Jennifer Bunn, 56, was the primary carer for her father during his battle with terminal cancer. In the midst of that emotionally draining period, she needed a creative outlet and began making floral creations as a way to cope.
“I started doing it when my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer,” she said.
“I needed an outlet, a way to let off steam.”
What began as a therapeutic hobby soon blossomed into a shop full of unique, hand-crafted items. Jennifer opened Absolute Roses last November at the Viables Craft Centre, where she now sells a variety of floral teddy bears, wreaths, suncatchers, and more.
Before opening the shop, Jennifer would sell her creations at local “Love Markets” in town, but ongoing health issues meant she could no longer manage the physical demands of setting up stalls and standing for long hours. Determined not to give up, she found a more permanent and accessible home at Viables.
“I had a garage full of floral bears and wreaths with no purpose,” she recalled.
“When my dad passed, my daughter asked me, ‘What are you going to do with this?’ That’s when I decided to take the next step.”
Although the shop stocks some items from other makers, Jennifer says her handmade pieces remain a customer favourite, particularly her bespoke commissions.
“A lot of it is commission work,” she explained.
“Customers come in asking for memorial wreaths or customised bears. Some are musical, some light up, some even make animal noises. Each one is unique.”
Despite facing ups and downs, Jennifer says she remains passionate about her work.
“There have been good times and bad times,” she said. “It’s been a bit on the slow side lately, but when there are events, it gets very busy.”
