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The hard work behind a blooming business

That same level of care carries through into Nicole’s day-to-day running of the business. Most mornings begin early, often before sunrise. ‘I’ll usually head out to source flowers first thing in the morning, then come back to the studio and get stuck into the prep work.’

From conditioning flowers to organising orders, installs and meetings, the pace is fast and demanding, but nothing out of the ordinary for a small business.

‘It’s a lot of juggling, but I really enjoy being hands-on in every part of the business,’ says Nicole, who credits the support of her amazing team to help keep things running smoothly.

Grounded locally, with the right support

When it came to finding a banking partner, Nicole wanted a tailored experience – much like she offers her own clients. After looking for someone with a local understanding and personal approach, she was pleasantly surprised to meet Rebecca Day, the Business banker from BOQ’s New Farm branch.

'[Rebecca] just got the business straight away and understood what we were trying to build. That relationship element really made a difference,' says Nicole.

Being based in Fortitude Valley places Stem Design in the heart of Brisbane’s creative and events scene – an environment filled with its own opportunities and challenges. Pair this with a small business largely reliant on event work, Nicole says she’s grateful for the local context that comes with a Queensland bank.

'BOQ has been great about tailoring support to match the rhythm of our work, especially with our event-heavy calendar,' she says.

'There have been times where we’ve needed quick decisions or advice during a busy period, and they have always followed through.'

For a small business operating in a time-sensitive, event-driven industry, access and responsiveness are critical. 'My banker is always available when I need to talk through something. It’s not just about ticking boxes.'

'It seems like she genuinely checks in and supports the business,' she says.

Planning for long-term growth

BOQ has also supported Stem Design to think beyond day-to-day operations and plan for the future. 'Working with BOQ has helped me think more strategically about the business and how we manage our finances.'

Nicole says that guidance has built assurance in her business and decision-making. 'My banker has given me the confidence and tools to invest in areas that will support growth.'

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A personal banking experience

Compared to larger institutions, the difference feels tangible – with shorter turnaround times that are crucial for a small business. Above all, Nicole values the accessibility and real human contact she gets from the BOQ team.

'It feels like you’re working with someone who’s genuinely on your team.'

'Because I am so busy day to day, I need actual support when something comes up. To call the branch and be able to speak to someone that can assist me is really great,' Nicole says.

Supporting local, by choice

For a business like Stem Design that’s built on intentional, thoughtful, and curated creations, a shared understanding is what matters most. 'It’s great to know we’ve got support from a bank that’s invested in Queensland businesses like ours. I am all for supporting local.'

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