Meet the merchant

Hospital restrictions and event cancellations caused by the COVID-19 shutdown affected florists everywhere. Local florist Isabel Cochran, owner of Florabella, used her flower power to remain open during the pandemic.

“Three and a half months ago, I had no idea what Florabella would look like during this uncertain season, because so much of my business revolves around celebrations … Through this however, I have been reminded of something beautiful about humanity: When the going gets tough, our efforts to care and nurture those around us multiplies. I have done more daily delivery business over the last few months than I probably did in total last six months before; which makes me incredibly grateful,” said Cochran.

Florabella opened in 2017, and when Cochran and her husband, Trey, moved to Daniel Island, the business began to bloom.

“We are both natives to Mount Pleasant, and I had a difficult time with the decision to leave Mount Pleasant. However, when we visited some places on Daniel Island things just seemed to fall into place. We both love the wildlife of DI and appreciate the abundant flora and fauna it has to offer,” she said.

Florabella offers a range of services — everything from small home deliveries, event decorations, weddings, and DIY workshops. Cochran loves doing floral workshops, especially the popular event making flower crowns. During the coronavirus restrictions, Florabella sold flower crown kits as an activity for people to make at home.

“At this point, I have done a few workshops and I’m amazed each time at how well they go! I am a very nervous public speaker, but when I talk about flowers, that all falls away,” she said.

Flora and fauna are in Cochran’s blood. Her husband is a landscaper and the couple share a passion for what’s in bloom.

 “Flowers come very naturally to me. They are my happy place! My childhood home in the Old Village was a treasure trove of plants and flowers to play with as a kid. My grandmother was an avid rose gardener with many journals to document her numerous growing seasons. My maternal grandmother has a flower ‘studio’ in her basement, which I draw inspiration from,” Cochran said.

Local customer Mary Pat Whittaker used Florabella for her nuptial arrangements.

“Isabel did the florals for my wedding and I’ve gone back to her twice since then for more arrangements,” said Whittaker. “I can’t get enough of her work. I enjoy how personable Isabel is and so easy to work with. She makes a concerted effort to get to know her clients to give them exactly what they want without any drama. Her pricing is very fair and she’s very honest.”

Floral designer Vann Cochran, Isabel’s uncle, has been working with Cochran for three years.

“I am constantly amazed at her talent to create beautiful bouquets for my brides. Each one is different and unique to the bride and her tastes. Isabel is a delight to work with.”

To find out more about Florabella, visit florabellacharleston.com.

If there are any local merchants you’d like to see featured in an upcoming column, send an email to marie@thedanielislandnews.com.