Who Are We? Meet the 'Post Full of Posies' Co-Founders!
Updated: Mar 2, 2021
Welcome to the first post on The Posie Post Blog! This Sunday we're letting you in a little closer and giving you the chance to get to know us.
Sumayyah Lane, 23
Co-Founder
Favourite quote “Be the rainbow in someone else‘s cloud.” - Maya Angelou
Safiyyah Lane, 20
Co-Founder
Favourite quote: “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” - Lady Bird Johnson
What inspired you to start Post Full of Posies?
We truly believe in the importance of businesses operating sustainably and reducing our impact on the planet. The floral industry alone produces an insurmountable amount of waste, and a lot of this is in the way of single-use plastic packaging such as cellophane and foam. We saw this and knew there was a way that we could provide floral gifts but at a lower cost to the environment. This is where our plastic-free letterbox packaging and tree-planting project come in.
Fresh flowers also have an extremely short shelf-life, with 45% of flowers managed by the global floral industry dying before being sold. For this reason, we chose to provide dried flowers as they are long-lasting, require less water in the production process and are kinder to the earth.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Sumayyah: I’m a Teaching Assistant in reception by day so I spend a lot of time wiping tears and getting excited about numbers and shapes which is always fun! After work, I’ll spend a little time planning, and then it’s checking emails and creating content for PFOP’s social media. Working for a small business you have to wear so many different hats and I really enjoy that everyday is something different. We’re constantly learning and growing and I think that’s so important.
Safiyyah: My days/weeks are pretty busy but I don’t really have a strict routine. I normally wake up and get straight into working on the PFOP website and replying to comments and DMs on our social media. But the day definitely isn’t complete until Sumayyah and I have sat on a Zoom call for at least an hour!
Your top 3 favourite Podcasts/ Books?
Sumayyah: My favourite podcast genre is true crime, and Serial is just amazing! It really opened my eyes to the inner workings of the American justice system and just how much holding preconceived notions about specific genders and races can affect people’s lives. My favourite books at the moment are The Great Gatsby (I’m a hopeless romantic!), and Michelle Obama’s Becoming.
Safiyyah: As if I don’t spend enough time binging Netflix shows already, I love 10/10 (Would Recommend) and my favourite episode would have to be the one featuring Michael McIntyre! Although, Sumayyah did also get me hooked on Serial, and I’ve since watched every documentary on Adnan Syed’s case and even wrote him a letter! I’m currently reading Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez and really enjoying it.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Sumayyah: My favourite ways to relax are painting and cosying up with a good book. I also run a weekly womens’ book club which is so much fun and something I really look forward to every Wednesday!
Safiyyah: I am currently on a Gap Year so have just been trying to keep busy! I am a Beavers volunteer, teach public speaking classes to school children, host a monthly youth club, and tutor GCSE and A Level students.
Quick Fire Round:
1. What was your favourite TV show growing up?
Sumayyah: Wizards of Waverly Place! I used to study Selena Gomez’s outfits and recreate them on a budget at my local Cancer Research UK shop!
Safiyyah: Hannah Montana - I was ready to live that double life!
2. Choose a movie title for the story of your life.
Sumayyah: Confessions of a Shopaholic.
Safiyyah: Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen?
3. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?
Sumayyah: Probably a pair of heels around 6 years old and still going strong. They barely get to see the light of day.
Safiyyah: I seem to make holes in all of my favourite shoes, so I have to buy a new pair of trainers every 6 months.
4. What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?
Sumayyah: Prepare for my weekly book club sessions.
Safiyyah: Take your pick - my whole gap year has been a series of nerdy activities!
5. What is your favourite cereal?
Sumayyah: I would kill for a fat bowl of Krave!
Safiyyah: Haha same!
6. What, if anything, have you ever re-gifted?
Sumayyah: If you’ve grown up with an Asian mum, you’ll know there’s nothing you can’t re-gift! Cosmetic gift-sets and notebooks are my go-to’s for re-gifting.
Safiyyah: I’m the worst with jewellery. I just don’t wear it, but it makes for perfect gifts for all other jewellery lovers.
7. What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Sumayyah: I would love to ride in a hot air balloon one day, travel to Zanzibar and write a book at some point.
Safiyyah: I have always wanted to travel to every single continent (minus Antarctica - it's way too cold), become fluent in another language and see the Northern Lights!