Shop provides appealing perspective on flowers, gifts and homeware

Melissa Richards of The Rustic Flower Co in Yandina has combined her love of old school concepts and products that are locally made with passion.

In our neck of the woods we are well and truly spoiled for choice when it comes to retail businesses that stock giftware and homewares. Melissa Richards of The Rustic Flower Co in Yandina has combined her love of old school concepts, products that are locally made with passion, and flowers to bring a truly unique and whimsical offering to her customers.

“I am drawn to things that are different and interesting, and I especially love to use things that people are throwing away,” said Melissa. “From the beginning, I really wanted to collaborate with and support local artisans, so I stock loads of gorgeous locally made candles, jewellery, homewares and clothes. I also have really lovely handmade cards,” she said. “My products are affordably priced and very high quality.”

“A lot of my products cannot be replicated, and I think that is what makes everything so special. When you are buying a gift for someone it is so nice to know that it has not been mass produced and that every other person doesn’t have the same thing. It is also gratifying to support other local businesses in our area. In that way, we don’t compete with each other either.”

As the name suggests, at The Rustic Flower Co the real stars of the show are the flowers. “Australian flowers are a favourite of mine, and my customers love them too,” said Melissa. “They are just so interesting and have such longevity. You get to enjoy them for much longer than many other varieties of cut flowers,” she said.

Floristry allows Melissa to indulge her other great love, which is working with brides. “There is something so immensely rewarding about helping to make a special day even more beautiful,” Melissa said. 

“Weddings and special occasions are an opportunity for me to work with customers to make the event memorable. Again, I am extremely budget conscious and can create unique arrangements that are both lovely and budget friendly. There’s nothing in the world more satisfying than making people happy.”

• The Rustic Flower Co is at 3-4 Stevens Street, Yandina. Phone 0422 034 300.