Rachel Pace said farewell to punishing commutes when she got the opportunity to apply her interior design background and create a bespoke floristry, giftware and homewares store in the heart of Forbes.
Tell us a little bit about your business Farmhouse Florae?
Farmhouse Florae is a Flower | Homeware | Giftware Store. We love to create beauty, whether it be a home, a floral arrangement or beautiful gift giving moments. Our bricks and mortar store is located on Templar Street in Forbes NSW. As you step foot into our store you are welcomed with an amazing fragrance, a lovely mix of eucalyptus foliage, flowers and candles. Our walls are a beautiful deep olive green which complements all our giftware and homewares. We stock brands including SAARDE - textured home, lifestyle and travel goods, Hunter Candles - lovely down-to-earth scents, Nana Huchy - soft teddies for the little ones, Emma Kate Co - beautifully designed stationery and cards and so much more. We also have an onlinestore, shipping giftware and homewares nationwide.
What is unique about Farmhouse Florae?
Farmhouse Florae is more than your typical flower shop. Flower add-on options are endless, including candles, vases, homewares, gift boxes and the like. Our customers love that we are a one stop shop for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and a host of milestones
Also, we do not have a set style - we can create anything from soft and pastel, to vibrant and fun, elegant and classy whites or wildflowers. We love to source flowers locally as much as we can.
What’s the best piece of business advice that you have ever received?
I signed up to Trade Wins with Tara Solberg about six months before taking over the business. This course was filled with so much valuable advice and wisdom. I loved the way she emphasised the importance of creating an experience for customers within a store.
What have you sacrificed (both personally and professionally) at any given stage of your career?
Commuting when studying and working in Sydney while living on the South Coast. It started with a two-hour train trip to Sydney for university three-four days a week. Then after graduating I got a part-time job in Sydney which meant a two-hour drive each way again. There was exhaustion and loss of productivity, however I got to enjoy living on the South Coast on the weekends so that made up for it.
You’re a qualified interior designer and previously lived on the South Coast. What prompted the move back to regional NSW and the career change?
Over the last couple of years of living on the South Coast I was eager to move to NSW’s Central West. I grew up in Canowindra; it was always home and I missed the rural life. However, I didn’t want to move without a career in place. Plus, I really lovedmy job in Wollongong. My partner, who lived in Forbes, randomly sent me an advertisement stating that the local Forbes florist was for sale. He didn’t think I would be interested, let alone enquire and purchase the business. I have always loved flowers and I had completed a TAFE floristry course along with other smaller courses while I was at uni - so I wasn’t purchasing the business completely blind. The plan was always to make the business mine. I took over the florist in November 2021 and after a couple of months we rebranded and moved to a more ideal location on Templar Street, surrounded by other buzzing Forbes businesses. My love and passion for creating beautiful interiors encouraged the emergence of a flower/homeware/giftware store, curating a gorgeous collection of stock that all complements each other beautifully.
What would you say is your personal definition of success?
Accomplishing a dream. I feel success when I walk into my store. I love everything I have created. I love coming to work - it’s my happy place. And I love that my store brings so much joy to my customers and to those gifted flowers or giftware from our store.
What’s on the horizon for Farmhouse Florae in 2023?
Sourcing more gorgeous brands for our store and potentially some collaborations.We also have a few weddings and events locked in for this year which we are very excited about.
Location: FORBES | NSW
Website: farmhouseflorae.com.au Instagram: farmhouseflorae Facebook: Farmhouse Florae
Photography: Twig & Fawn | Sun & Soul Collective