Jindera’s Chelsie Takle, 24, has launched her own floristry business inspired by the love of her gardener grandmother. Photo: Supplied.
The deep roots of family and a note discovered in her grandmother’s diary have proven the inspiration for a young Jindera woman’s new floristry dream.
Chelsie Takle, 24, has fond memories of gardening with her grandmother Betty Clancy, and helping her to plant seeds each spring for her well-tended garden.
Her grandmother used to write regularly in a little diary until she passed away in 2023 after a battle with cancer, Chelsie recalled.
“We found a little note from 2008 packed away describing being out in the garden with me and how happy it made her feel,” Chelsie said.
“It was so moving and makes me still feel so sentimental.”
About four years ago – at the urging of a close family friend – the quietly spoken Chelsie began earnestly growing flowers at her parents’ property and going in the direction of starting her own business.
“Dad (Dean Takle) and I built five garden beds,” Chelsie said. “That first season we planted dahlias, zinnias, and cosmos – I just loved it, it was so rewarding.”
Each year since Chelsie has “taken it up a notch” and now has about 15 garden beds with an expanded variety of flowers including chrysanthemums, which she describes as “really beautiful and special”.
Just like the blooms Chelsie has lovingly cultivated, the seeds of that initial idea have blossomed into a beautiful reality with the official launch of online business Chelsie Floral Design on 16 July.
Based from a home studio on the outskirts of Jindera, Chelsie’s aim is to focus on country-style bouquets and, eventually, establish a pick-your-own operation at the flower farm.
Having initially trained at well-established Border florist Thistle & Fern, Chelsie has since sought to expand on her skills through workshops in Sydney and Melbourne, learning different techniques to help refine her own style.
It is abundantly clear Chelsie is relishing this new venture and says being in nature “is good for my soul”.
“I love being outside in the garden; I could spend hours out there doing even the crappiest job … weeding, digging holes,” she laughed.
“There’s just something about planting a seed and seeing it transform into a plant with beautiful flowers 10 weeks later that makes you feel so happy.”
Chelsie admitted she was lucky her dad helped her with a lot of the hard yakka in the garden – from planning and planting beds to hoeing and setting up irrigation.
“I think he secretly loves it,” she said. “He’s a tradie so everything has to be done to perfection!”
Mum Jodi, an interior designer and teacher’s aide, is great with helping add the “razzle-dazzle”, offering advice and ideas on sourcing plants and materials.
“Both Mum and Dad are very supportive and also very passionate about my business,” Chelsie said.
“Because Mum’s such a creative person, she gets really invested in it.”
Since the launch, Chelsie said she’d received wonderful support from family and friends with orders increasing as word got out.
“I’ve gone into the business of delivering happiness,” she said.
“Flowers are not just flowers – when you give them to someone as a gift they really represent a part of you. Every time that person looks at them, they are reminded of the thought and love that’s gone into them.
“You are giving them beauty.”
When you buy from a local florist you get something different each time because of the seasons and how things grow, according to Chelsie.
While this time of the year the gardens tend to be a bit bare, she is also sourcing stock from a wholesaler in Wodonga.
“Every season has its own appeal – from beautiful autumn foliage to spring blossoms and the vibrancy of summer flowers,” she said.
“That’s what makes it beautiful.”
The recent purchase of a van will allow for deliveries to Albury-Wodonga, Jindera, Walla Walla and Holbrook regions. The sign-writing with the business logo is still to come but will feature the hydrangea flower that’s particularly close to Chelsie’s heart.
Chelsie’s ultimate dream is to branch out into growing and supplying flowers for big country-style weddings and events.
Chelsie Floral Design is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 7:30 am to 5 pm. To find out more go to www.chelsiefloraldesign.com.au, visit her Facebook page, Instagram, or to order call 0408 237 335.
