The Flora Lab & Sophie's choices Round and About • Round & About Magazine

Sophie Parker, 33, the Bucks founder of gorgeous home fragrance company The Flora Lab shares her love for local life

Q. Hi Sophie! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
“Hello! Yes: I’m the proud owner of The Flora Lab, which champions the use of plant-based wax. I’ve only got one boss, and that’s the CDO (chief doggy officer), a mini poodle cross called Leulah.”

Q. What’s your mission with The Flora Lab?
“We specialise in hand-poured natural-wax candles that are just a little bit Floralabulous. Championing the use of plant-based wax, stand-out botanical packaging and an unwavering commitment to both scent experience and sustainability, The Flora Lab aims to sprinkle a little bit of magic into every day! Using nature as a backdrop, and inspired by life’s little moments, our seasonal scents run across the fragrance wheel, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Now stocked in more than 60 independent stores and at The Flora Lab, we hope the Flora Lab becomes a household name in the world of home fragrances in both the UK and Ireland.”

Q. Did you grow up locally?
“I’m Bucks born and raised, initially in High Wycombe before moving to Beaconsfield about 10 years ago. I was lucky enough to go to three fabulous schools; Great Kingshill Combined School, Holmer Green Senior School, where I met most of my friends whom I’m still in touch with today, before studying my A-levels at Wycombe High.”

Q. Tell us more about your ‘boss’ Leulah!
“Leulah is my world. As a self-employed person, the days can get a little lonely. Thankfully, Leulah is always by my side to provide confidence, cuddles and lots of love!”

Q. What are your favourite local walks?
“I love nothing more than a walk through the trees at Burnham Beeches and Marlow has a special spell over me, especially during these wonderful dusky summer nights.”

Q. What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants?
“I always take people to the Royal Standard of Beaconsfield, just for the ‘wow’ factor (although their pub quiz is far too hard!) I also love Melody Mint in Beaconsfield – the standard of coffee is fantastic and it was exactly what the old town needed.”

Q. What are your local highlights?
“My favourite is always strawberry picking at Peterley. It’s something I’ve done since I was a child and it still makes me happy to this day.”

Q. What do you most love about where you live?
“The ability to have one step in the country, one in the city.”

Q. Are you a member of any local groups?
“I’m a member of David Lloyd and I thoroughly recommend it (although it is very expensive).”

Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?
“It’s not for the world, but specifically for the UK. Loneliness is something we all suffer with, let’s not worry too much about what we think other people will think and simply open up for a chat.”

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