Preston People: Ivy & Primrose

We do a regular series on Instagram called #PrestonPeople where we feature a local person, group, or business. This time, we had the absolutely pleasure of having a chat with Charlotte Gleave, the founder of Ivy & Primrose.

Here’s what Charlotte had to tell us about what she does:

Society1: Tell us a bit about you and what you do:

CG: Hello ~ I’m Charlotte and I work in my two career passions ~ Communications (PR & Marketing) and Floristry. I have always been driven to use my skills to make a difference, do something socially ‘good’ and help bring joy into people’s lives. Most of my comms career has been spent in public sector and charity roles. More recently I have been consulting as part of the Limitless PR team, but I also freelance for smaller, local businesses who need comms support. With the floristry side – most of my work is around designing and hosting workshops which bring people together to be creative, improve confidence and have fun.

Society1: What do you love about being based in Preston?

CG: There is no doubt that Preston is one of the most friendly places in the world. It has a strong, supportive community for small and independent businesses… and it is full of incredible talent. As a farmers daughter, I love all the outdoor spaces that Preston has to offer within the city. Such a pretty place to be.

Society1: What are your favourite things to create?

CG: I love to be in tune with the seasons, and create a more wild and natural look. Where possible I source my flowers from local, independent growers – the dream is to one day grow my own flowers.

My favourite things to create are the things that bring joy ~ this can be anything from little jam jar posies to simply say ‘thank you’, to tribute arrangements which bring comfort in times of loss, to beautiful flower crowns empowering people to be kings/queens of their own floral kingdom

Society1: What is your “go-to” local business in Preston?

CG: Oh my goodness, I’m so spoilt for choice, and feel a pang of – I don’t want to miss anyone out… I’m always sharing my faves on my Instagram…

But just to name a few:

As a lover of pizzas it’s def Char.pr1 Pizza – so delicious hot, and just as yummy cold the next day as breakfast!

I’m a fan of craft beer, and fab company so you will find me in the friendliest of bars in Preston such as Winckley Ale House, Plug & Taps & Chain House Tap room

For burgers – it has to be Smashed

For post Preston Park Run – I’m always going to be found at Holy Grounds

Preston is just the best, lucky us 🤍