10 Downing Street call up for Bristol florist Alla
A Bristol florist who opened her shop only four short weeks ago, says she was ‘honoured’ to provide floral displays for an important event at 10 Downing Street.
Alla Orekhovska, owner of new Totterdown shop Flowers by Alla, received a call from the Prime Minister’s office asking if she could create displays for an event marking three years since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
Originally from Kyiv and now living in Shortwood, Alla crafted eight floral arrangements, which were displayed at the event hosted by Prime Minister Kier Starmer and attended by Ukrainian dignitaries, government aides and organisations that had contributed to the efforts to support the end of the war.
Alla said: “When I first received the call from 10 Downing Street, I thought someone was joking with me! When I realised it was genuine, I was absolutely thrilled. They had searched for Ukrainian florists and came across my work. Ten days later I was on my way to London with a car full of flowers for the Prime Minister.
“It is an incredible honour to be entrusted with this opportunity. Flowers have a unique way of conveying emotions, and in Ukraine especially, flowers have great importance. To be able to contribute to an event representing the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people and the unwavering support we have received from the UK, is truly heartwarming.”
The arrangements featured a thoughtful selection of blue and yellow flowers, including sunflowers, which are the national flower of Ukraine and a symbol of peace.
Alla also created a special bouquet for Lady Victoria Starmer, for which she later received a thank you note in the post.
During the event, which was attended by around 200 people, Alla was one of five selected to go to the Prime Minister’s office for a more intimate chat.
Alla, who fled her home city of Kyiv during the conflict, continued: “During the meet and greet with Kier Starmer I was able to tell him how I was a florist for many years in Ukraine. However, it is in the UK where all my dreams have come true and I have opened my very own shop Flowers By Alla.
“I love nothing more than creating beautiful arrangements for people to give to their loved ones. I’d also really love to get into creating displays for events and so to have my first event be for 10 Downing Street in an incredible achievement.”
Flowers by Alla can be found at 142 Wells Road in Totterdown. Also stocking homeware, houseplants, greetings cards and seasonal gifts, the store will also begin to host flower arranging masterclasses soon.
Bouquets can be created to suit any theme and budget and delivery is also available.
For more information visit Flowers By Alla | Florists in Totterdown | Bristol, UK
