Sophia|@forever.florals.uk

Meet Sophia, the creative force behind Forever Florals UK, a business she launched in 2022 following a life-changing full hysterectomy. Despite facing health challenges and a lack of income, Sophia turned her passion for resin artistry into a thriving venture that has allowed her to preserve over 600 bouquets, transforming precious flowers into lasting memories. Her journey into flower preservation began with a heartfelt request from a family friend, who sought to honor her late father by creating coasters from his funeral flowers. This experience opened Sophia’s eyes to the significance of preserving flowers from special occasions, inspiring her to offer her services across the UK. Now, with renewed energy and enthusiasm, Sophia is dedicated to creating meaningful keepsakes that celebrate life’s most treasured moments. Join us as we delve into her inspiring story, the impact of her work, and the beautiful memories she crafts for her clients.

Sophia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forever.florals.uk/

Sophia, can you do a little bit of an introduction of yourself first?

My name is Sophia and I started my business in 2022. I had just undergone a full hysterectomy due to ill health and had no income so I decided to put my talent to use and this is where my company forever florals uk was born. To date I have now preserved over 600 bouquets creating lasting memories out of precious flowers.

Oh I am sorry to hear that. How are you now?

I am pleased to say I am better than ever before and finally have the energy to fulfil my passion of creating special memories from people’s most precious occasions.

So glad to hear that. Why did you choose flowers preservation as the choice? Is there a special moment?

It first began when a friend of the family lost her father. She knew I worked with resin and asked if I could create some special coasters for her using her father’s funeral flowers so that she could have a lasting memory to display in her home. At this point I realised just how many beautiful occasions people have flowers for & that to simply see them end up in the bin is such a shame so I then decided to continue this and offer my services to all of the UK taking deliveries of both bridal and funeral flowers or simply any special occasion that a customer would like to keep for years to come.

Wow it’s very meaningful. During the years of flower preservation, you must try many brands of silica gel crystals. Why do you choose us at the end?

The most important part of getting the flowers just right for preserving is ultimately ensuring as much moisture as possible is removed from the flowers. Wise dry offer a product that does this excellently and dries the flowers in a much shorter time frame too which is always a bonus for a busy person like myself who ideally needs the flowers to dry as soon as possible. The small crystals are perfect for getting between the layers of petals too and the colour change is a massive help to indicate when to recharge the silica. The main brand I used prior was Trustleaf.

I see. Thank you so much for your support and love! Glad that our products can help you preserve flowers better! After preserving flowers with memories for so many people. Is there a story that leaves you with a strong impression?

I think the most special story I have had from a customer was a lady who reached out to me and asked if I would preserve her dear friends funeral flowers. Her friend had gone through years of treatment and called her two best friends her ‘bookends’ as they always propped her up. So she had these preserved into two bookends one for herself and one for the other best friend that took care of her, I thought this was so lovely and symbolic.

Bookends Sophia made for the lady

Awww, I’m speechless. Her friend must be very happy to see the bookends in the heaven. I am so proud of you. I am sure she will be looking down touched that her friend thought of such a fitting item to preserve her flowers in. If you could sum it up in one sentence, what does this job, flower preservation mean to you?

Flower preservation means the world, it’s an absolute honor to do something I absolutely love whilst creating items that I just know will be cherished for years to come.

It’s amazing. Thank you again for becoming our brand ambassador. Let’s work together to create more beautiful and precious pieces for people.

Your most welcome and thank you for choosing me, it takes all of us to work together to create these beautiful items.

It’s our honor to have you!

Writer Mingzhu Wu

23.08.2024