Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals opens second store in Rockhampton QLD

More than just a florist, the business offers a range of homewares, glassware, gifts, body products, candles, journals and more.

Photos by Jordja of Amble Folk of the grand opening for Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals in Rockhampton.

Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals has returned to Rockhampton just in time for Christmas.

Shannon first started her florist business seven years ago in Yeppoon and has grown from strength to strength, finding herself in high demand for events and weddings.

She expanded with a store in Rockhampton in early 2021 in William Street, as she had many customers travelling from Rockhampton to her business in Yeppoon.

In July 2022, she purchased a home at 211 Upper Dawson Road in Allenstown, so she could really create her own shop of her dreams and the other Rockhampton store was closed.

With some renovations, inside and out, a fresh paint job, new tiles and flooring and council approvals, a grand opening was held on November 22.

Shannon Hawkes at work at the new store. Photo: Amble Folk.

“It was really good, we had lots of other local business women and vendors that came along, it was a really fun night,” Shannon said.

Shannon’s popular reputation isn’t just backed up by how far in advance the business is booked, but their countless Australian Bridal Industry Awards, including Best Wedding Florist in Queensland in 2022.

The 2023 awards were held this week and the team took out third in Queensland in floristry.

The awards are based on votes, with Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals receiving 99.73 per cent.

“I was pretty stoked … It makes you feel really appreciated for all the work you put in, knowing your clients are happy with the service you provide, that feels really nice,” Shannon said.

Inside the new Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals store at Rockhampton. PHOTO: Amble Folk

Coming into the school holidays, there are also workshops being held at the new Rockhampton store, along with workshops at Biloela, Emerald, Sapphire, Clermont and the Yeppoon store.

As well as adult workshops, there are workshops for Christmas wreaths, bath salt baubles and with dried florals.

“We are doing a boujee workshop this year with drinks and platters and making a really lush Christmas wreath,” Shannon said.

“We have kids workshops, team workshops … a couple of different workshops this year.”

Workshops are a nice way for the team to share their skills, Shannon said.

“Just meeting and interacting with our customers is always really fun, we get to meet everyone that comes into the stores,” she said.

“People are always really interested to see our workspace … I always just think it’s a big mess but people just love coming in.”

While it might seem a long time away, Shannon’s focus will now divert to planning for Valentine’s Day now that the Rockhampton store is open.

“Making sure we have supplies, getting a range prepared, prototypes, photographed, it’s a big job,” she said.

Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals Rockhampton store is located at 211 Upper Dawson Road, Allenstown.

Originally published as Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals opens second store in Rockhampton QLD