Yapton florist opens in memory of Amber Rose

Amber Rose Floristry, on Bilsham Road, is run by Astella Parmer and named after her finace’s daughter who tragically passed away two weeks after her sixteenth birthday.

The florist officially opened on Tuesday evening when the ribbon was cut by the Reverend Richard from St Mary’s Church.

Astella said: “When we were thinking of names for the florist we thought that the name Amber Rose was so perfect, and a lovely way to remember her, so that was what we decided.”

“I trained as a florist about 22 years ago, so I’m really pleased to be able to use the skills to open the business.

“The shop became available and we immediately went for it. We waited, and waited until it was officially ours and we finally had the keys in our hands.

“That was five days ago, and all my family have helped with the painting and 
the decorating.”

Astella and her brother went down to the wholesalers in Southampton on Tuesday morning to pick the flowers, before opening that evening.

She now plans to help people choose their wedding flowers which she says is often very complicated and pricey. She will offer three set priced packages to help people get what they want.

Catherine Thomson, her sister-in-law, said: “Astella did the flowers for our wedding, and they were lovely so we can thoroughly recommend her. She organised all the flowers in a beautiful colour scheme in our marquee.”

Opening the business has been quite a change of direction from Astella’s previous job as front of house catering manager at Upwaltham Barns.

Michelle Harris, who came to the opening, said: “It looks absolutely fantastic, really lovely. The range of gifts are ideal as well, not expensive but really sought after.

“Yapton is such a lovely village and will really benefit from a local independently-run shop like this.”

Astella’s partner, Rakesh was extremely pleased with how the business had developed so quickly.

Also at the opening were Rakesh’s son and daughter, Harrison and Madison, and Astella’s daughter, Rosie.