About us
Nimrekha Collins
Nimmi… shopaholic, movie addict who loves family time, travel and having fun. Favourite flower is Rose.
Nimrekha Collins (Nimmi) is the face of Black Rose Florist Porirua.
Previously, Nimmi was with Your Wellington Florist (formerly Black Rose Plimmerton) for over 12 years. Nimmi began working as a junior florist in training with Sheryl in 2008.
Her passion for flowers and anything floral started in Sri Lanka when she attained her certificate in horticulture before she went on to own her own nursery. She is fully bilingual in English and Sri Lankan (Sinhalees).
She completed New Zealand professional florist level 3 in 2014 and was very lucky to be awarded The Ethal Black Award. She won 1st place in the NZPF annual competition in 2014 and was awarded the Malcolm Angus cup. Then Nimmi was the runner up for Interflora florist of the future competition in 2015 which was held in Rotorua and also won the Interflora pacific cup 2017 held in Christchurch. She is now working towards her NZPF senior exams.
Nimmi pays close attention to details when working with her customers. She feels it is important to get the details right so that moving forward all the customers’ needs are met.
Nimmi’s passion is reflected in the beautiful work she does and she maintains the high standards that Black Rose is known for.
Sheryl Watkin
Sheryl… wardrobe is 99% black with 1% splash of colour, loves bubbles, good music and Granny time. Favourite flower is Bianca Rose.
Sheryl Watkin has been a florist for over 40 years. She trained locally, then from the age of 18, owned Nicol’s Flower Shop in Tawa for 25 years. Next was starting up the well know Black Rose at North City Shopping Centre with daughter and florist Tracey. Then Sheryl expanded to Plimmerton to be part of the community and work closely with customers and businesses in the local area. You will sometimes find Sheryl at Black Rose Florist Porirua.
Qualifications are important to Sheryl and during her time as a florist she has obtained her Junior, Senior and Diploma with New Zealand Professional Florists. Working with the high standards of NZPF gave Sheryl the confidence that her floristry was to the highest standard she could attain. Being invited onto the Executive of NZPF and then being voted in as President only allowed Sheryl’s passion for floristry to grow.
Interflora membership has been part of Sheryl’s floral career the entire time from 1976. Again, putting those standards to the forefront of running a top florist business.
Some of Sheryl’s accomplishments:
- Interflora member for 42 years
- Interflora board member
- Interflora district 4 chairman
- Head of membership committee
- Nominated Florist Inspector
- Past President of Interflora Pacific Unit
- Interflora Judge
Sheryl is more than a florist and this is reflected in her passion and the service she gives to her customers. She is always driven to be the best, have the best flowers and create the best designs. “In floristry you are always learning, always a student.”
