From the fertile landscapes of the Overberg District in South Africa’s Western Cape, a small flower business has grown into a flourishing enterprise supplying the country’s iconic protea and fynbos to markets at home and abroad.
Based in Bredasdorp, Pieters Flowers & Events was established seven years ago by Lesley-Ann Pieters and her husband, Sarel, after the couple were left unemployed following the sale of the flower-export company where they previously worked.
What could have been a devastating setback instead became the foundation for a new venture rooted in determination and resourcefulness.
“We are in the flower business, supplying proteas and fynbos to both local buyers and export markets,” said Lesley-Ann, who serves as co-owner and director of the company.
With no start-up capital, the couple relied on relationships and initiative to get their business off the ground. While Sarel took up work elsewhere, Lesley-Ann identified an opportunity when her husband’s new employer owned land producing fynbos and proteas but lacked the expertise to commercialise it.
“I approached him and asked if I could buy the flowers from him and try to make a living,” she explained. “That’s how we started – literally with nothing.”
Lesley-Ann initially handled every aspect of the operation, from harvesting to arranging and selling bouquets. Within a year, the business had gained enough traction for Sarel to leave his job and join the venture full time, accelerating its growth.
One of the company’s ongoing challenges has been access to land. Without ownership, Pieters Flowers has relied on short-term lease agreements with small-scale farmers in the area.
“Land is a major limitation for us,” Lesley-Ann said. “We would really benefit from owning at least 25 hectares so we can plant and manage our own crops sustainably.”
Despite these constraints, the business has become a meaningful contributor to local employment. Pieters Flowers currently employs 15 permanent staff, with an additional 12 seasonal workers hired during peak harvesting months between October and February.
Government support has also played a crucial role in strengthening operations. Two years ago, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture assisted the business with a cold storage facility and a R300 000 grant to purchase a delivery vehicle, helping improve logistics and export readiness.
Today, Pieters Flowers exports to markets as far as China and Europe, while also supplying independent florists and flower markets across South Africa.
For Lesley-Ann, the business is more than a commercial success, it is proof that persistence can transform adversity into opportunity.
“I hope our journey encourages others not to give up on their ideas,” she said. “You don’t have to have everything in place. You just have to start.”
