Meet the team
T H E S T O R Y B E H I N D W E S T M A L L I N G F L O W E R S
Hello, I’m Nikki Meader, and I’d like to share a bit about the journey that led to the creation of West Malling Flowers. My story is one of returning to my roots, embracing a lifelong passion, and building something truly special with my family in the heart of Kent.
Growing up, flowers were more than just beautiful arrangements in our home; they were part of our daily lives. My mother was a florist, and my father was a greengrocer, so I was surrounded by nature’s vibrant colours and scents from a young age. Despite this, my initial career path took me in a different direction, I trained as an accountant. However, it wasn’t long before the pull of the floral world brought me back to what I love most.
In 2011, after years of honing my skills and knowledge, I decided to take the plunge and opened West Malling Flowers. It was a significant moment, not just for me, but for my entire family, who have been involved in the florist trade for over 40 years. What started as a small, local flower shop has blossomed into a thriving business, serving the community with beautiful, carefully crafted arrangements that bring joy to every occasion.
But West Malling Flowers is more than just a business to me; it’s a deeply personal venture. Every bouquet and arrangement is created with care and attention as if it were for a dear friend. The shop reflects not only my passion but also the collective efforts of my family and our fantastic team, who work tirelessly to bring our customers' visions to life. I’m incredibly proud to say that our hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. West Malling Flowers was honoured
with the title of BFA Retail Florist of the Year in 2015 and 2016, a recognition that still fills me with pride.
Beyond the shop, I’ve also had the privilege of serving as the Chair of the British Florist Association since 2018. In this role, I’m committed to supporting our industry, mentoring the next generation of florists, and contributing to events like the BFA FleurEx trade fair, which has become a key date in the florist calendar.
In addition to my work with the BFA, I’m passionate about giving back to the local community. Whether it’s through charity days or special events, West Malling Flowers is always eager to lend a hand and make a difference where we can.
Nikki
Russell
The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Known affectionately by some as "Flower Man," Russell is the backbone of West Malling Flowers, always on the move and making things happen. While Nikki might have a few other names for him (we'll keep those between us!), there's no denying his dedication and energy. From early morning deliveries to late evening errands, Russell is the one who ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Whether it’s maintaining the shop, building relationships with local businesses, or simply spreading positivity wherever he goes, Russell is the ultimate "can-do" person. His enthusiasm is infectious, and his commitment to our customers and community is unwavering. He’s also our resident snack provider, keeping the team fuelled with a steady supply of delicious treats.
If you happen to see Russell out and about in the van, don’t forget to give him a wave he’s always ready with a smile and a friendly word!
Shelly
The Creative Force Behind Our Stunning Displays
Shelly has been an integral part of West Malling Flowers since the very first day we opened our doors 14 years ago. As our longest-serving team member, she has truly taken root here, becoming a cornerstone of our shop's success and a beloved figure amongst our customers.
With an eye for detail and a flair for design, Shelly’s floristry skills are nothing short of exceptional. Whether she’s working with fresh blooms, silk, or dried flowers, her arrangements always stand out. Her loyal customer base is a testament to the artistry and care she brings to every creation. Many local businesses depend on Shelly for striking reception designs that leave a lasting impression, and her role in our team is absolutely invaluable.
Shelly is also the creative mastermind behind all the beautiful displays you see in and outside of our shop. Her passion and dedication shine through in every arrangement, making West Malling Flowers a truly special place.
Sian
Our Wedding and Events Visionary
Sian is a dynamo of creativity never letting the grass grow under her feet. As our Wedding and Events Manager, she’s the driving force behind some of the most stunning weddings and events in the area, consistently turning dreams into reality with her fresh, modern ideas.
Whether she’s crafting daily bouquets, designing breath-taking wedding arrangements, or hosting one of our popular floristry workshops, Sian brings passion and enthusiasm to everything she does. She especially loves working closely with happy couples, ensuring that every detail of their floral vision is perfectly realised on their big day.
In addition to her work in the shop, Sian has built a loyal following with her workshops, inspiring others with her skills and creativity. Outside of work, Sian enjoys spending time with her gorgeous little boy, who bring as much joy to her life as she brings to our team.
Becca
Senior Florist and Bespoke Funeral Work Specialist
Becca, one of our Senior Florists, has a true talent for creating the prettiest arrangements that can light up any room. If peonies are on the order, you might catch her doing a few celebratory star jumps after all, they’re her absolute favourite flower!
After taking some time off to welcome her beautiful little boy, Becca has returned to us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. In addition to her stunning floral designs, she now takes the lead in our bespoke funeral work, handling each piece with the utmost care and sensitivity.
When she’s not crafting beautiful arrangements or spending time with her family, Becca loves to unwind with a well-deserved spa day. We’re incredibly lucky to have her as part of our team!
PAULA
Experienced Florist and Creative Talent
Paula joined the West Malling Flowers team last year, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep love for the floristry industry. Having started her career as a florist at just 16, Paula’s passion for creating beautiful arrangements has always been at the heart of what she does.
After taking a 10-year break to focus on raising her two wonderful children, Paula has returned to her passion, eager to once again immerse herself in the world of flowers. Her creativity and dedication shine through in every bouquet she crafts, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of our team.
