Nella Pyke has been a manager at Werribee Station Place Florist, along with her husband Ricky Pyke, for more than 19 years. She chats with Alesha Capone.
How did you get started as a florist?
My sister Joanne was a florist, she started at Werribee Plaza when she 15 years old. When I had my kids, I did a short florist’s course and I went from there. Connie Lucietto, who recently passed away, ran Werribee Station Place Florist – which was then named All in Flowers – for many years before I came along. We’re still known as All in Flowers too, I just had to change the name because I could not get that online domain. I have three sisters, Joanne, Belinda and Val, and they all work at Station Place Florist. Our mum, Nancy, does deliveries. With Maree, who also works here, her sister worked for me before she passed away.
You’re a Werribee local too?
My family has been in Werribee for a long time. My cousins are Lina Casaccio-Sfetcopoulos and Emma Casaccio-Adamo at Casaccio Egg Farm, which is a third-generation farm in Werribee.
What do you like most about the area?
I think we have got everything here and we don’t need to go elsewhere. It’s like a big family. Everyone looks out for each other as well. If anything happens in the street, people will let you know.
Werribee Station Place Florist is quite involved in the community?
For Daffodil Day, we usually donate to that, and we also sponsor MacKillop College every year.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I think seeing people’s faces light up when they see the flowers and making people happy.
Did COVID-19 have a big impact on the business?
Last year we were very busy with people sending sympathy flowers and also sending bouquets to brighten up other people’s days. When people couldn’t see their parents in aged care, they would often send them flowers and hampers.
Has the floristry industry changed a lot over the years?
It has changed a lot, it was before the GST was introduced when we first took over. It was also before fruit shops sold flowers. Online has also changed things.
Do you have a favourite flower?
I like whatever is in season, which at the moment is tulips. I also love my lizzies, I just like things that are different. I love when someone says, “do something different” with the flowers.
Would you like to add anything else?
Probably to thank everybody for their ongoing support and say that we love it that locals look after local businesses.
