Sustainable Style Spotlight: Silk Prestige

Tell us about you and your business/brand
I moved to Ireland in 2001 and what was meant to be a short visit soon became a lifelong adventure – I married an Irish man and am now a mother to two amazing little boys, Michael (9) and Bradley (2). My life here has thrown me in many different directions and career paths; I’ve worked in the hospitality industry, in media, in event management and even in fashion… I’m definitely very adventurous and love trying new things! Deep down though, I’ve always known that I wanted to own my own business.

In 2018, I came across an amazing company in South Africa that produces the most exquisite and life-like silk flowers. They also offer a rental scheme and I just loved the concept – I love the sustainability aspect of their business.  After months of planning and looking for financial resources to fund our first collection of flowers, Silk Prestige was launched not long before Covid hit. It was heartbreaking as literally all of our first customers were closed for months. It was a very difficult time for small/just-established businesses but one upside was that it allowed me to look at the retail product we can offer. Luckily straight after Covid, all our customers got back to us and there was a much higher demand for what we offer. 

We offer customers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to buying real flower arrangements for offices, homes, and other public spaces. Our flowers are all sustainable, water-free, pollen-free and made from the best quality silk. They’re also mess-free and are cleaned and disinfected after each use. Fresh flowers are expensive and require a lot of time and effort to maintain them – silk flower arrangements are just as nice (if not nicer!) and cost a fraction of the price. Our arrangements are manufactured using only the best materials available. They are then set in our unique resin which gives the illusion of water in the vase, adding to the truly lifelike appearance of our arrangements.  We also create bespoke pieces in ceramic vases and small table centrepieces. It has been a natural progression based on our customers’ needs. We deliver arrangements straight to your door and change them regularly – normally once a month or every three months in keeping with the seasons – to ensure that they always look real and fresh. 

What is your mission?
Silk Prestige’s aim is to supply the best, most life-like artificial flowers to Irish businesses and residential customers. Our clients and their needs shape the way we do business. Our approach is personal and bespoke with a focus on providing exceptional customer service at the forefront of everything we do.

Did you always want to work in this industry?
No, in fact, I never ever thought I would end up working with flowers. I’ve tried so many different jobs in the past and all of the knowledge I gained from working in those fields has been absolutely priceless – I wouldn’t change it for anything. I always keep my mind open for interesting/new opportunities.

What kind of items do you stock?
We have a huge range (over 100+ styles) of silk flower arrangements which are available to rent. We’re constantly creating new styles to ensure we can accommodate the changing demands and tastes of our clients. We also have a limited range available to purchase on our website, but the retail product that we are most proud of is our Botany Diffuser.

Classic Rose Botany Silk Diffuser, €69, Silk Prestige

The Botany Silk Rose Diffuser is a beautiful premium silk rose and accompanying classic rose-scented 10ml fragrance spray.  Botany Fragrances are carefully selected and manufactured from high-quality Swiss perfumes and are intended to be sprayed directly onto the floral diffuser. The Botany range of products are a beautiful premium alternative to room sprays, stick diffusers, or oil-burning diffusers.

What new brands or items are on your radar?
Our focus is to grow our corporate clients’ portfolios, so we are always looking to create new styles and arrangements to help us do that. The dream is to expand nationwide and grow our retail range all across the country.

Was money/funding a concern when starting out?
Absolutely! I took out a personal loan and a start-up business loan and I also reached out to investors to generate interest in the business. 

Best business advice you’ve gotten
Never be ashamed to ask for help and always be humble. 

Mixed Green Sets, €65, Glint Glass Studio

Favourite sustainable style accounts to follow online
Happy Days Style – a rental clothing company based in Leopardstown; Glint Glass Studio – “Glasses that don’t cost the earth”; ReCreate – creativity through reuse. 

Best fashion purchase
I’ve donated clothes to Lorraine Keane’s Fashion Relief initiative a number of times, and every time I do, I’ve picked up some really lovely pieces in return. I got a dress there which I wore to a charity event in the Intercontinental Hotel and I have never gotten so many compliments! Even though the dress was second-hand, it made me feel like a million dollars… so it will stay in my wardrobe for years to come!

Most useful learning since setting up a business
Not everyone you meet will be kind and supportive. You will always experience rejection and have to overcome different obstacles but they are a very important part of your journey. Staying positive, believing in yourself, your vision and your goal is crucial. 

Proudest moment so far
I find it so hard to pinpoint just one moment as the whole entrepreneurial journey has been full of small wins that always make me proud and drive me forward. 

I want my brand to be remembered as… being forward-thinking, for offering the best quality product and for providing exceptional customer service.  

If I could count any famous person as a customer, it would be… Blake Lively. I adore her style! I think she is not only exceptionally beautiful but also an amazing mother and wife too.