Deepa Flowerist

You can find us over in Malad West, specifically at Hilda Compound on K B R Road. We are listed as C/O Hilda Williams, and the shop is right across from Orlem Church, which is a big landmark around here, so nobody really gets lost looking for us. The shop is tucked into a corner of the compound. It is a small space, but it stays cool because of all the water we use for the plants and the shade from the building. Every morning, the fresh stock comes in from the market, and the whole place starts smelling like roses and jasmine. We spend a lot of time trimming stems and making sure the petals look okay before we put them out for sale. It is not an easy job because your hands get wet and cold, and there are always thorns to watch out for. We do a lot of bouquets for the church weddings and sometimes just small garlands for people’s homes. We don't have those fancy refrigerators you see in big malls, just buckets of fresh water and some shade. Some days are really hectic, especially during the festival season or when there is a big event at the church. We just keep our heads down and keep tying the flowers together. It is a quiet life for the most part, except for the Sunday morning rush when everyone is dressed up. We like being part of the neighborhood and seeing the same faces every week coming in for their flowers.