Errol Adem runs Flowers N16 with his wife, Oya. With Van Morrison and Bob Dylan often playing in the background, and an exotic mix of flowers and plants everywhere, this is one of Church Street's most attractive spots.

How long have you been in Stoke Newington?

I grew up here. My parents arrived in London from Cyprus in 1942 and lived in Soho, before settling in Stoke Newington. There used to be Victorian houses where the fire station is today - that's where we lived. As a child, I went to William Patten School. I came back to Stoke Newington as an adult, and opened this shop in 1994.

How do you feel about the neighbourhood today?

I love the place. But I'm worried that the bendy buses will destroy Church Street's atmosphere. They're big beasts and take up a lot of room. I'm afraid the street could become a bit aggressive. We don't want to become an extension of Islington. 

Does your shop building have a history?

Yes, it used to be owned by Anna Laetitia Barbauld, a radical 18th-century poet. Her husband, who was a reverend, committed suicide here. She is buried in St Mary's Old Church.

What is Flowers N16's best-selling item?

When in season, tulips. They're also my personal favourite - tulips have a beautiful simplicity.

What keeps you going?

My wife Oya and my two daughters, Derya and Tijen. I'm a family man - I don't want to miss out on my daughters growing up. Your children are your true wealth, you know, not your career or your business. 

Pet hates about Stoke Newington?

The graffiti. I wouldn't mind if it was artistic, but it never is.

If you could change one thing about Church Street, what would it be?

I would pedestrianise it, with benches and trees along the road. It would be beautiful, and if it were properly policed, you wouldn't get bums or drunks hanging out.

What other shops would you like to see on Church Street?

A fromagerie would be nice, and a good butcher's. Stoke Newington has the café and restaurant culture. Now we need more specialist traders to attract daytime shoppers.

Do you think the High Street is changing?

I think it's improving. At the moment Church Street shoppers won't venture much further than the Abbey National or the Stoke Newington Bookshop. Beyond that is seen to be the badlands. But that barrier is slowly breaking down.

Where would we find you on a Friday night after shutting up shop?

If the weather's good, in my garden with my family, with a nice drink and the barbecue on.

Where do you go to escape the shop?

I like to stroll about, remembering what some of the shops used to be when I was growing up. We had a children's barbers, an offal shop and a big publisher's called Recorder House on Church Street. On the High Street there used to be a Marks and Spencer's and a posh department store called Steven's, with a doorman and an old-fashioned lift.

Hopes and dreams for the future?

We're building an extension in the back garden at Flowers N16. My vision is to create something really special, a place where people can come to relax and enjoy, away from the busy street. But I'm a Libra, so it won't be finished for a while.