Two florists from Blackpool have launched a new business aimed at bringing a fresh, fun approach to floristry and appealing to younger customers. Natale McDonald, 43, and Gemma Buntain, 34, have teamed up to create “WTF – What the Flower Moments,” a new venture offering bold and unconventional bouquets, hoping to revolutionise how younger people perceive flowers.
McDonald, a mother of four, and Buntain, a mother of one, have a combined 40 years of experience in the floristry industry. After years of collaborating on various projects, the two women have now decided to formally join forces, setting out to change the face of traditional floristry. Their new business aims to tap into trends that embrace individuality and creativity, while also making floristry more appealing to younger generations.
Buntain, who left her previous role at a local florist after her maternity leave, says this new venture has been a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to be self-employed, and doing it with Natale, my best florist friend, is perfect. We’re both passionate about flowers, but we’ve never been about doing things the traditional way,” she said.
Their business, which launched online with a celebration event on Sunday, offers a range of arrangements including boxed, bunched, and letterbox flowers, as well as subscription services for homes and offices. They are also encouraging customers to share their “WTF Moments” on social media by posting pictures or videos of their floral gifts with the hashtag #yourwtfmoment.
Known for their workshops and demonstrations across Lancashire, the pair have already received orders ahead of their official launch, with their “postal flowers with a punch” concept attracting early attention. Their goal is to combine fun and creativity in floristry, offering something fresh and different to younger customers who may see traditional flowers as outdated or unappealing.
McDonald explained that part of their mission is to challenge the perception that flowers are old-fashioned. “We realised younger people often see flowers as a bit icky or old-school. We want to change that. Our bouquets are bold, quirky, and designed to make people feel something special when they see them. That’s where the WTF moment came from—flowers are more than just a product; they’re an emotional experience.”
Buntain added that the shift towards digital technology has made it easier to target younger audiences. “Floristry is no exception to the trend of going digital. Online flower delivery, social media marketing, and creating Instagram-worthy bouquets are now essential parts of the business. Younger generations are leading this shift, and we want to be at the forefront of it.”
Despite their different working styles, the two florists share a deep passion for their craft and have been friends for over a decade. “Natale’s more of a free spirit, while I like to plan everything. But our shared love for flowers—and music—has always kept us close,” Buntain said.
To celebrate their launch, McDonald and Buntain are planning random acts of kindness by surprising local businesses and individuals with their unique floral arrangements. They hope their fresh take on floristry will not only appeal to younger customers but also help sustain the future of the industry by inspiring new career paths in floristry.
