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Having over 35 years’ experience in the florist industry. I decided the time was right to take my business to the next level. On the 2nd of November 2019 I opened the doors to Virginia Carmen Designs creative florist and event stylist. We hit the ground running with our first big event Christmas 2019. Just around the corner was Valentines and 5 weeks after that Mother’s Day. What a huge success and wow how tired was I. Literally the day after Mother’s Day we were hit by the pandemic. There was no way I was going to let this stand in my way, I was determined to make it work.
Over the last few years, the team has grown from 1-4 and our combined skills, knowledge, and experience has driven the business forward, providing quality & affordable flowers, florist services & products including unique gifts, handmade terrariums and much more across the Northwest.
We also specialise in themed events, bridal flowers and funeral tributes making many a bespoke piece, such as a Jurassic Park themed wedding and a Ferrari Funeral tribute.
We cater for a broad range of customers, including corporate and private clients such as the Royal Society of Saint George.
What is unique about Virginia Carmen Designs well firstly the shop itself, draws many a customer to call in just to have look, with our Mediterranean/Bali look, low lighting and grand window displays we really do stand out from the crowd. We pride ourselves on good quality unique products, I search far and wide to purchase stock that you just don’t see elsewhere. Our main business is flowers which are all carefully selected at A grade of highest quality and longer lasting.
Not forgetting to mention our amazing Solid wood carved animals. The Bear & Rabbit being the most popular
We actively involve ourselves in community events & we support around 10 local fund raisers each year. We are also involved in Bolton Manbassadors, a safe place for people to call who may be experiencing a difficult time, we have the information and skills to help direct them to help and support. The is a local Bolton wide scheme developed by Bolton at home.
We are located at 132 Manchester Road, Kearsley, Bolton, on the main corridor into Swinton and Manchester just off the M60/M62 and the A666. There is ample parking to the front and side of the shop.
Additional Information:
Our shop is Open:
09:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
09:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. on Saturdays
Delivery Info
Our general opening hours are
Mon -Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday 9am -5pm
Peak Periods Sunday 10-4pm
We cover all areas of Greater Manchester including Bolton, Bury, Clifton, Swinton, Salford, Eccles,- Affetside, Ainsworth, Alder Forest, Astley, Astley Bridge, Astley Green, Atherton, Bank Top, Barton Upon Irwell, Besses o' th' Barn, Black Lane, Blackford Bridge, Blackmoor, Bolholt, Bolton, Boothstown, Bowlee, Bradley Fold, Bradshaw, Breightmet, Brindle Heath, Broadoak Park, Bromley Cross, Broughton Park, Brownlow Fold, Burnden, Bury, Chapel Field, Charlestown, Chequerbent, Cinder Hill, Clifton, Clifton Green, Clifton Junction, Crofts Bank, Crumpsall, Dales Brow, Darcy Lever, Daubhill, Davyhulme, Deane, Doffcocker, Dumplington, Eccles, Edge Fold, Ellesmere Park, Elton, Farnworth, Fernhill, Fernhill Gate, Firwood Fold, Fishpool, Four Lane Ends, Free Town, Gigg, Gilnow, Great Lever, Greenheys, Hag Fold, Halfway Houses, Hall i' th' Wood, Halliwell, Harper Green, Harwood, Harwood Lee, Hazelhurst, Heap Bridge, Heaton, Higher Blackley, Higher Broughton, Higher Folds, Higher Green, Highfield, Hill Top, Hilton Park, Hindsford, Hollins, Hunger Hill, Irlams o' th' Height, Kearsley, Kersal, Kirkhams, Kirklees, Lark Hill, Lever-Edge, Limefield, Linnyshaw, Little Bolton, Little Hulton, Little Lever, Lostock Junction, Lower Broughton, Lower Green, Lower Kersal, Markland Hill, Marsland Green, Mill Hill, Monton, Moorside, Moses Gate, Mosley Common, New Bury, Newtown, Nob End, Oak Bank, Ordsall, Outwood, Over Hulton, Parr Brow, Patricroft, Peel Green, Pendlebury, Pendleton, Pimhole, Prestolee, Prestwich, Radcliffe, Rainsough, Redvales, Rhodes, Ringley, Roe Green, Rose Hill, Salford, Sedgley Park, Seedley, Shakerley, Sharples, Side of the Moor, Simister, Stand, Starling, Stoneclough, Sunny Bank, Swinton, Swinton Park, Tonge Fold, Tonge Moor, Tottington, Town Lane, Trafford Park, Tyldesley, Unsworth, Walkden, Walshaw, Wardley, Water's Nook, Weaste, Westwood Park, Whitefield, Willows, Winton, Woods End, Woolfold, Worsley we also offer a National and International Service via Interflora
Meet The Team
Virginia: Director and Founder
I started my career at the age of 15, working as a Saturday girl at Westwells florist in the Old Market Hall in Bolton, & spent time at the Farnworth shop, which was on Albert Road just near the Coop, which is now a hairdresser. Here I was under the watchful eye of Wendy Vickers. This is where I learnt my trade and will be forever Grateful to Wendy and Tom for the this start in my career. I’ll never forget when some designs got the better of me, Wendy would come and stand next to me, stick her tongue out say “You’re just not holding your mouth right “It has stuck with me all these years.
