With a redesigned studio and website, new branding and more emphasis on social media, Petals hopes to change the way we buy flowers.After researching many floral websites, Petals owner Nikki Begg and designer/photographer Amanda Temple noticed that most lacked a sense of emotion, instead appearing more like a catalogue.So in designing the new website and blog, they set out to capture the essence of flowers and the sentiments they may convey.“At a time when life seems to be changing at such a frenzied pace, flowers have a way of making one pause,” Ms Begg said.“They are provocative, feminine, striking and romantic — indeed the essence of Petals.”Ms Begg sought the help of Ms Temple to carry out a redesign of her studio, website and marketing materials, and with that in mind, the pair created new spaces dedicated to consultations, workshops and an enlarged floral area.Customers can come in and see Petals’ floral selection for themselves and view the chalkboard “menu” of fresh-cut flowers that have come in for the week. Ms Begg says she wants customers to have the opportunity to see and select from the many different flowers for their bouquets.“When we first moved in, the studio was geared towards being an office and floral design area,” Ms Begg noted.The founder of Bermuda Bride, Ms Begg started Petals over a decade ago to offer her bride’s quality, stunning bouquets and centrepieces.But as Petals grew, they started working more with private and corporate clients, hotels and restaurants.“We like to visit the location to take in the architecture, the colour palette and understand our client’s aesthetic; all to create designs that reflect their style,” Ms Begg said. “A couple of months ago, I walked into our floral studio and realised that I hadn’t applied the same philosophy to Petals.”“We wanted to create an atmosphere in the studio that entices people to come through our door.“While Petals is located a little off the beaten track, diagonally opposite Masters, the journey is certainly worth making.”With the redesigned space, she said: “Customers can now come in and collect their own armful of flowers, or have something designed for them.”Although the redesign began with a new website, it also became the perfect opportunity to showcase Ms Temple’s floral images and limited edition prints, including her unique metal prints on zinc, copper, brass and aluminium.The company also wanted to return to its organic roots and educate more people about flowers and flower arranging and has launched a series of workshops at its new-look floral design studio. The first December workshop was so well received that two more dates were added and all were sold out.“It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and the variety of designs the attendees created,” Ms Begg said. “We have also had several people purchase Petals gift certificates for friends to attend our upcoming January workshops.”Ms Begg and Ms Temple turned to social media to share their love and knowledge of flowers.Each Friday, on the Petals blog and its Facebook page, they highlight the flowers that have just arrived, including photos and descriptions.In addition to the redesign and workshops:— Petals is hosting an exhibition from February 9 to 23 in which local artists have been invited to create work in different mediums, inspired by flowers.— And in between now and February 11, anyone purchasing flowers with a value of $75 or greater will be entered into a draw. The draw will be made on February 11 at a Petals Open House and the winner will receive a stylised photo shoot with Amanda Temple accented with Petals flowers. The results will be featured on Petals’ website and Facebook page.For more information see petalsbermuda.com and amandatemple.com