Paula’s return to floristry has been a joyful journey, and her enthusiasm is infectious. She’s quickly become an invaluable member of the West Malling team, and we can’t wait to see the stunning creations she’ll continue to bring to life.
AYLA
Rising Star in Floristry
Ayla’s journey with West Malling Flowers began when she first joined us as a Saturday Girl. Now, nearly 21, she has grown into an exceptionally talented florist, having earned her qualifications and honed her skills over the past few years.
Ayla’s passion for floristry shines through in everything she does. She’s a caring and attentive person, always eager to go the extra mile to ensure our customers are delighted with their arrangements. Her dedication and natural talent have quickly made her a standout member of our team.
Not only does Ayla excel in day-to-day floristry, but she also has a competitive streak, often participating in floristry competitions where she consistently achieves high scores. We’re incredibly proud to have watched her grow and flourish, and we’re excited to see where her talent takes her next.
CHARLIE
Our Budding Apprentice with a Quirky Twist
Charlie joined the West Malling Flowers team as an apprentice and has quickly become a cherished member of our crew. Currently halfway through her floristry qualifications with The Floristry School, she’s eager to learn and grow, soaking up knowledge from her online classes and the hands-on experience she gains every day in the shop.
With a natural talent for connecting with customers, Charlie is learning the ins and outs of the retail side of floristry while refining her techniques under the guidance of our experienced team. Her quirky, fun personality and sharp, dry sense of humour bring a lively energy to the shop, keeping us all in stitches while she blossoms into a skilled florist.
We’re thrilled to see how far Charlie has come already, and we’re excited to watch her continue to flourish in her journey with us.
LISA
The Organising Force Behind the Scenes
Lisa has been with West Malling Flowers since the very beginning, helping us open our doors 14 years ago. Originally taking a break from her successful career in Recruitment, Lisa quickly became an invaluable part of our team. Though she returned to recruitment for a few years and later took time off to raise her beautiful daughter, we’re thrilled to have her back with us once again.
Lisa’s role in the shop is vital she’s the one who keeps everything running smoothly and ensures that we’re always organised. In a bustling florist shop where creativity can sometimes lead to a bit of chaos, Lisa’s knack for tidiness is a unique and much-appreciated strength. Her attention to detail and ability to stay on top of everything makes our work environment not only more efficient but also more enjoyable.
We’re incredibly grateful to have Lisa’s steady hand guiding us, and we can’t imagine the shop without her.
Linda
The Heart and Voice of West Malling Flowers
What can I say about my mum, Linda the woman who started it all? Officially retired, but in reality working full-time, Linda is the true heart and soul of West Malling Flowers. With her trusty phone headset always within reach (and occasionally still attached when she heads home on a Friday!), she is the friendly voice that greets our customers, ready to offer guidance and advice on the perfect bouquet or arrangement for any occasion.
With over 40 years of experience in the floristry industry, Linda is a walking encyclopaedia of flower and plant knowledge. She’s the go-to person for any and all questions about floristry, and her expertise is invaluable to both our team and our customers. But Linda’s talents don’t stop there she’s also famous for her delicious cakes and sausage rolls, which keep us all happily fuelled and ready to create.
Linda’s unwavering dedication, warmth, and expertise have shaped West Malling Flowers into what it is today, and we’re forever grateful for her continued presence and guidance.
Rosemary
The Sunshine of West Malling Flowers
Rosemary is much more than one of our delivery drivers. Whether she’s helping customers, lending a hand to the florists, or keeping us all energised with endless cups of tea and her legendary home-made cakes, Rosemary is always there with a smile and a kind word.
Her unwavering positivity and "look on the bright side" attitude are infectious, even when life throws challenges her way. Rosemary’s resilience and sunny disposition make her an integral part of the West Malling Flowers family. She’s helps make things runs smoothly while bringing joy to everyone she meets.
We’re incredibly lucky to have Rosemary on our team, and her contributions, both big and small, are deeply appreciated by all of us.
Jen
The Spreadsheet Wizard Behind the Scenes
Jen joined the West Malling Flowers team at just the right moment, swooping in to save the day when paperwork was piling up and I was feeling overwhelmed. Though currently on maternity leave after welcoming her beautiful baby boy, Jen remains the backbone of our administrative operations, especially when it comes to keeping the accounts in perfect order.
With a talent for spreadsheets that far surpasses what most florists can imagine, Jen can turn numbers and data into a work of art, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Her expertise in finance and organisation has been invaluable, allowing the rest of us to focus on what we do best creating beautiful floral arrangements.
We miss her while she’s away, but we know that when she’s ready to return, Jen will once again keep us all on the straight and narrow, making sure the business side of things is as beautiful as the flowers we work with.
Jodie
Crystal
Friends
During our busiest seasons, like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day, we’re fortunate to have an extended team of talented florists and friends who step in to lend a hand. My niece Jodie, along with former team members like Crystal, just can’t resist coming back to immerse themselves in creating the most beautiful bouquets. We’re also incredibly grateful to all our friends who help us serve customers and deliver arrangements, allowing our core team to focus on what they do best—bringing floral visions to life. Their support is invaluable, and we couldn’t do it without them!