Pom Pom Florals

Walking into Pom Pom Florals in Hastings is an experience of instant joy. That is, after all, the point of flowers.

It was the sight of gardens in France that ignited Emilie Fountaine’s dream of working with nature’s sweet-smelling beauties. After gaining work experience at various florists in Aotearoa, she started Pom Pom Florals out of her home and made the jump to a retail space at the end of 2023. Located on the main street of Hastings, the shop is a spacious and beautifully designed flower haven, with deep blushing pink walls, unique arched features and smooth timber furnishings crafted by her handy husband, Hamish.

At the front of the store, the scent of seasonal florals invites each visitor inside to browse a mix of fresh and dried flowers, available in pre-made bouquets as well as customised arrangements created by Em and her small team of experts. Throughout the year, the shop is filled with the best of the season, using flowers and foliage sourced from Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand growers wherever possible. A striking array of proteas and orchids have their moment in winter, while bright dahlias and fluffy peonies take over in the warmer months.

Pom Pom Florals adapts its offering to each season and occasion, with flower services for small to medium weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and to add much-needed joy to life’s less cheerful moments. Same day delivery gets you out of sticky “oops, I forgot” situations and allows for spontaneous gifts for friends (or yourself if you’re taking Miley’s advice). Monthly subscriptions are also available if you’re keen to make flowers a regular part of your everyday space.

However, Pom Pom Florals is more than a florist. Each bouquet of flowers can be bundled up with a highly curated selection of artisan gifts. While gift sections at florists may conjure up images of teddy bears and heart-shaped balloons, it couldn’t be further from the case here. Paintings by local artist Abby Merson hang on the walls, Hawke’s Bay wine and liquor line the shelves, and Real World skincare sits alongside artisan chocolate. In other words, it’s never just a quick visit to Pom Pom.