FEB 21- Highway DBN

With brilliant business acumen and
floral passion, Sumiya and Eesa
embarked on a journey to build a
business and brand that offered
something different, something
special and something with a
personal touch. The couple opened
up their cosy flower shop in 2013.
They began a life that encompassed
parenting duties, early morning
visits to local flower markets, admin,
sales and floral arrangements for
everything from traditional bouquets
to aesthetically enhancing, out-ofthe-box
concepts that have created
incredible talking pieces. “There are
definitely some no-no’s in this line of
work - like internet pictures - I don’t
work off of those! I also don’t work
with artificial flowers at all! I prefer
fresh blooms. There is just something
about the fragility of them not lasting
forever that mesmerises a person and
makes you appreciate them more.
I draw inspiration from the things
around me - people, places, movies
and even scents. I like creating unique
pieces, so when I pass a thrift store,
I always look for treasures I can use,
like crates, teapots and little teacups
to giant wishing wells and even
bicycles and hula hoops! It’s all about
perception. I love how we are getting
more and more creative on a daily
basis, using more unconventional
items to create show pieces. There’s
a certain type of magic you create
when making a floral arrangement,
because no two arrangements will
ever be alike. They may be similar,
but the hues of colours vary and the
thought process behind it brings me
a sort of comfort.”
When it comes to her favourite
seasonal flowers, Sumiya is a huge
fan of stargazer lilies. “They smell like
morning dew to me and I love the
process of watching them bloom. It
is so difficult to put into words why I
love what I do every day, but I guess a
great portion of it boils down to being
a part of the special moments we
create for people. I love that people
share little bits of their joys and
sorrows with me, and the fact that it is
up to me to craft an arrangement that
depicts the emotions associated with
the occasion.”
Details: @theflowermarketdbn,
083 771 5148
Floral trends for 2021
Roses are always timeless at any time of year, in any way or form. For 2021, I
would say rustic, less contemporary trends are definitely in. More king protea,
hydrangeas and peonies are making a mark this year, as well as pastel and
earthy shades, which are trending for weddings. So many of our brides opt for
simplistic, asymmetrical floral arrangements nowadays, while others prefer a
sophisticated, feminine arrangement. Corsages and flower crowns have also
been making a steady entrance, and this trend is certainly here to stay.
The best bouquet for…
…valentines
Valentine’s Day is not just about roses and the colour red, it’s about something
special between two people. Most often than not, a red rose symbolizes
this, but other times it’s a special flower that carries sentimental value to that
person. This can be lilies, tulips or even sunflowers.
...an engagement
This depends on the person’s preferences. If it’s a congratulatory bunch, I
would do a mixed bunch in bright and warm hues.
...a new house
I would suggest sunflowers for the warmth they bring, and potted plants
which have a nurturing aspect.
...an apology
The bigger the bunch, the more forgiveness you are bound to receive LOL!
...condolences
Mainly whites as they are a symbol of peace and hope. Soft pastel shades also
work for sympathy bunches.
...a new baby
Depending on the gender of the baby, we do these stunning baby boxes with
a mix of pink roses, daisies, pink hydrangea and stargazer lilies for girls and blue
hydrangeas, yellow or white roses and yellow arum lilies for boys, all arranged
with a whole lot of love and good wishes.
...a big, desperate, romantic gesture
A pathway of rose petals leading into a room full of blooms is, by far, one of my
favourite works of art, especially for surprise proposals, milestone anniversaries
and birthday celebrations.
February 2021 Get It • Highway • Berea • Durban North 35