With Spring in full bloom, it’s fitting that Blossom is celebrating 15 years of capturing precious memories.
Located on the corner of Church Street and Lichfield Street, you’ll find Blossom – a photography studio specialising in maternity, newborn, 6/12 month milestones, Smash the Cake, Watch Me Grow, and Doggie Photography.
Owner Nicky Malone spoke to A Little Bit of Stone as she prepares to mark 15 years in business.
“Did I ever think that I would still be here after 15 years? Well, I hoped, but nothing is ever guaranteed, especially in the current economic climate.
I have personally survived a lot, as well as dealing with the COVID lockdowns and now the economy. I can’t lie and say it’s been plain sailing. It’s been far from it. There have been lots of late nights, hard work, many tears, and just as many happy times, too.”
Nicky told us about the journey that her business has been on:
“It all started 15 years ago when I set up my first studio in Tutbury, near Burton upon Trent. I had this idea of creating a photography experience for moms to be.
I wanted them to see how glowing and beautiful they are during a time when many just feel tired, big and unattractive in their final trimester.
I loved it when they viewed the end result and walked away feeling beautiful and proud! So Blossom Baby Bump Photography was born!”
Nicky continued:
“It didn’t take too long before moms were asking me to photograph their new babies, so after lots of research I did! Back then newborn photography as we know it now just wasn’t a thing here in the UK.
You could only have pictures of your babies in flower pots and age old backdrops in places like Boots or Mothercare, nothing as natural or bespoke as you will get nowadays.
I renamed the business to Blossom Bump & Baby Photography, and hit the ground running.
I had already been working with moms and newborns for over 10 years at this point as a Breast Feeding Advisor, and I always had a way with babies, so this just seemed such a natural progression.
Research showed me at the time that there were only a handful of newborn photographers in the UK, and I was now proudly one of them.”
Nicky told us about the changes that there’s been in the industry over the past 15 years:
“Nowadays, new parents are spoilt for choice as to who they choose to capture those special moments of their little ones. I trust parents will book whoever’s style they like over the price. A lot of my clients come from recommendations, which is always, in my mind, the best way.
Over the years, originally covering Derby, Uttoxeter and Burton, I have been very lucky to secure a steady flow of regular clients who return to me time and time again, no matter where I am.
At the end of 2022, I moved into Stone to open my second studio after working from home for 8 years. It was a huge gamble opening a new studio in a new area while recovering from the losses of the COVID lockdowns and the sheer dive in the economy. But I did it on my own, with no financial backing and no security of a second income, and I don’t regret a thing!”
After moving to Stone, it was time to rebrand once more to allow for further growth of the business:
“I wanted to expand Blossom’s offerings and put my name on the business I had worked so hard to build.
Our service now targets Maternity, Newborn, 6/12 month milestones, Smash the Cake, Watch Me Grow, Family and not forgetting our four-legged friends – Doggie Photography!
When you come to my studio in Stone, I want you to feel welcomed like a member of my family. I want you to feel comfortable and at home. Your little ones are in the safest of hands from the newborn stage upwards. I love being able to capture these precious moments for you, no matter at what age, because as a mom of now 2 grown-up boys, I know how totally priceless it is. My home is filled with framed pictures of my two, and no home is home until they go back up on the walls!”
In celebrating this milestone, Nicky said:
“It’s been a true privilege to see so many little ones grow, even though it also makes me feel very old, too. But I do feel very lucky to be known as Aunty Nicky to many!
Thank you to all of you who have been part of Blossom’s story so far….. staff, clients and friends.”
To celebrate this special birthday, Blossom is offering daily deals, so keep your eyes peeled. Visit Blossom by Nicky Malone on Facebook to learn more and snag a deal!
1 comment
Sarah Linney
We are looking at hosting a bingo/raffle event at Stone Tennis Club on sat 8/6/24 if you wanted to come and promote your business?