The Monday Q&A: The Flower Room's Nic McMullen

Nic McMullen owns Flower Room, at 63 Victoria Ave. Photo / Lewis Gardner

Nic McMullen has been a florist for the past 16 years, both in Whanganui and Melbourne. She has run Flower Room on Victoria Ave for six of those, and she put down her bouquets for just long enough to answer 10 questions from Mike Tweed for this week's Monday Q&A.

If you had to live in another country, where would it be?

Somewhere warm with yummy food, for sure. I'll go with Greece. It's definitely warm, and there are beaches around too.

What advice would you give your 15-year-old self?

Do what makes you happy, and don't worry about what people think.

What got you into floristry, and what has kept you doing it until now?

It was a creative job, so that was the main thing. It was challenging too, and every day was different. Then there are the people you meet while doing it, and there are always pretty good laughs with the staff. When people are really happy with what you've done then it makes your day. You get to be a part of important moments in people's lives as well, like weddings.

If you had to choose another career, what would it be?

If I could make enough money out of being an artist then it would definitely be that. I actually came to Whanganui to do a bachelor of fine arts at the Quay School of the Arts, majoring in printmaking. I was doing that for a while, having shows and selling art and stuff.

What's your favourite thing to do in Whanganui?

Going to the beach, without a doubt. The kids get to play, there's lots of fresh air, and it's the perfect place to unwind for a bit.

How do you think Whanganui has changed over the years?

It's definitely busier these days. There are a lot more people around, which is good, but I think the general vibe has changed quite a bit. The student life isn't really as strong as it used to be, and having that group of people, that student kind of vibe, was good for Whanganui. There are still a lot of creatives coming here and staying here, but it's not that younger crowd. I think it's quite vibrant when the student culture is strong.

Have people's tastes in flowers changed over the years?

The whole dry flower scene, which was the most retro thing for such a long time, is coming back into fashion again. There are a lot of trends that come and go and come back around, and you're like 'wow, I remember this from 20 years ago' and now it's cool again. Things like proteas, and a lot of structural, earthy flowers are in as well. People are always going to like what they like, but then there are these other trends that come and go. At the moment it's that rustic, relaxed, natural look.

How do you think Whanganui could improve?

I think it would be cool if there were more activities for kids and youth. Unless you're the kind of kid who is going to entertain yourself in a safe and wholesome way, there's not a whole lot to do except get into trouble. Outdoor activities would be a big one, anything to get kids outside, active and engaged. Building confidence is important too. On a completely different note, maybe they could change the Saturday river markets to a Sunday, so all us business owners can go. I'd love to support them, but I'm always here at the shop.

Who are three people from history you would like to have over for dinner?

I'd go with (David) Bowie for starters. His music is amazing, and no one could wear leggings like he could. I'd also invite Debbie Harry. I think she was one of the first women to use rap in her music too, on 'Rapture', so that's pretty cool. Anthony Bourdain would come along too, and he'd be cooking obviously. The tangents that those three would go off on would be amazing I think.

Which event from history would you most like to have attended?

Woodstock. I would have loved to see Janis Joplin perform there especially. The atmosphere would have been really cool, and no one knew it was going to be that massive.