I qualified up to Level 2 in Floristry & spent many a day perfecting my trade although nothing beats experience, over the years I have developed many techniques to enhance my work.
After many years, a change of career & a family, etc. In 2007 I started Virginia Carmen Weddings and Events: - I began building my portfolio with my love of floristry & Venue Styling ever growing. it was in 2019 that I opened Virginia Carmen Designs. Excitement & anticipation were soon overshadowed with the announcement of lock down. just 4 short months later, I had to close the doors to the public.
Through sheer determination, many hours worked, phone calls made and pulling out all the stops, I was able to work behind closed doors and grow the business & here we are today.
I am known for my smile and my positive outlook on life and my sense of humour, I am also known for Playing, coaching, and umpiring netball and for the diverse range of people I know!
Always learning, forever growing.
Happy to chat & here to make your day a little brighter.
Helen: Manager
I have worked in the events & leisure industry for over 20 years. My background is management, event planning & delivery, in particular weddings.
I joined the team in 2020 & have now added floristry to my skill set. I enjoy a challenge and like the diverse range of work.
I am known for my contacts within the leisure industry which is useful when a client needs a one stop shop.
I’m the practical joker in the shop, I am always pulling some one’s leg and I'm also a Wizz on the computer, social media and finding a bargain holiday ha ha!
Donna: Senior Florist
I have worked as florist since leaving school and have over 30years experience. I gained my qualifications in floristry and business to a level 4.
I was fortunate enough to gain employment at Virginia Carmen Designs & have loved every minute of it.
The range of work and the customers are fantastic & I just love doing bespoke pieces.
I have a broad knowledge of products and techniques and will always offer some guidance if you’re not sure what you would like.
I am quickly learning about the website and the social media aspect of the shop; I am happy in my job and thrive on helping others.
I’m also a specialist at Candy Crush!!
Cath: Trainee Florist
Coming from a visual merchandising background and having an interest in all things creative, I initially came to the shop as a customer and in fact still am one of Virginia Carmen Designs biggest fan.
I soon became part of the team and absolutely love it. When it's peak times such as Christmas< you’ll see me outside at the front of the shop, setting my display up to sell the fantastic Flowers and gifts.
I am learning the trade & look forward to the future at Virginia Carmen Designs.
In my spare time you will find me with my family at many a horse show across the Country.
Floristry Services
In addition to our wonderful shop front, we also work with clients off site, we have a wonderful relationship with the Coop Funeral service and provide flowers for 3 of the parlours in our area. We specialise in unusual floral tributes. Our most recent piece being a gorgeous 3D owl. We specialise in themed events, for many years now we have worked with companies such as Eventura to provide our services to plan and deliver their requirements., We are known for Transforming venues large and small. Planning everything from the music, to searching & purchasing unusual props such as posters from New York, Novelties not on the high street & attention to detail, measuring venues, walls and layouts, transforming spaces into magic, I have worked with the Royal Society of St George providing full venue dress for St Georges day & Admiral Nelson day at Bolton School and latterly Bolton University, each having a unique setting, one medieval Red brick dark space and the other bright lights, high ceilings both having to be planned around students using the facilities, studying and working within very tight time constraints. We have partnered with a number of venues in Bolton including Old links Golf club, Bolton Golf club and Ridgemont House Hotel. We provide a full floral service for Bolton Mayors Office and recently had the honour of designing and supplying the flowers for Queen consort Camilla on her visit to Bolton.
Each event has a mix or floral art and venue styling, some examples of which are
- Fairy Tale in New York
- A Christmas Carol
- Santas Little Grotto
- Golf Crazy 50th
- Music and melody themed event
- Greatest Showman
- I’m dreaming of a white Xmas
- Las Vegas
We have delivered services across the North West and beyond
I have planned and prepped 100’s and 100’s of events.
All my team are professional and discreet.
We work closely with all staff at the venue to ensure a smooth transition