Taking stock at 50 - Gorleston woman opens dream shop
Helen Barker has opend a new gift shop and florist on Gorleston high street.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
A hobby has blossomed into a business opportunity for an enterprising Gorleston woman.
Helen Barker has opend a new gift shop and florist on Gorleston high street.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Helen Barker has been garlanded with good wishes since opening her flower shop Barker’s Blooms in Gorleston high street.
The 50-year-old of Baliol Road said it was a career path that started in the garden and ended up with her own shop.
Having studied the art and been a florist for around ten years, working at times for other people, she said it was “too good an opportunity to miss.”
As well as cut flowers and arrangements, ready-made and to order, she sells a range of gifts.
Helen Barker has opend a new gift shop and florist on Gorleston high street.Helen with her daughter Kerry Spink.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
The mother-of-four said launching her shop had been a steep learning curve but she had been heartened by all the good wishes and lovely comments over what she had done so far.
Already wedding bookings were coming in and in time she hopes to add more staff as well as offer Interflora.
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Miss Barker said reaching her 50th milestone was a factor when it came to seizing the opportunity adding: “It was a matter of ‘now or never’. I might have regretted it further down the line if I didn’t have a go.”
She is also keen to find out more about the shop itself.
Formerly a pet shop and before that a whicker shop she would like to hear from anyone who has any photographs or memories to help create a fuller picture of the past.
To contact her call 01493 603058.
