Axl Blooms – The Old High Street

Nicky Best runs the Axl Blooms floral design studio on The Old High Street. She used to run a gin bar with plants and flowers, and music, as she’s also a music producer.  But, with a break from London, Nicky decided she would set up a floral studio, and focus on the one element she truly loves.  After eating an ice cream from Herbert’s she saw the advert for this studio on The Old High Street.  Acting impulsively, she went straight home and applied, and within weeks was accepted.  Folkelife went along to meet Nicky in her new studio.

“Floral design is different to being a florist in that it’s about creating and expressing yourself, or your client through the medium of flowers and plants. If you are getting married, and you aren’t looking for that traditional floral setting, I can create a display that represents you and your personality, and that comes through on the day.  

“You can also come in for a bunch of flowers, but don’t expect that to be traditional either.  I like to create structure and use contemporary experiences, and the flowers I stock will express that.”

Workshops and weddings

“Weddings are obviously a main source of income. Installations are too, and we do a lot for magazines and other publications.  But since moving into this studio, my focus will be on weddings and workshops.  I have the space here now to run sessions where people can learn about modern design through wreaths, bouquets and flower-pressing.  

“I use premium flowers so the workshop experiences are for people who want to find out more about floral design.  During the school holidays there will be something aimed at children to start their journey in design in this way.”

supporting creative artists

“Folkestone is the most supportive place to creative artists and businesses that I have come across in the country.  Even in London, there isn’t the density of artists per square metre as there is here.  And that means that collaboration is so much more easy to do, and just sensible too.  

“If you’re a jeweller, I can create a display for your window.  I do the flowers for Mugs, the coffee house at the bottom of the street.  There are other local bars and pubs I work with too.  But being in such a creative place, I can talk about art and creativity with the people around me.  We’re like-minded, and understand each other’s language.”

in person and online

“If you want to walk in for a bunch of flowers, then I’m here, and can create something for you.  Equally, booking weddings in person or online is fine with me.  I have everything to suit any budget, and using the premium blooms mean that you will get the best product that represents you, and allows me to express myself too.”

Axl Blooms is at 46 The Old High Street.

Photo credits:

Brides at Folkestone Harbour Signal Box – Hannah Bain

Red wedding – Tim Easton

Bride and Groom with cloudy sky – Adam Lowndes

Bride and Groom on The Old High Street – Hannah Bain