WHEN Lauren Hart was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Heart of Ulverston Awards, it was the seal of approval she needed to reassure her that taking the plunge and opening her own professional florist business was the right thing to do.
Lauren started Bluebell and Ivy in 2016 at the age of 25 but initially had niggling doubts whether it was too much of a risk.
But receiving recognition at the Heart of Ulverston Awards in 2018 provided a huge confidence boost, and she has grown her business rapidly since that point.
Lauren said: “I was still new to business so it was a shock to even get nominated, but really nice that somebody had recognised what I was doing and thought I was providing a good service in the town.
“I was a finalist in the Young Entrepreneur category along with some really great businesses and I can’t believe I won. It was such a lovely feeling, especially because it’s a local thing and you’re recognised as being valued in your community.
“When I started the shop I was operating out of a base up a very small ginnell and was on my own, and I admit I did wonder some times whether starting my own business was the right thing to do and whether I could grow the business.
“Receiving this award gave me such a confidence boost and we’ve continued to go from strength to strength.”
Bluebell and Ivy’s growth has been remarkable over the past eight years, and Lauren has built a business which has gained a great reputation for providing professional flowers and floral designs.
In 2018, the business moved to larger premises on Queen Street and she now employs four members of staff.
Her talent being recognised in front of a packed Heart of Ulverston Awards audience played a part in helping the business get noticed, Lauren said.
“The awards were well-attended and I had a lot of people come up to me on the night and say they hadn’t been in to my shop but they were going to pop in,” said Lauren. “Winning the award definitely helped spread awareness of my business, and helped make connections across the town.”
Lauren is throwing her full support behind the returning Heart of Ulverston Awards, and Bluebell and Ivy is sponsoring the Best Hospitality Venue category.
Her team is also decorating Ulverston’s Coronation Hall out for the awards ceremony on May 16, as well as providing impressive floral centrepieces for the tables.
She said: “I know how it feels to win so I’m really happy to be involved in this year’s Heart of Ulverston Awards and play a part in somebody else experiencing that amazing feeling.
“Ulverston does sometimes get overlooked but it’s a great little town with a unique, quirky style, and I’m delighted the awards are coming back so we can celebrate everything that makes it such an amazing place.”
A total of 13 categories will be awarded on the night: Lifetime Achievement, Sports Performance of the Year, Employee of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Sports Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year, Community Group of the Year, Outstanding Courage Award, Best Hospitality Venue, Business in the Community, Citizen of the Year, Helping Hand Award, and Apprentice of the Year.
Rachael Bell Wealth Management is sponsoring the Business of the Year Award, and is pleased to see the positive reaction to the awards being held again after an absence of six years.
Practice Principal Rachael Bell said: “Although we’re based in Carlisle, we have clients all over Cumbria and it’s great to see events like this that showcase some of the fantastic individuals and organisations we have in our county.
“Business is really strong across Cumbria and it’s great to support the amazing companies that make a hugely positive impact to Ulverston and beyond.”
Limited time remains to nominate your unsung heroes at www.heartofulverston.co.uk/nominate
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