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Thank you to my amazing team who share my passion, my loving family for all their support and the continued loyalty from my valued customers and friends.
- Ashley Sargeson
Touchwood Flowers:
- Is experienced and loves what they do.
- Has over 35 years in business.
- Is the only full-service florist with a retail presence in Port Macquarie.
Owner Ashley Sargeson says:
More than your average florist, Touchwood Flowers is a dedication to all things floral....A Port Macquarie icon for close to 40 years, our team has been creating designs in superior fresh flowers in both traditional and modern floristry, whilst maintaining a respect for top quality workmanship. Our lush flowers and foliages are used to create beautiful arrangements for every occasion.
In Ashley’s words:
We deliver locally in and around Port Macquarie and throughout Australia and overseas via the Interflora network. I have come a long way since I undertook work experience at Touchwood Flowers in 2003 as a 16 year old.
I was 18 when I bought into Touchwood Flowers in 2005, straight out of school and into my own business was an overwhelming, exciting and memorable experience. Since then I got married, built a house and have a beautiful 4 ½ year old daughter.
After 10 wonderful years in partnership, the decision was made to buy Marilyn’s share of the business, making me sole trader of Touchwood Flowers. Our passion for great design and our continuing commitment to customer service have been recognised over the years. In the 2015 Tesselaars “Top Gun” wedding competition we placed 2nd in Australia out of over 3000 entries which is a fabulous achievement and a real honour.
Touchwood Flowers have also featured in Port Macquarie’s Customer Care Service Excellence Awards, where “exceptional customer service” saw the team announced as joint winners in the General Retail category. We were also selected as “Florist of the Month” by the Sydney Flower Markets and were Finalists in the 2010 & 2015 Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards.
My team’s professional approach to the business of floristry is what sets us apart and is what fuels my commitment to continue to maintain a retail presence in Port Macquarie. This approach will also drive the on-going growth and development of the business and its continuing success. I know I want to be a professional, full-service retailer, not just someone who dabbles in floristry from home. Each year I go to Newman Senior College and talk to the students about my journey and experiences as a young business owner.
I went through that school in years 11 & 12 (known as Vocational College back then). I discuss how I came to own a business, I try to inspire them and give them the confidence to believe in themselves, to try their best and know that dreams do come true if you work hard and are dedicated enough. I feel it is really beneficial for students to see a younger business owner and see what can be achieved at a young age – you don’t have to be over 30 to own a business!
This year I also went to my daughter’s preschool to do some floristry and inspire a much younger generation!!! I have a loyal and established client base, and have forged strong, successful relationships with local suppliers, community groups and business leaders. I am willing to work hard on and in every aspect of my life and my business while maintaining a happy, healthy and balanced lifestyle.
I have inspired and motivated many young people to chase their dreams as I have done, and I have put blood, sweat and tears into a Florist that I am tremendously proud to say is mine.
While running a business, being a mother and wife, I also run a Bonny Hills Physical Culture Club with my mother. We have been operating for 16 years now. I started teaching alongside mum at age 17 in 2004. In my 12 years of teaching I have taught 13 zone champions, 18 national Finalists and a National 5th.
- Address: Shop 4/ 124 Gordon St
- Phone: 6583 2657
- Email: touchwood_flowers@hotmail.com
- www.touchwoodflowers.com.au