About

Ivy Inspired - by Emma Hopson

Hi, I'm Emma! I'm the person behind all the handmade creations here at Ivy Inspired. I live in the stunning Coromandel Peninsula with my husband and our two young boys, who both love helping out with the business. One of my sons enjoys filming and making videos (you might spot his work on my social media!), while the other shares my passion for gardening and growing veggies. When we're not working in the garden on our food forest, you'll find us travelling around New Zealand discovering hidden gems, or simply at home finding joy in watching the flowers bloom.

How It All Began

Ivy Inspired started life as The Wedding Bunch back in 2013, when my sister and I decided to try our hand at being business owners. We'd trained together as florists in 2002 at Bay of Plenty Polytech and worked in florist shops both here and in Australia.

I started making decorations, table runners, and bunting - and they were a hit! I absolutely loved creating them. When my sister decided to concentrate on other things (she now runs her own flower farm in Hamilton!), the name didn't quite fit anymore. So I renamed the business Ivy Inspired after my Grandma Ivy, who was one of my main creative influences. She loved making, baking, and growing things, but most of all she loved God... just like me! It's special to remember her (and Grandad Aubrey too) while I do all the things we shared a love for.

What I Create

I handcraft everything you see here - from fresh flowers grown on my little flower farm to custom bunting, crochet blankets, ribbon garlands, and unique decorations. I really enjoy custom orders and coming up with ideas to make something a little bit different.

My bunting has been used for photo shoots, 21st parties, baby showers, bedroom decorations, and yes, weddings too! It's even appeared in large advertising campaigns, on TV in The Great Kiwi Bake Off, in one of Air New Zealand's famous safety videos, and will soon be featured on another TV show!

Want to see what I have been doing? You can browse my previous work, including photos from customers on my Pinterest Photo Galleries.

Let's Create Something Special

Bringing decorative magic to my customers' events and homes is truly a pleasure. Whether you choose something ready-made or want a custom piece created just for you, I'd love to help make your vision come to life. If you have something special in mind, send me an email and I'll do my best to make it happen!

Thank you to everyone I've worked with - I really do appreciate you allowing me to be part of some of the biggest moments in your lives. And to those I haven't met yet, I'm looking forward to hearing all your plans and creating something beautiful for you.

xx Emma