Oral History with Florence Coke (Mama Flos)

00:00 Gives name, and describes identity

1.05 Talks about her family in Jamaica, she was brought up in a family of twelve who she notes were ‘all disciplined’.

4:53 Has lived in Stockport for 12/13 years

8:45 Florence enrolled in an agency to get a job, she dreamed of working for Selfridges

10:22 Florence was awarded with Champagne as a result of her hard work, working on the shop floor. A customer also praised Florence for her selling skills.

11:17 Florence claims that Selfridges treated her well as she gave 100% to her role.

12:07 Florence started her own business in 2010, after resigning from Selfridges.

12:54 She prefers to stick to traditional food which includes jerk chicken and curry goat. Jamaican food is central to her identity and her love for cooking. She suggested that ‘she never went to bed hungry’ as a child.

15:28 Her son and daughter were born in Jamaica- some of their upbringing was influenced by Florence’s own i.e. attended Sunday School.

15:56 Being kind and honest are Florence’s core values

19:42 Florence aspires for more Black People to live in Stockport

21:00 She acknowledges that there is still an existing stereotype around black individuals

23:30 She remembers experiencing an angry phone call when leafletting from a member of the community who asked her to stop posting the flyers to his door. His choice of language on the call was derogatory and she explained that she was left shocked and offended by the conversation.

25:25 Florence wanted the person responsible for the racial abuse to recognise his actions and work towards reform rather than be arrested. She desired an apology, not a sentence for the individual.

26:40 The individual offered an apology in which she responded that he must take responsibility and be wary of his actions in the future.

28:23 Florence talks about her self-care; she enjoys eating healthy and looking after her skin. She favours the natural foods.

29:49 She talks about her daily routine, she starts her days at 4am and prayer is also a core part of her routine.

31:55 Took time out to try and help key - workers and the community through Lockdown. Gave out free - meals, approached big shops to provide food for packages.

34:00 Business grew bigger and bigger, even provided for hospitals

35:00 Embraces the grace of God in her work

37:32 She has plans to help schools to raise money towards helping families that struggle to afford lunches for children.