Believing that beauty and flowers go hand-in-hand, our March collaboration with McQueens flowers seemed perfectly fitting. In as little as 2 decades, McQueens has bloomed from a wilting backstreet flower shop to a thriving, high-end £3m business.With a background in marketing and a passion for flowers, McQueens was founded more than twenty years ago by Kally Ellis, and has since become a recognised name across the globe. The McQueens style is certainly a unique one, with their combination of clean, bold and striking flowers! From A-list Vanity Fairs to fashion shows, film festivals and weddings, Kally Ellis has certainly transformed her struggling flower shop into something very special. We caught up with this hugely inspiring lady to to find out more about the vision behind the brand, her favourite way to relax, and of course, the key ingredient of female empowerment! Take a look to see what we found out…
Q. What motivated you to start your own business?
I was working for a large French bank in the City but I wasn’t fulfilled at work; I felt creatively stifled. Then one night I had a dream – I dreamed that I opened my own flower shop. When I woke up I felt so happy and energised, I knew this was the direction I wanted for my career.
Q. What was your vision when founding McQueens?
It was simple: I wanted to sell the best quality flowers in London – pure, simple, fresh and as beautiful as nature intended.If you want your product to be the best, start with the best raw materials.
Q. Who is your inspiration or role model?
My mother. She brought up four daughters (I’m the youngest) in difficult circumstances with little money, but she provided us with all the love we needed to make us feel safe and secure. Her sacrifice, strength, love and motivation have always been my greatest inspiration. She is a wonderful woman.
Q. What do you think is the key ingredient of female empowerment?
To be treated as equals in society, in business and in our relationships. To be firm but fair. To lead by example.
Q. March is all about balancing yourself at Beauty Expert, what is your favourite way to relax?
I love London, but there are times when I need to escape to our little place in the country for my own sanity. A long walk in the Norfolk countryside is a great way for me to unwind, relaxing with friends and family.
Q. Talk us through your beauty routine…
I cleanse and moisturise every day, and I always use a moisturiser with an SPF 30.
Q. What is your number one beauty secret?
I have naturally curly hair so it needs cutting by someone who really understands it. For me, feeling good starts at the top.
Q. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Make time for exercise. It wasn’t until later in life I discovered how energised I could feel after Pilates or a long walk. I wish I’d known sooner.
Thanks so much for your time Kally Ellis, you’re a true inspiration to us all here at Beauty Expert!
