If you get the chance to meet with Sarah Bruce, her enthusiasm is instantly infectious. She has a smile that lights up the room and a deep-hearted laugh to go along with it.
A native Kiwi gal, Sarah relocated back to New Zealand from Australia in 2008 to launch Edible Blooms New Zealand. As the name suggests, this online success story creates fabulous bouquets with a twist. Each incorporates delicious blooms that are not only beautiful to look at but are ‘edible’ also. With a focus on using only the highest quality ingredients and providing personal customer service, it’s no wonder the company received the People’s Choice Award in the 2009 Corporate Events Guide Awards less than 12 months into business. This year the company was also named as a finalist in the Westpac Auckland North Business Awards.
Sarah juggles building and growing the New Zealand business alongside the job of single Mum, so we are thrilled to share with you, some of her story as part of our Mother’s Day celebration.
So, Sarah, tell us a bit about yourself?
Well, I run an amazing business called Edible Blooms NZ that delivers delicious gifts across New Zealand and Australia. I grew up on a dairy farm in Matamata and learnt from a very young age about working hard. I’m a single Mum bringing up my two outgoing, sporty boys, Toby (8) and Joel (6) that keep me on my toes.
How would you describe your ‘motherhood’ journey?
My journey has been lots of fun but also very full on. My first child was one when I started Edible Blooms NZ after moving back from Australia where I worked for Edible Blooms. I then had my second child when the NZ business was about 18 months in operation. It was a hard thing to do growing a family and growing a new business at the same time especially in the early days. If I had my time again, I probably wouldn’t have done it this way but I also wouldn’t change it now as my boys are best mates.
The challenge in the early days was not having time to look after ‘me’ and always just getting by. We didn’t have money to get a nanny or anything like that. I always knew that I could do anything I put my mind to and I did do this.
Now the business has grown and I have staff members that help me run a successful business and it has made life easier. I’m now a single Mum juggling everything but I have learnt the most important lesson is to always look after yourself as you can only do the best job as a Mum and a Business owner when you are 100% health and happy.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your ‘pre-Mum’ self?
Create time to make crazy fun times happen – do random unexpected things as life is too short.
Being a Mum is extraordinary because?
Being a Mum is extraordinary because… of unconditional love I get every day and the fun we create together fills my soul.
How do you plan on celebrating Mother’s Day?
I spend my Mother’s Day delivering Edible Blooms to Mums around Auckland. It is so rewarding seeing a Mum’s face’s light up with excitement and love and this fills my heart. I will then go out for dinner with my boys where they will get very excited about giving me their handmade cards filled with love and the quirky gifts that they think I need…….
If you could choose one of the Sisters Wines, which would it be and why?
I would choose the Bubbles as life is worth celebrating every day!!
As the motto at Edible Blooms goes “our blooms come from the heart, are handmade with love and are delivered with happiness!” Once you understand the woman behind the business, you know this to be true
If you’re looking for a gift from the heart with a difference for Mum this Mother’s Day, then check out the Mother’s Day Gifts on offer from Edible Blooms. We think any of these below would be the perfect gift for Mum!
