For The Love of Flowers
Dan Lawless, proprietor of Lawless Flowers, tells us about the decades of love he has had with his business and how it all started.
How long have you now been with Lawless Flowers?
“40 glorious years. I started working with flowers, when mum Nancy had the shop Nancy Lawless Flowers in Bedford Row, where we were for twenty years; it was a good street to us. That said we, as a family, were reared with flower arranging in our house, mum was always involved with flower arranging , and a founding member of Limerick Flower and Garden Club, so when mum opened a flower shop , it in some way it was not a surprise, Mum is still a happy lady in her ninety fifty year, still does flower arranging and painting and she loves both and is very happy.”
Why did you join the business in the first place?
“I had a good few jobs in the early years, and was often helping mum in the shop, so one day she offered me a job, I was the delivery boy; I love that title. Life was simple and not complex then, delivering one red rose to west limerick, and my arm out the window of the car! Of course, I was also helping in the shop, and loved it, and I would like to think that I seemed to fall in very easily.”
“Looking back, I feel it was almost like a natural progression for me, I also liked the business side of life, and was never afraid of hard work, we worked long hours, and into the night, it’s a last-minute business, and you must respond. It is quite unusual now to have worked for over forty years in the same job, but I like it, and never tired of it, there have been tough times, but thankfully we have survived.”
From then to now, what changes have you seen come and go?
“Getting flowers was quite a cumbersome process, ordering from the Dublin Flower Market, the flowers came to Limerick by train, now its order online from Holland and delivery is direct to your door, we have on average four thousand types and varieties of f lowers available to us at any one time.”
What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned in business during this time?
“One thing I am very happy about is that I like my job. A woman asked me once, do you like what you do and I said “I do”; she said you’re lucky as some people don’t like going to their job, so for that I am very thankful, to be happy in what I do.” Retail is difficult and ever changing, and of course very challenging, some say it’s a vocation. We are always learning, every day, and new challenges are good. Hard work will not always save a business, but it does help. Good staff which we have been blessed with are vital, and it is fair to say we also have fun at work also, we all need a good laugh from time to time, the work still gets done. I also love talking and working with customers and clients.”
Tell us a little bit about when you guys started doing weddings, what trends were there v today?
“Weddings were a much tamer affair, in Ireland, now flowers are very big and recognised as a very important aspect of every wedding. Now we could have up to five or more staff setting up ceremony and reception flowers, couples want impact, from ceremony flowers to reception flowers, and lots of flowers. Floral arches have become quite popular, it’s also important to work with couples, with their requirements, help them and work with their budget.”
What is the biggest wedding you’ve ever had?
“The biggest wedding; there have been many, some local families, and couples from overseas, some couples require tall pew ends, large lush pedestal arrangements, wedding floral arches, sometimes two and reception flower displays on all tables, candelabra filled with flowers, tall trumpet glass vases, with wonderful displays, lots of candles, drinks reception flowers, and so on, All weddings from our end take a lot of planning, and the blueprint we create is what we deliver on the day. We have a 100% satisfaction rate with our wedding couples.”
What advice would you give to couples trying to choose their wedding flowers?
“Firstly do a little homework, think about where you want flowers, see if its affordable, cut your cloth if need be, be led by your florist. If possible give your florist your budget, and they in return will advise on how to get the most impact for your money. Regarding f lower types, if unsure, go through it with your florist who knows all types of flowers, seasonal availability etc.”
Parting Words
“I am known to be able to talk (a little) but I often tell people, live your life and try to create a sense of direction for yourself, and go for it. Have some fun, and make the most of this world, whether it’s the pure fresh air you want to breath, read the book, plant a tree, travel, whatever you want, go for it, try it, not everything is achievable, but a lot is, and of course, think -’flowers’ plant flowers and enjoy your life! One of the best things to happen to me was to meet my Clive, he is the best. Happy to say we’re over thirty-three years together now, we do everything together, and love the garden and our dogs.
Lawless Flowers, 52 Roches Street, Limerick
T:+353 61 312666
E: orders@lawlessflowers.com
