THE iconic Kelly’s Corner in Ennis is blossoming again thanks to the arrival of Flowers By Luis.
For decades, the retail unit in Lifford was home to Kelly’s Newsagents. Following a brief period of vacancy, master florist Luis da Silva has planted the seeds of renewal on Friday, November 15, hoping to unearth a loyal customer base in Ennis for decades to come.
Luis (54) has spent his entire adult life perfecting his craft. Having developed a love for flowers in his teenage years in his native land, the garden island of Madeira, Portugal, Luis now possesses almost four decades of international experience.
Luis qualified as a master florist in Chapel Manor College in the UK. He was a director of London’s McQueens Flower School and has a wealth of experience in all aspects of bespoke floristry having worked in New York, Brazil and China.
In County Clare, Luis built his reputation at Angel Flowers in Shannon before heading up the Flower Room by Vaughan’s Garden Centre in Ennis, where he worked as head florist for the last four years before deciding to establish his own business.
Luis has recruited the expertise of his friend, experienced florist Cathy Fitzsimon, who brings with her a flair for flowers and a great love and knowledge of plants.
He tells The Clare Echo that his new business venture wasn’t planned, rather a leap of faith as his instincts took over as he passed a ‘to let’ sign at Kelly’s Corner earlier this year. “I passed here so many times and I used to think, that corner would make a wonderful flower shop. Once I viewed the premises, I fell in love with it straight away.”
Luis is grateful to his existing clientelle from Vaughan’s who continue to support him in his new location, which he notes is in a central, convenient location with free parking. “The feedback to Flowers by Luis has been amazing,” Luis admits. “Ennis is a bit like Madeira, everyone is connected and word spreads that way.”
Flowers by Luis caters to all customers, offering flower arrangements, plants, outdoor pots, pots for graves, wedding flower arrangements, candles and more.
When asked what sets Flowers by Luis apart, the Portuguese native is somwhat bashful, offering, “My floristry is different – maybe because I have so much experience, I’m flexible to change things and I can pull from my experience. I believe as well, we give value for money.”
A passing customer interjects, “I can contribute to that as well, definitely. He’s in a league of his own. I’ve never been in a flower shop like this. The minute I walked in, it’s like walking into a boutique florist in the middle of London. It’s a step above.”
Asked about his aspirations for Flowers by Luis, he explains, “I believe when you expand, you dilute the quality of what you’re doing. I want to do this well and I think that’s enough for me.”
Luis and Cathy are inviting customers to “visit, have a look, just come in for a chat. You don’t have to buy and it doesn’t matter if you’re spending 5 or 50, we cater to everybody.”
