Resilience, flowers, and the power of connection — how La Femme Fleur bloomed again.

For more than a decade, La Femme Fleur has been a fixture of Auckland’s flower scene; that charming vintage truck overflowing with colour at the edge of the park, where owner Millie Austin greets loyal locals with an armful of blooms and her signature warmth. But this year, the heart behind one of the city’s most beloved small businesses almost stopped beating.

“I remember the day in the middle of July, a clear, freezing morning, when I thought La Femme Fleur might not make it through winter,” recalls Austin. “After surviving the Covid lockdowns and the uncertainty that followed, 2025 was the year that nearly broke us.”

The floristry industry, she explains, has undergone seismic change. The once-vibrant flower auctions — where florists would gather three mornings a week at 5am to handpick the freshest stems — have gone fully online. “For decades, it was the beating heart of the florist community,” she says. “We’d inspect the stock, share stories, and see the seasons change through flowers. Now, we can’t even see what we’re buying or each other.”

The shift has created new logistical and financial hurdles. With the collection site now in East Tāmaki, central florists are battling rush-hour traffic and tighter margins. Add to that rising costs, fewer growers, and a lingering economic slowdown, and it’s easy to see why small, independent florists have struggled to stay afloat.

But in true La Femme Fleur spirit, Austin found another way. “I was lucky to find an alternative supply system that kept me stocked with beautiful blooms,” she says.

Still, by late winter, the pressure was immense. “We were wet, cold, and really worried,” she admits. So she did something few small business owners dare to do: she asked for help.

“It was scary being open and vulnerable about how tough things were,” Austin says. “But the response was truly moving.” Within hours of sharing her story on social media, the community rallied. Regulars arrived with coffee and treats, strangers came to buy flowers, and the energy around the truck shifted. “People were immensely generous with their kindness and their love for the flower truck. They reminded us why we do what we do.”

That bond between florist and community has always been the secret to La Femme Fleur’s success. “You know about my family, you walk our dog Freida, and I know your favourite flowers,” she says. “It’s more than a transaction; it’s a relationship.”

Now, with the worst behind them, Austin looks to the future with gratitude. “We’ve made it through winter. The peonies are here, hydrangeas are on the way, and long sunny days at the park feel close again,” she smiles. “I’m proud of our resilience, but we wouldn’t have made it without our community’s love.”

To celebrate that love, La Femme Fleur has partnered with Denizen to give away a year’s flower subscription worth $2,000. To enter, simply tag someone who deserves flowers in their life on Denizen or La Femme Fleur’s social posts and tell us why. Also, any purchases made over $50 at the flower truck will go into the draw.

Because, as Austin says, “Sometimes you just have to remind people what small businesses bring to a community. When you do, they remind you right back that they care.”

The winner will be announced on 10 November, 2025.

*Full terms & conditions here.