A teenager is loving life running her very own "modern" floristry business, looking to grow her customer base week-on-week.

Sophie Haydock, opened The Flower Shed at Hopley House, Middlewich, aged just 18 in May last year.

Located four miles from Leighton Hospital, The Flower Shed offers a range of bouquets, grave pots, wreaths, hot box arrangements and flower wraps.

The Flower Shed offers a range of bouquets, grave pots, wreaths, hot box arrangements and flower wraps (Ryan Parker).

Now aged 19, the former St Thomas More Catholic High School pupil is watching her business blossom.

Sophie told Nub News: "I opened this business, aged 18, in May last year. I am a qualified florist and have been for a number of years.

"I am still in college studying to get the higher levels of it.

"At The Flower Shed I mainly sell the everyday bouquets and arrangements. I also do flowers for a lot of weddings, funerals and other events.

"I grew up in Crewe and left to move to Middlewich when I was 16.

Located just outside Crewe, The Flower Shed is often used by customers visiting Leighton Hospital (Ryan Parker).

"Most my friends and family live in Crewe, and most of my customers are from the Crewe area.

"A lot of my deliveries go to Crewe. They are free if within five miles, which covers the Leighton area."

Sophie had planned to study A-levels and go to college, but this all changed when a close family member passed away.

The business owner said: "Originally, I didn't want to be a florist. When my grandad died there were so many lovely flowers at his funeral. It made me realise I wanted to do this.

"At this point I was just 16. I told my mum I didn't want to do A-levels or go to university and I went to study floristry at Reaseheath College.

The Flower Shed is open from 7am until 7pm (Monday to Saturday) and 8am to 4pm (Sunday) (Ryan Parker).

"Then, when I was working for a florist elsewhere, I saw an opportunity come up at Hopley House.

"I came to see the unit and went for it. I am so happy I did.

"It takes a while to establish any business, especially a florist. Trade started to pick up after a few months, it really helps being on the route to Leighton Hospital."

The Flower Shed charges £1.99 for deliveries to customers more than five miles away.

Currently, business is going well, with Sophie expecting it to go "wild" for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

The Flower Shed offers free deliveries to customers with a five-mile radious of the shop (Ryan Parker).

Sophie added: "I have put a lot of effort into providing good customer service and believe The Flower Shed looks after its customers.

"Currently, I am doing a lot of planning and preparation for the Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. It is a busy time of the year.

"The Flower Shed is a very creative business. I like to think outside the box with the flowers and put a modern twist to it.

"Of course I do the traditional bouquets, but I also love to add a wild and rustic vibe to the flowers.

"People should come and give The Flower Shed a try because I offer a modern take on the industry.

Sophie Haydock believes The Flower Shed offers a modern take on the floristy industry (Ryan Parker).

"I see floristry through fresh eyes and believe I bring fresh ideas and a new style. There is so much variety for customers to enjoy."

The Flower Shed is open from 7am until 7pm (Monday to Saturday) and 8am to 4pm (Sunday).

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