The moment Ash saw Hey Love, a new floral studio on 9th Ave in Tauranga, she instantly knew the vibrant person behind it had to be Jess Anderson. Well known in the Bay of Plenty community for her warmth and flare, Jess has poured her heart into her new studio - a visual feast of unique, colourful floral blooms.

Ash captured the space before we sat down with Jess (and her unofficial greeter, Luna the dog) to chat about her journey, bold style, and what finally made her take this courageous leap to set up shop.

Hey Jess! When Ash saw Hey Love pop up, she just knew it had to be you. Bright and Bubbly. How did the idea for Hey Love first come about?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to create a colourful, welcoming space filled with bright, textural things that bring people joy and leave them feeling happier than when they arrived. I’ve always imagined a studio where people feel comfortable popping in for a chat, a hug, a laugh, and a dose of inspiration - a place where friendships could be formed, where people could gather, connect, and enjoy a brief moment of their day. When I dipped my toe into floristry five years ago, something just clicked, and I realised this was the perfect way to bring that colourful vision to life. And that’s how the dream began!

You’ve worn a few hats over the years. What finally made you think, “It’s time to back myself”?

After working for several incredible Mount Maunganui–based businesses over the past ten years (nod to Spongedrop, Palace + Flowerette), it dawned on me that I’ve always given everything 100%. My job has never been just a job; it’s always become my second home, daily satisfaction and a big part of my identity. I’d been thinking about taking the leap for a while, but I didn’t quite know how or where to start. When the premises came up for rent, I had a real “what if I just jump?” moment. With the support and almost forceful encouragement of my family, close friends and especially my partner Ben, I finally decided it was time to back myself.

Congrats, no easy feat! What’s been the most exciting part so far?

Thank you! I’ve honestly loved every moment of it. I still remember sitting on day one thinking, “Okay… I’ve signed a lease. Now what?” I had no name, no brand, nothing. I literally Googled, “How to start a flower shop in New Zealand.” But then I started brainstorming, jotting down words and colours that felt like me, and just tackled one thing at a time. The branding was such a fun part of it, especially with Glenn Smith and Haley Ashby behind me, from choosing a name to deciding on the colour story for the fit-out. Learning how to tile and grout, placing my first flower order, and watching the shop sign go up were all surreal and exciting.

Hey Love feels fun and different. How would you describe your floral style? 

Bold and playful baby! You got it. Flicking back to my first brainstorm page for this one – dramatic, floral, quirky, romantic, punchy, playful, expressive, timeless, colour rich and a little bit off beat. I try and put a little bit of me and my personality into each bouquet – so none are never the same! I’m not a huge lover of greenery so you won’t find much in my work – I prefer to load up the bouquets with florals and let the flowers do their thing.

If you could create your dream bouquet for yourself - no brief, no budget - what’s in it?

COLOUR. And she is HUGE. Florals only. Lots of negative space, puffs and clouds of colour. And lots of sticky up guys! I love using flowers that give lots of height. Think anthuriums, chryssie puff balls, calla lilies, gerberas, a couple of hydrangeas, a cascading phalaenopsis orchid, amaranthus, gladioli and maybe a reflexed rose or two. Basically a party in a vase. Also I love a spray chrysanthemum – I feel like they are totally underrated but in my eyes, they are a hero flower and the colours and varieties you can get are just the sweetest.

Finally, if you could have a cup of tea with anyone, who would it be and why?

I’m such a fan girl of Emily Rose Hill of Rose Studios in Melbourne. She is primarily an event and wedding based florist that specialises in high impact arrangements. I would love to sit down with a cup of Websters English Breakfast and pick her brain about growing a business in the floral industry and the juggles!

Oh and also Gustav Westman. He is my style muse. I want to be a piece of his furniture when I grow up haha. I would love to walk through his house and soak it all up!


Thanks Jess!

You can follow Hey Love on Instagram here

And order bouqets online here