Beauty that lasts: Nakuru interior decor guru transforming spaces one flower at a time

Nakuru has been bustling with Small and medium-sized enterprises.

One business lady is redefining interior décor with a simple yet powerful idea; artificial flowers that bring everlasting beauty into homes, offices, and events.

The founder of Crushiar Interiors, Laura Mukolwe, is taking the market by storm with her vibrant, high-quality artificial blooms.

Mukolwe’s journey began in 2014 when she noticed a gap in the market. She notes that despite Kenya being one of the world’s leading exporters of fresh flowers, she couldn’t find the flowers she loved and in the colours she wanted.

Her love for Hydrangeas, a flower associated with gratitude, understanding, and beauty, led her to explore alternatives that could offer the same elegance but with longevity.

"I have always liked hydrangeas; however, it was an uphill task to get them. What is readily available in the market is mostly roses, tulips are also hard to come across in your desired colour. Owing to this I saw a chance to solve some problem flower lovers like me had," she says. 

Determined to bridge the gap, Mukolwe ventured into artificial flowers, a niche that was still growing in Kenya at the time.

“I began sourcing premium artificial flowers from China, curating a collection that mimicked the freshness and delicacy of real flowers but without the perishability.”

From lush hydrangeas to classic roses, lilacs, lilies, tulips and exotic orchids, among others, her collection caters to a variety of tastes and spaces.

With an eye for aesthetics and a background in interior décor, Mukolwe turned her passion into a thriving business.

Crushiar Interiors started as a small shop but has since expanded into a household name, catering to homeowners, corporate offices, and event planners.

 “People want beauty that lasts. Fresh flowers are gorgeous, but they require constant care (trimming the edges, watering, adding flower food if necessary) and replacement. Artificial arrangements offer the same charm with minimal upkeep.” she explains.

Mukolwe notes the demand for artificial flowers has surged, thanks to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. Adding that people are now embracing them for their eco-friendliness and long lasting appeal. 

“With artificial flowers, you can invest once and enjoy them for years,” she says. “They don’t wilt, don’t need water, and remain vibrant regardless of the weather,” she notes.

What about their maintenance?

Mukolwe says it's effortless, explaining the only care artificial flowers need is an occasional rinse with soapy water, and they’re back to their full glory.

She goes on to say, beyond the real touch feel of modern artificial flowers, manufacturers are now going a step further, mimicking the natural scent of fresh flowers.

This means those who love the smell of fresh flowers can still enjoy the sensory experience without having to replace them frequently.

The décor guru is quick to note that, for individuals who suffer from flower allergies, artificial flowers provide the perfect alternative.

“We have a flower for as low as Sh 100 per stem to Sh 1,000 per piece. The price varies depending on the flower head and the length of the stem, allowing people from all walks of life to join in the décor world,” she remarks.

According to her, social media has played a crucial role in her success. Through platforms like Instagram, Mukolwe showcases her work, attracting clients from across Nakuru and beyond.

Her carefully crafted floral designs have adorned everything from intimate wedding receptions to high end corporate spaces.

She is expanding her product line to include customized florals for events adding that should an event run for long hours, regardless of the weather they maintain the exquisite feel of an event.

Mukolwe’s vision is to see Crushiar Interiors grow into a leading brand for artificial floral décor among other decor services in Nakuru and beyond.