STAYING indoors, as the North-East has during the Covid-19 pandemic, can quickly become dull, but not if a person has a bright, faux flower studio attached to their house like this week's trader of the week.

The Northern Echo spoke to Amy Davison, owner of artificial flowers and floristry The Flower Lady Durham, about her business.

Based out of her home in Burnhope, Ms Davison converted her garage into the studio for company and runs it alone, with a helping hand from her mam and toddler.

As a result, The Flower Lady Durham is open all of the time online, offering contactless deliveries for customers and a courier service.

She said: "I just started back in late February and have gone from strength to strength.

"Covid-19 actually brought us a lot of business as I sold isolation gifts – or just gifts.

"These were a box bouquet with a card and chocolate that were then delivered, with zero contact, so loved ones knew they were not forgotten about during the pandemic.

"I also had a lot of giveaways for care homes, NHS and keyworkers and already offer a permanent ten per cent discount for those groups."

Ms Davison says she is particularly proud of growing per presence on social media.

She added: "I started from scratch in March and almost at 4,000 likes on Facebook which I’m proud of.

"And the future looks bright. We are working towards an app to make it easier for customers to order, however, I am enjoying the current interaction with customers and creating a bond with them."

The Flower Lady only uses artificial flowers, prices start from £10 plus delivery, and Ms Davison offers chargeable personal delivery within 15 miles of Langley Park.

The Northern Echo understands most businesses are currently not operating as normal due to the ongoing pandemic, but we hope to use Trader of the Week to support locals businesses – especially as the region emerges out of lockdown.

Are you a local business owner or trader? To be featured in the weekly segment, email tasmin.lockwood@newsquest.co.uk