From Latvia to Laois - The story behind one of Portlaoise's most-loved flower shops

Kristine Golubovska, owner of Floral Essence in Portlaoise, sits down with Samanta Danne on the LoveLaois podcast to talk about her life in floristry and the realities of running a successful small business for the past 14 years.Floral Essence first opened its doors in 2012, just before Valentine’s Day. Since then, it has grown into a much‑loved local flower shop, especially known for its wedding work.The business was a finalist in the Kay’s Flower School Awards 2025 for the category of Retail Florist of the Year, and is now also a fully registered company.In this episode, Samanta speaks with Kristine about her background — including her move from Latvia to Ireland at the age of 19, originally planning to stay for just a year — and how those early experiences eventually led her to establishing a floristry business in Laois. Known for her signature colourful bouquets, Kristine talks about what first drew her to floristry, her creative process, and her training.Later in the conversation, she also shares the sources of inspiration that guide her work, giving listeners a deeper insight into her craft.The discussion explores the challenges of building a business from scratch, the day‑to‑day reality behind the counter, and the important role the local community has played in helping Floral Essence grow.From wedding bouquets to moments of loss, florists witness it all. Kristine reflects on how florists often do far more than arrange flowers. She also offers thoughtful advice for anyone thinking about starting a business.