Okasie Florist

Coming up roses

Established in 1999, Okasie is the iconic Cape Winelands floristry that is so much more than the sum of its parts. The art of floral design has never been more whimsical and romantic. But in addition to their breathtakingly beautiful flowers, Okasie has a deep understanding of design that underpins the remarkable impact of their craft. They are trendsetters who combine decor and flowers to extraordinary effect. Their distinctive aesthetic combines beauty with boldness.

No wonder this Stellenbosch business is on speed dial for weddings, corporate and private events, local offices, guesthouses, hotels and wine farms. Each of the 18 Okasie crew members is considered a specialist in their own right and is an unmissable part of the magic behind the brand. The result? Inventive floral installations, bespoke weddings, cutting-edge corporate events and custom-made furniture that have won Okasie their stellar reputation.

As a result, the company is sought-after around the whole of South Africa; they do special occasions and events from the Karoo to Joburg, and from Sun City to the Drakensberg. And more than half of their weddings are for international brides.

As well as the brilliant advice, creative concepts and fresh new ideas they bring to the party, Okasie has a fresh and inspiring floral retail store (also available online) and the most gorgeous decor-hire division. Their truly elegant furniture and beautiful props complete the picture for bespoke events and installations.

“It was my dream to have the most beautiful flower shop,” says one of the owners. “There is nothing as positive as walking into a flower shop with good energy and a fresh, wonderful vibe. My partner and I love the simple flowers we grew up with – but they must be scented! Hydrangeas, sweetpeas, daffodils, old-fashioned roses, dahlias … flowers your grandmother grew.”

“We also love to use flowers that aren’t commercially available, like hellebores. This really sets Okasie apart. Our signature style is to make things extraordinary by pushing them to the next level; using flowers that are not usually available makes everything extra special.”

In full blossom

A real point of difference with Okasie is their superb infrastructure, which enables them to handle large occasions with aplomb. As well as the enchanting flower shop in central Stellenbosch, the business is backed by a warehouse close by in Ida’s Valley. This is where you’ll find the large walk-in fridges used for the flowers supplied by their strong network of reliable wholesale suppliers. The team creates the set-up for large functions in the workshop located here.

It’s also the base for the furniture-hire division of the business. “All our furniture is carefully selected or bespoke. Our signature style is elegant and classic furniture – never commercial. Any antiques we buy for this division are carefully restored here, and we have our own upholsterers, too.”

Delivering a creative product at a large scale requires a balance between organisational skills and a well-managed infrastructure. The fact that many of the 18 staff members have been with Okasie for over 20 years is testament to how well they do this. Okasie’s prime location off historic Dorp Street is enhanced by their free customer parking right in front of the door – a real plus in central Stellenbosch. It has a solid rental agreement with the landlord, who invited them to rent the premises adjacent to her own business about 15 years ago. So, if you’re looking for a reputable and flourishing business for sale in Stellenbosch, why don’t you pick Okasie?