This store is a kind of magic. Photo: Jonathan Rich

You know those stores that every time you pass them by, you suddenly feel like smiling? Well this is the case with Bloomey’s, one of the most beautiful flower shops in Sydney. Janet and Nelson started this business nearly 35 years ago with a philosophy to deliver truly personal service. They cater to the occasion, the taste of the receiver and the environment where the flowers will live.

We talked with Janet and Nelson about their business partnership, experience in the digital world, and retirement.

TDA: You have been working together for over 35 years. Do you have any tips for building and maintaining a strong business partnership?
Janet & Nelson: As a start, we have nothing in writing; no contract or partnership agreement, the only paper we share is our balance sheet. This trust is the base of our collaboration and we complete each other with different sets of strengths and weaknesses. We also don’t let our egos interfere and split the responsibilities of the business.

Over 35 years of business partnership – Janet & Nelson. Photo: Jonathan Rich

Aerial view on the flowers. Photo: Jonathan Rich

Unique interior. Photo: Jonathan Rich

TDA: What role does digital have on your business, in particular when it comes to marketing?
Janet & Nelson: We feel that our relationship with our clients is our best marketing tool – fortunately we do business with people we like and for some customers we have been there through the full circle of life events. Talking digital, we think that we haven’t embraced the digital world enough. While we know this is what we need to do in order to grow our business, we feel that tools like social media are difficult for us to grasp, maybe it is a generation thing. Having said that, we are hoping to give social media a go and are planning to set up our Facebook page as a first step and then get more familiar with tweeting.

TDA: You are both at the age where retirement thoughts are common, what do you think about the subject?
Janet & Nelson: The economy really affected small business owners, so for us, retirement is not on the horizon. The only way to move forward and grow is to reinvent ourselves. We want to continue working as we feel it keeps us young and savvy; even by talking with various age groups we keep learning all the time.

TDA: Could you share with us your inspiration?
Janet & Nelson: We are inspired by people and our connections with them. We are with people as they are celebrating birth, marriage and even saying goodbye. We are there for people at times when they want to connect with others and to be there with them is a beautiful place to be.

On the way to their wedding ceremony – Josie & Paul. Photo: Jonathan Rich

In the middle of our interview a couple on the way to their wedding ceremony came in and picked up their bouquet. Now, you know we have a soft spot for love stories and this one is particularly special as their combined age is about 152, give or take a year or two. They met four years ago at the Reg Murphy Centre for over-55s in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, where their friendship has grown. We took a photo of Josie & Paul and they’re very excited on their special day.

Even the bees love this shop. Photo: Jonathan Rich

TDA wants to thank Janet & Nelson for opening their hearts and hosting us in their magical shop. If you are in the area, pop-in for a sensory treat or visit their website. We also wanted to congratulate the new couple Josie & Paul. We feel so grateful for having such a talented photographer working with us – thank you Jonathan Rich.