Expressions Florist: Adding Bloom to Nelson
Expressions Florist, on Hardy Street in Nelson, is a vibrant haven where creativity meets heartfelt creativity. Owned and operated by Kelly Gordon and Angela (Ange) Holland, the shop has become a cherished local treasure, combining years of floristry experience with a genuine passion for artistry in what they do.
Kelly Gordon’s path to floristry was anything but linear. Originally hailing from Christchurch, she spent her early years surrounded by the natural beauty of the McKenzie Country working in hospitality. However, the devastating Christchurch earthquakes served as a pivotal moment in her life. “I’ve always loved Nelson,” Kelly reflects. “Family holidays here as a child planted the seed, and after the earthquakes, I knew this was where I wanted to rebuild my life.”
Kelly’s journey into floristry began with a course she took as a young adult, followed by years of personal and professional exploration. Eventually, a chance opportunity led her back to the craft she had always admired. “Floristry feels like it was meant to be,” she says. “It’s a blend of creativity and connection that I can’t find anywhere else.”
Ange Holland’s introduction to floristry was a happy accident. Born and raised in Nelson, Ange admits she initially had no interest in flowers, dreaming instead of becoming a truck driver. After high school, she found herself working at a florist shop, where she discovered a knack for creating beautiful arrangements. “I realised I was good at it and, most importantly, enjoyed it,” she says with a laugh. “The rest is history.”
Years in hospitality followed before Ange returned to floristry, answering an ad placed by Expressions Florist’s previous owner, Rosie. A bouquet challenge sealed the deal. “I hadn’t done this for years, but Rosie saw something in me,” Ange recalls.
Kelly and Ange first joined Expressions Florist as employees but quickly found themselves taking on more responsibility. When Rosie decided to sell the business, Kelly saw an opportunity. “It was a leap of faith,” Kelly admits. “Rosie was amazing in guiding me through the transition, from working with couriers to understanding the geographical logistics of deliveries.”
Ange shares a similar sentiment about the supportive environment. “We’ve worked so closely together, and it just clicked. It’s a small shop, so you have to get along—and we do!”
Expressions Florist is more than a place to buy flowers. It’s a community hub where customers drop off recycled espresso capsules, collect event posters, and browse a curated selection of locally sourced gifts, including chocolates and plants. “We’re proud to support local businesses and bring a bit of Nelson’s charm into everything we do,” says Ange.
The duo’s distinct floristry styles complement each other perfectly. Ange describes her approach as more spacious, while Kelly leans toward a compact aesthetic. “We critique each other’s work because we’re both perfectionists,” Kelly explains. “Sometimes we redo a bouquet three times, but it’s all about making it perfect for our customers.”
While Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are predictably busy, winter brings its own unique demand for flowers, often for farewells and funerals. “Flowers brighten any occasion, even during tough times,” Kelly says.
Expressions Florist also thrives on the unexpected. “Sometimes people walk in just to chat or drop off capsules and end up leaving with flowers,” Ange adds. “It’s those little moments that make this job special.”
Running a business is not without its hurdles. Kelly balances her responsibilities with managing fibromyalgia and other health challenges, crediting the shop for being her “best medicine.” She also highlights the difficulty of juggling work with family life. “Being a business owner means wearing many hats, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she says.
Both women are passionate about Nelson’s future. Kelly admires the city’s natural beauty and small-town charm, while Ange envisions more vibrant nightlife and market spaces akin to Christchurch’s post-earthquake innovations. “People attract people,” Ange remarks. “Creating lively, communal spaces will only make Nelson more inviting.”
For Kelly and Ange, Expressions Florist is more than a business—it’s a reflection of their love for Nelson and its people. “Flowers make people happy,” Ange says simply. “Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or no reason at all, we’re here to add a little bloom to life’s moments.”
Expressions Florist stands as a testament to creativity, resilience, and community spirit, embodying everything that makes Nelson a unique and vibrant place to live and visit.
You can find out more about Expressions Florist at www.expressionsnelson.co.nz.
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