I've gone from Ukrainian refugee who fled war to the Marshmallow Queen of the Fylde coast
“The Fylde community has made a huge difference to me, I’m incredibly grateful for the kindness I’ve received here.”
A Ukrainian refugee who settled on the Fylde coast has transformed what was an enjoyable hobby into a thriving business by making handcrafted edible flower bouquets.
The talented Anna Tiunikova was forced to flee her home country of Ukraine back in 2022 in order to secure a safe future for her family, following the Russian invasion led by Vladimir Putin.
Help from local sponsors gave Anna the opportunity to settle on the Fylde coast. Since then, she has managed to build a new life in Lancashire, starting a unique business - Sweet Bouquet - which has earnt her the nickname ‘Marshmallow Queen’.
Speaking to the Gazette about her new-found venture, Anna said: “Leaving my home was one of the hardest things I ever had to do, but I am very grateful for the warm welcome my family has received here. The Fylde community has made a huge difference to me, I’m incredibly grateful for the kindness I’ve received here.
“Through my work I can give something back to this incredible community. My passion for confectionery started many years ago. My older sister is one of the best pastry chefs in Ukraine, and when I was younger, I spent hours helping her decorate cakes.
“When I first started making my flowers, they were very simple,” she added. “Over the years I have practiced it every day, improving every petal until my flowers become a realistic bouquet.”
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Each one of Anna’s flowers are made from a light whipped marshmallow-style confection using apple juice, egg whites, sugar and agar, a natural plant-based setting agent. Every flower is then pieced completely by hand, with each edible bouquet taking many hours to create.
But there’s no denying the craftsmanship and delicate beauty of each piece.
Anna added: “For me, the bouquets are much more than desserts - they combine confectionery, floristry and art. They also bring together two parts of my life, my Ukrainian heritage and my new life here in Britain.
“My hope is that every bouquet brings people a little surprise, a little happiness, and a beautiful memory to share with the people they love.”