Clara Barthorp has had a Wild time this year, And not in a good way. Most of the income from her business, Wild Thyme vanished following the restrictions imposed on the island, which meant less events taking place that required her services and fewer bookings coming through as she looks to 2021.
Not one to be knocked down, Clara has actually expanded her business following the impact of the recent pandemic, as she opens her first store in the heart of St Helier. Wilde Thyme will become more than just a florist with Clara focusing on creating a hub of ethical produce, stocking many local brands and those that aim to give back more to communities around the globe.
Clara said: “I have wanted to launch this type of store for some time now, but the pandemic has really forced my hand as the business needed to evolve to stay afloat. I want the store to be a celebration of local talent, from the range of locally grown flowers on offer to all those Jersey small businesses whose products we will be stocking.
“With an emphasis on sustainable and ethical approaches I am proud to say that you won’t find a piece of plastic within the store or on the packaging for my flowers. I hope that people will find the space as beautiful and inspiring as I do and turn out in force to support local.”
Wild Thyme will be stocking fellow Genuine Jersey members including Jersey Sea Salt, and Manomara skin care. The new store will also see the partnership with Elise Stubbs of Forge Farm expand as she looks to grow more flowers locally to be sold at Wilde Thymes.
Clara said: “This year we’ve had to really look at what we can source locally, which has given myself and Elise the push we needed to grow and use more local flowers in our arrangements. We hope that out of this troubling time better things will start to grow.”
John Garton, Chief Executive Officer of Genuine Jersey said: “It is wonderful to see our members establish physical stores in what has been a challenging year for all, bringing some fresh life and variety to St Helier. We offer Wilde Thyme our full support and the Association will be ensuring we do all we can to help businesses such as Clara’s survive these hard times.”
Wild Thyme can be found on Burrard Street where it will be hosting winter wreath workshops, selling floral arrangements and offering a wide range of home and Christmas décor.
