The newest addition to the booming Ripon high street comes this morning (Saturday) with the opening of Bud Floral Design.
Ahead of opening her doors to customers at 9.30am, owner Emma Crossley invited the Stray Ferret to look around the smart newly-restored premises.
The former sweet shop at 85 North Street was shut and boarded up for several years, but has been transformed into a gallery-style store by Sterne Properties Limited.
It includes a basement workshop where Ms Crossley has space to put her creative skills into action.
Flowers ready to be used in Emma’s floral designs.
Having learnt her craft working with many florists in Ripon and Harrogate the 34-year-old, who achieved a first class honours degree in fine arts at Harrogate College; is fulfilling a long-held ambition.
Ms Crossley told the Stray Ferret:
“I’ve always wanted my own shop. I previously had a front counter at Halls Of Ripon and part of a counter at Vanora’s bakery and deli in Westgate and am extremely grateful to have had those opportunities to showcase my work.
“I was at Halls for 30 months and having a prime spot at the main entrance to the department store gave me valuable retail experience, while helping me to build a loyal customer base.”
The store has a gallery-like feel about it.
Ms Crossley, who was born and bred in Ripon, is a proud Yorkshire woman and said:
“The name for the business came, because I knew I could call on friends and fellow traders to give me a helping hand, by ringing them and saying ‘Ey Up Bud, any chance of ..,
Main image: Emma Crossley creates a floral design in her new basement workshop.
