Ukraine refugee opens florist ready for Valentine's Day

Flowers by Alla opened three weeks ago in Totterdown, Bristol

A Ukrainian refugee has opened her own florist in the UK in time for Valentine's Day.

Alla Orekhovska fled war in her home country in March 2024 and moved to Bristol, where she has now opened Flowers by Alla.

The business began when she started arranging flowers in her partner's pub in Bridgeyate and customers began ordering from her.

Ms Orekhovska, who also ran a florist in Ukraine, says she now feels "very comfy" in Bristol after initially finding the move "difficult" because of the weather.

"It's already my city," she said. "I like the people, they are very friendly."

Ms Orekhovska grew up in Donetsk before moving to Kyiv more than three years ago.

"Now it's not safe for me and my son [in Ukraine]," she said.

Flowers by Alla has opened in Totterdown

After moving to the UK with her son and dog, Ms Orekhovska started working at The Hollybush pub, which is owned by her partner James Prangell.

It was at the pub where Ms Orekhovska began her own business after customers saw her work on display there and ordered bouquets.

She eventually started selling arrangements online before finding the shop space in Totterdown.

Ms Orekhovska said flowers are a big part of Ukrainian culture and she spent "many, many years" working as a florist there, having got her passion for floristry from her grandmother.

"A lot of people like flowers but I'm crazy about flowers," she added.

Ms Orekhovska said she got her passion for flowers from her grandmother

Now her shop has opened, Ms Orekhovska has said she is "happier" to be in Bristol.

"I like Bristol because it's a very good vibe here. It's already my place."

Mr Prangell said he is "very proud" of his partner.

"Alla arrived in the UK with almost nothing and has built herself a business in just 10 short months," he added.