flowerbar is a social enterprise work venture operated by Adelaide-based school Youth Inc, which secured the tenancy with support from the Renewal SA Works Program.
Youth Inc students Jack, Jason, Janaya, Josh and Jess will operate the pop-up Monday to Friday 11am–6pm under the guidance of Tessa Dominy, a professional florist.
Their offering to the approximately 230,000 people who use the Adelaide Railway Station each week includes a variety of freshly cut and creative flower arrangements, bouquets, plants and hand-designed cards and gifts.
Renewal SA Director of City Projects Matt Hunt said the students had worked hard to deliver an impressive and professional pop-up business in time for Mother’s Day.
“The pop-up brings an offering that’s colourful, fresh and complementary to Renewal SA’s long-term vision of revitalising Adelaide’s iconic railway station into a public space that’s an exciting standalone destination to visit,” he said.
“I’m confident that the flowerbar is going to be well supported by the tens of thousands of people whose CBD journey includes the Adelaide Railway Station every week.
“Praise for the students’ work is well deserved and I wish them every success growing their business.
“There are exciting plans ahead for the station that Renewal SA looks forward to announcing in the near future.”
Youth Inc Enterprise Academy caters for students aged 17–24 years, who combine part-time work with South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications, small-business training, and life-skills.
Deputy Principal Kelly Bunyon said the students had participated in the management of every aspect of the business’ development, and this work had contributed to the students completing a nationally accredited Certificate III in Business.
“From writing the proposal, designing the logo and website, constructing the physical pop-up stand and visiting the warehouse to source the flowers, this is their moment and everyone at Youth Inc is incredibly proud of them,” she said.
Student Jack Webb, 18, said the team was excited to be starting work today.
“I’ve learned that to run a business effectively, you need lots of different people with different skill sets like those who are business-savvy, technical people like me, crafty and creative types,” he said.
“It’s about finding what you can bring to a team and what other people can contribute and how to work together.”
Visit flowerbar from Monday 6 May at the Adelaide Railway Station and follow their story on Instagram @flowerbaryouthinc