Why did you decide to be a florist?

30 years ago, I followed my mother into the industry and found that I had a passion and flair for the role. I adore being a creative person, every day is different. I also found that I loved being an entrepreneur, being a business owner may have its challenges but it’s also extremely rewarding.  

How did you start?

As I say I’ve worked in retail for over 30 years, and owned shops & a flower school in Royal Ascot and two locations in London. I was already involved in a lot of demonstrations and projects like Good Florist Guide, but I sold the business at the beginning of 2024 and have launched a new business which focusses on helping florists, growers & the floral industry build a stronger, brighter future. It’s a fabulous way to all the skills I’ve learned over the last 30 years and takes me into a whole new part of the industry.

For example, one day I can be helping a florist with their social media campaigns and mentoring them, the next I’m helping a grower promote a new range of flowers and in-between I travel the world to demonstrate and commentate at design shows … like working with Flower Circus in Kazakhstan or doing the photo shoots for Floral Fundamentals – a platform that connects growers and florists, and I’m off to Southeast Asia later this year to host the Singapore Garden Show.

What’s the best part of your job?

Being part of a large floral community, networking and being able to work all over the globe in a profession that I LOVE. 

What’s the worst part?

Long hours and ruining many clothes! But to be honest, these not really a bad part of the job, you can just have a few bad days! I think it’s the best job in the world. 

Why do you think National Florist Day is important?

Gosh … where do I start!  1: It celebrates an under-appreciated industry: Florists play a significant role in our lives, from weddings and birthdays to funerals and holidays. A national day will recognize their hard work and dedication. 2:  It can be a boost to the floral industry: A dedicated day generates excitement and can help increase flower sales for everyone.3: It highlights the artistry of floral design: It’s more than just arranging flowers! A national day could spark appreciation for the creativity and skill that goes into floral arrangements. 4: It can promote the use of flowers: Flowers brighten our lives and spaces so we can encourage people to incorporate flowers more often, benefiting both florists and mental well-being. 5:  We can raise awareness of career opportunities: The floral industry offers a variety of career paths so we can introduce people to these options and potentially inspire future florists.

What would you say to another florist thinking about getting involved?

What have you got to lose?  It’s a great opportunity to showcase your beautiful work and attract new customers! A chance to celebrate what you do and be recognized for the important role you play in people’s lives. There’s potential for a boost in sales, especially with promotions and special offers you create for the day.

Why should someone consider a career in floristry?  

Floristry allows you to express your creativity and artistry through colour, texture, and design. If you enjoy making beautiful things and have an eye for detail, this could be a fulfilling path.

Flowers are a constant source of beauty and wonder. As a florist, you’ll be surrounded by them daily, learning about different varieties, caring for them, and incorporating their natural beauty into your creations.  Flowers play a significant role in life’s celebrations and moments of need. You’ll have the opportunity to create arrangements that bring happiness to people on weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions, or offer comfort during times of grief.

Seeing your vision come to life through a stunning floral arrangement can be very rewarding. The challenge of crafting unique and beautiful pieces for different purposes can bring a great sense of accomplishment. The world of flowers is vast and ever-changing.

You’ll constantly learn about new varieties, design techniques, and trends, keeping your work interesting and challenging. For me, it’s taken me all over the world, and I continue to experience a fun filled floral world like no other industry can offer.