shop in Culcheth's CPS Shopping Centre in August of this year.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, Melissa said: "I specialise in artificial and dried flowers only which makes me a little different to other florists.

"My online business continues to grow and my wedding diary is at capacity for 2023/2024 and am taking bookings for 2025."

The business has evolved, too, Melissa says, adding: "I have recently rebranded and have added ‘events’ to my business.

"I now offer a large selection of items to hire for weddings and events and also offer bouquets and button holes to hire - this is to ensure I cater for all budgets but also to support sustainability and reuse flowers."

When asked what customers can expect from visiting her Culcheth shop, the 40-year-old mum-of-two said: "I offer arrangements, garlands, flowers by the stem, grave pots and much more to buy.

"I also make arrangements to order so that my customers receive bespoke items that suit their budget, colour scheme and style.

"Recently I launched an idea called ‘treat your vase’ and I invite customers to bring their empty vases from home and I will fill them with florals, again to suit budget, style and colours in the home."

Looking ahead to December, Mellisa said she 'plans to hold some Christmas wreath workshops later this year.'

The move to Culcheth has been a positive one, with the business owner saying: "I have been amazed with the support from the local community since opening the shop.

"Customers have been exceptionally complimentary of my work and word is spreading fast that I am now present in the CPS centre."

Melissa says she is already taking books for events in 2025 (Image: Melissa Curley)

On the perks of being a florist, Melissa said: "Being a florist is very rewarding to me.

"I can be creative every day and the end result puts huge smiles on my customers' faces.

"I have only five-star reviews on my social media, and feedback from my customers means the world to me. 

"I find floristry is very good for my mental health as I almost lose myself in my work when I am designing my flowers and completing my orders."

Melissa has already been nominated for a number of awards, adding: "I have recently been nominated for the female business awards in three categories: rising star, professional services provider and overall business of the year."

Melrose & Pops - Designs and Events can be found at No.11 in the CPS Centre, Culcheth.