How a Valentine’s Heartbreak Sowed the Seeds of Pukka Arrangements

Meet the woman making the world a better place, one flower at a time. Thandeka Twala is a visionary entrepreneur born and raised in a small town called Ladysmith. With a BCom Accounting degree from the University of Johannesburg, she traded spreadsheets for timeless floral masterpieces. Thandeka sowed the seeds of passion and Pukka Arrangements bloomed.

By Tshegofatso Tube

What inspired you to become a florist, and how did you start your boutique?

Thandeka’s journey into floristry began in an unexpected way. In 2021, inspired by a personal experience, she launched Pukka Arrangements. Just before Valentine’s Day, a few days after a breakup, she found herself disappointed when the man she was seeing didn’t gift her the flowers she anticipated. Instead of wallowing in disappointment, Thandeka decided to buy flowers for herself, sparking a passion that would grow into a thriving business. Over the years, her love for flowers deepened, leading her to create beautiful arrangements that resonate with her clients.

What are some of the challenges that you have faced in your business?

Running a floral business, however, comes with its challenges. Thandeka navigates fluctuating flower prices, which change with the seasons and market demand. Logistics can also present hurdles; delivering flowers on time can be tricky due to delays from previous clients or difficulties in contacting recipients. Despite these obstacles, she has learned to manage them effectively, maintaining a commitment to her customers and ensuring a reliable service.

What are some of the highlights of running your business?

One of the most rewarding aspects of running Pukka Arrangements is witnessing love stories unfold through her work. Thandeka describes herself as a “lover girl” and is dedicated to promoting the idea of black women being loved well. She takes pride in creating arrangements that reflect the care her clients have for their loved ones. The loyalty of her client base has been a significant highlight, as many return to her for their floral needs and refer her to others. Events like Valentine’s Day have become milestones for her business, with this year’s sales surpassing all expectations, showcasing her growing presence in the event industry.

What skills do you need to be a florist?

Creativity is essential in floristry, but Thandeka emphasises the importance of values such as communication and honesty. She believes in treating each client as unique and paying attention to their specific needs. “If I can’t deliver on time, I’m upfront about it,” she says, noting that transparency has built strong relationships with her clients. Passion for her work is crucial, as is proficiency in time management and social media, which she uses to promote her business. Customer service and coordination skills also play a vital role in her success.

What advice would you give someone interested in starting a floral shop?

For anyone interested in starting a floral shop, Thandeka advises cultivating patience. The floral business involves constant interaction with clients, each with different needs. Researching the target market and defining a niche is vital; for Thandeka, roses are her specialty. She highlights the advantages of operating online, particularly given the perishability of flowers. Choosing whether to cater to individual clients or corporate needs is another essential consideration for budding florists.

How does your style influence your floral arrangements?

Thandeka’s personal style influences her floral arrangements. She describes herself as stylish yet simple, allowing her to create a seamless purchasing experience. When clients reach out via social media, she ensures that the process is straightforward and efficient. While websites are important, she values the one-on-one interaction that helps her understand exactly what her clients want. Her straightforward approach enables her to close sales quickly, catering to clients who appreciate efficiency.

You can never go wrong with beautiful roses.

Thandeka Twala, Pukka Arrangements

What’s your favourite holiday memory or tradition, and how does it inspire your work?

Reflecting on her favourite holiday memories, Thandeka recalls a trip to Dubai in 2016, where she was captivated by how the city transformed a desert into a vibrant hub. She fondly remembers the New Year’s Eve celebrations by the beach, where families and friends come together to welcome the new year. This sense of community and celebration inspires her work and fuels her vision for Pukka Arrangements.

If you could create a festive arrangement for any celebrity, who would it be and why?

If Thandeka could create a festive arrangement for any celebrity, she would choose someone who advocates for fitness, love, family, and mental health. Currently focused on a campaign for mental health, she seeks to partner with a figure who embodies these values, reflecting her brand’s commitment to well-being.

What are the most popular flowers and colours for festive arrangements?

When it comes to festive arrangements, Thandeka notes that popular colours include red, green, and white, often with touches of silver. These hues resonate throughout the year, especially during the festive season, while vibrant colors like pink and orange also find their way into many orders.

What sets your boutique apart from other businesses in the floral industry?

What sets Pukka Arrangements apart is Thandeka’s dedication to convenience and reliability. Serving Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, she offers same-day delivery, ensuring her clients receive quality flowers when they need them. Her commitment to excellence and willingness to find solutions have made her a trusted name in the floral industry.

What advice would you give readers for choosing the perfect festive flowers?

For readers looking to choose the perfect festive flowers, Thandeka advises considering the recipient’s preferences rather than just current trends. “You can never go wrong with beautiful roses,” she insists, emphasizing the importance of personalization in gifting.

What are your future goals for the boutique?

Looking ahead, Thandeka envisions creating a community around her brand and expanding her presence on social media. She aims to grow her clientele in Cape Town and Durban while maintaining relationships with her existing clients. Future plans include focusing on intimate events and possibly introducing products like candles, wine, and chocolates to complement her floral offerings. With a commitment to thoughtful growth, Thandeka is poised to elevate Pukka Arrangements to new heights.