How a Life-Changing Wake-Up Call Led to Antrim Road's Flo & Dot

A year ago, North Belfast resident Rory Courtney experienced the ultimate wake-up call. Driving his two young daughters home from swimming on a Sunday morning, he suddenly blacked out and crashed through a garden wall, narrowly avoiding a passer-by and coming to a halt against a parked car. Hospital tests cleared his heart and head, with medical professionals concluding that extreme stress was the culprit.

At the time, Rory was in his eighth year working for a global software firm, caught in a high-pressure environment where he was expected to be on call around the clock. The crash was quickly followed by another crushing blow: upon returning to work after a week off, he was made redundant. In the whirlwind that followed, his driving licence was revoked by the DVLA for a year, and a pending house sale fell through when his mortgage approval lapsed.

Determined to rebuild his health and well-being, Rory began taking life one step at a time. He started structuring his days and processing his thoughts through journaling. That simple practice of putting pen to paper brought a sense of calm and clarity, and paired with his wife's passion for stationery, it planted the seed for a brand-new venture.

Last month, the family officially opened Flo & Dot on the Antrim Road. A boutique stationery store, gift shop, and creative space, it is proudly named after Rory's daughters, Florence and Dorothy. The shop offers a refreshing addition to North Belfast's thriving high street, while giving Rory the healthy work-life balance and family time he previously missed.

Having moved from East Belfast to the north of the city 12 years ago, Rory had long appreciated the bustling independent scene in Ballyhackamore and saw immense potential for the Antrim Road to build a similar boutique atmosphere. With an influx of independent eateries and shops opening nearby, Flo & Dot is fitting right into the neighbourhood. Local shoppers have already welcomed the space with open arms, remarking that a dedicated stationery and creative shop was just what the area needed.

Beyond selling stationery, Flo & Dot is focused on community and wellness. About half of the store's inventory is sourced directly from independent, local makers, keeping investment circulating in the community. The shop also hosts creative events and journaling clubs, providing a relaxed setting for people to enjoy a warm cup of coffee, unplug from digital screens, and write.

For Rory, the transition from corporate burnout to high street business owner has brought its own busy demands, but it is a challenge he embraces on his own terms. Best of all, daughters Flo and Dot are thrilled to see their names above the door, actively joining in on journaling sessions and visiting the shop they helped inspire.