It’s our Seventh birthday!

Wow. That one nipped up pretty quickly didn’t it? This week marks seven years of being in business and it really does feel like a milestone. That makes us part of the very small percentage of businesses that make it past their first five years. Hurrah! And so in amongst the cake (which really isn’t as naughty as it looks: it’s actually fat free if you overlook the topping and is made of grated courgette and spelt flour) and the giggles there has been lots of time to reflect on our favourite parts of the year as well as where we plan on going next.

Some of team Flourish: L to R: James, Dani, Fiona, Caroline, Ian. Chloe is on holiday this week.

This year has definitely been one of change. Lots of changes to the structure of the business and the team and (oh, so soon) a lovely new website and refreshed brand identity. We’ve had some lovely team members join us – Dani and James and on Monday another lovely addition to our team, Melanie. This summer I plan to take on another Graphic Designer – watch this space for more details…

Our inspiration

I feel very lucky to have shaped the business in to what it is today. I can honestly say that I have found the thing that feels like play. That inspires me, motivates me and keeps me creatively fired up. And I know that our creative team feel exactly the same. Every day we get to work on projects that are so much fun, and that provide us with so much joy that (almost every day!) coming to work is fun.

My daughter joined us for a brainstorming session one day and was clearly enjoying the banter, the creativity and the energy of the session. Afterwards as we were driving home she was thoughtful. “Mum” she said “do you do that every day?”. I thought about it and replied “Kind of, yes”. “Well what’s there to be stressed about?”. She has a point doesn’t she?!

When I started my franchise in 2005 my business was definitely about following a model, following someone else’s rules and grafting. Now work doesn’t feel like a graft (although I work incredibly hard) and we are doing something that totally plays to our strengths.

Our highlights of the year

It feels a bit crass doing this since I mean it when I say that every project is a joy to work on but a quick straw poll over cake and coffee revealed a few highlights for us this year. What are yours?

We have loved every minute of working with Harvey Maria and are thrilled to hear that post rebrand and shiny new website they are now officially stocked in John Lewis. Hurrah!

The thrill of turning what was a very uninspiring website into something as upmarket and aspirational as this has been very exciting! The site only goes live today or tomorrow so it’s going to be great to hear about the impact it has on Chet’s business.

I’m not even sure I’ve blogged this one yet? But I love it sooo much it takes my breath away

SugarMoon is an ongoing project and Rachel is a delight to work with. Really looking forward to seeing where this identity goes.

Another ongoing project that we all just love. Excuse the pun.

And another that we’ve maybe kept under wraps for longer than I’d liked to have done… Going to be live oh so soon!

And Pomegranate, we have enjoyed every moment of this journey and are really looking forward to where the brand goes next.

As I say, I feel a bit mean putting together this list because we’ve worked on so many gorgeous projects over the past year and we simply had to leave out a lot. But I mean it when I say we’ve loved them all! Which have been your favourites?

And so as we head into our eight year I feel excited for what’s in store. I am looking forward to continuing to develop beautiful brand identities, websites that evoke the senses and communications that surprise and delight people. I’m looking forward to working with our lovely clients and having lots more fun with our fab team. Happy Birthday Flourish xxx

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