Watford shoppers have a new way to brighten up their homes and events after a 17-year-old former West Herts College student opened a florist in the town centre.

Raisa Wajs Floristry held a grand opening at Watford Market units 14 and 15, just off the high street, on Saturday (October 5).

Customers can come into the store or book its arrangements for events, with bouquets, artificial flowers, table arrangements, plants, and vases on offer.

Raisa Wajs Floristry.Raisa Wajs Floristry. (Image: Raisa Wajs Floristry)

Owner Raisa Wajs told the Watford Observer how she turned a passion for floristry as a creative outlet, having studied a year of art and design without previously finding her medium, into a passion project business.

Left to right: Deputy mayor Aga Dychton, Watford mayor Peter Taylor, Raisa Wajs, Anna Wajs.Left to right: Deputy mayor Aga Dychton, Watford mayor Peter Taylor, Raisa Wajs, Anna Wajs. (Image: Raisa Wajs Floristry) “I found a floristry course pop up on my phone," the lifelong Watford resident said. "My mum and my grandmother used to have a florist abroad, so I wanted to see what it is they did.

“I fell in love with it straight away. When I tried floristry it clicked, this was the best way to get my creativity flowing.”

(Image: Raisa Wajs Floristry) Raisa, who used to regularly pass through the market and finds it "really welcoming", used money she had saved from working as a waitress alongside some help from her mum, Anna, to set up Raisa Wajs Floristry.

Getting to grips with the business side of things has apparently been “great” despite also being “a lot of responsibility”.

(Image: Raisa Wajs Floristry) Raisa added: “I like having something that’s my own and I like perfecting everything because my customers get the best quality.”

The business is open 9am to 12pm on Mondays, 9am to 7pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 10am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It will be closed on Thursdays and Fridays.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor, who cut the ribbon for the grand opening, said it was “fantastic” to see the florist open “in the heart of the town centre”.

(Image: Raisa Wajs Floristry) “It’s brilliant to see a young entrepreneur opening a new business and I wish Raisa every success,” he said.

Deputy mayor Aga Dychton, who also attended, added: “Good luck Raisa Wajs Floristry. It’s fantastic to have a florist in the town and see a young person so driven to success.

"We all wish you the very best.”