
Tycroes florist named Prestige Awards Florist of the Year
Born and bred in Tycroes, Mrs Jones has run Poppies Florist in the village for over two decades.
Mrs Jones opened her shop 24 years ago. (Image: Google Street View) Mr Jones said: 'I have won multiple awards in the space of a year. I am quite proud of myself. I've been in business for 24 years and I work so hard. To have all these awards, it's been overwhelming. It has blown me away.
'It's amazing and it's all down to my customers. I love them all. It's down to the reviews people leave. I am glad they like the services that we provide. Social media has also helped with getting these awards.
'These awards have been the icing on the cake. I now know I can retire, look back and say I have been in business and kept my customers happy. I just hope people keep coming. Happy customers, happy poppy.'
Poppies Florist was also shortlisted in the UK Small Business Awards. (Image: Poppies Florist) Prior to starting her own business, Mrs Jones worked as a florist in Ammanford for around nine years.
She continued: 'I went straight into the deep end. It was sink or swim. Even when I first started, it felt right. Now I have customers from all over Wales and overseas. People phone me from everywhere and I can't thank them enough.
'It's fabulous receiving so many awards after all these years. The last time I won an award was in 2009 when a mystery shopper came to visit me.'
Mrs Jones worked as florist in Ammanford before starting her own business. (Image: Poppies Florist) Apart from the Prestige Awards, Mrs Jones was shortlisted as a finalist in the UK Small Business Awards for Best Florist Business, Best Bespoke Floral Studio and was awarded a four-star Interflora Artisan award for excellence of quality and service.
Poppies Florist has 34 reviews on Facebook and a recommendation ratio of 98%.
A review from Tasha Williams last month (July 2025) said: 'Absolutely amazing work. So much time and effort went into making a plane for a plane obsessed gentleman! We really appreciate every second that went into making this.
'You went above and beyond to make this very special. I know Russ would have had the biggest grin with this. Thank you very much.'
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