From crafting flower arrangements at home to opening a vibrant retail space in Chester-le-Street, Nicki Barron has grown Pretty Busy Blooms into a flourishing business that’s as much about creativity as it is about community.
Supported by TEDCO through Durham Business Growth’s Retail Programme, Nicki’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, resilience, and growth-focused business support can help turn a dream into reality.
Retail Expert Alan Dodsworth
TEDCO Business Advisor and retail specialist Alan Dodsworth, sets the scene, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Nicki. What started as a business focused on handcrafted wreaths grew into a mobile florist offering a wide range of services—from traditional floral arrangements, bouquets, and wreaths, to curated homewares.”
“Nicki then expanded into delivering workshops across the region and providing floral services for all types of events, including weddings. Now, she’s brought all of these offerings together under one roof with the opening of her beautifully created retail space on Front Street, Chester-le-Street. It’s been inspiring to witness the evolution of her business and the passion she brings to every aspect of it.”
Nicki explains how that business support has been beneficial to her;
“Alan Dodsworth was amazing to work with and with an extensive background in retail, he made the perfect mentor for me. I met Alan at a point when I felt a bit flat and unsure of which direction to take the business in. Alan’s personality and enthusiasm is infectious and instantly felt a great business connection.
Alan helped me to focus on key elements of the business, finding out about my products and services, listening to my needs with lots of guidance on how to move forward. I really enjoyed my time with Alan and look forward to working with him again.”
North East Gifts by North East Women
Back in the shop and it’s a warm and welcoming space filled with fresh, dried, and silk flowers, handmade crafts, and locally sourced gifts. Nicki provides a platform for other independent creators, including local author Glenda Young, whose books such as Chester-le-Street’s well-known “The Toffee Factory Girls”, are available in-store.
Nicki regularly hosts floristry and wreath-making workshops, and is a familiar face at events and fayres across the region. Her creative flair and commitment to building a positive, community-focused business have earned her a loyal customer base and support from local personalities, including local television personality Charlotte Crosby.
Passionate about promoting women in business, Nicki also credits The Northern Lass Lounge for supporting her from the very start. Kylie Dixon (founder of the NLL) has recently been awarded an MBE for her services to the region and for supporting women entrepreneurs. “Kylie and her team gave me an enormous amount of confidence, believing in myself, building a solid business pillars and creating branding that stands out. I am still a proud member of the group and enjoy seeing them also going from strength to strength. I am delighted that Kylie has been given the award she deserves”.
While her husband, former Hartlepool United footballer Michael Barron, lends a hand behind the scenes, it’s Nicki’s vision and dedication that have shaped Pretty Busy Blooms into what it is today.
“It’s a bit of a dream to have this,” Nicki says. “We set out to create something nice with a positive vibe about it and I’d like to think that’s exactly what we are all about.”
Future Founders, Ready to Kick Off?
In a lovely twist of local connection, there’s a community connection between the Barrons and TEDCO via Chester le Street’s Park View Academy.
As students enjoyed football coaching with Michael Barron, a group of entrepreneurial students were involved with Business Durham’s Future Business Magnates competition. TEDCO’s Marketing Manager, Janice Ross MBE, loved supporting Bishop Barrington Academy with their shortlisted idea but it was Park View Academy who won the overall prize for their wearable safety device, Guardian by Angel Tech. The competition, which is part of Business Durham‘s enterprise program, challenges Year 8 students to develop and pitch business ideas. This year’s competition involved 11 schools and a final pitch to industry experts.
At TEDCO, we’re proud to support entrepreneurs like Nicki who bring energy, creativity, and community spirit to the high street. Pretty Busy Blooms is more than a florist—it’s a celebration of local talent, connection, and the power of small business. You can find out more about all of Nicki’s blooming lovely things on her website – Pretty Busy Blooms.
Ready to make your business idea flourish? Tell us a few details on this Initial Enquiry Form and we’ll be in touch.
Durham Business Growth and Productivity Programme is a comprehensive initiative designed to elevate productivity and foster growth within businesses located in County Durham. Being part of the programme allows you access to workshops, 1-1 advisor support and grant funding to support revenue and capital investment in your business.
