Why did you decide to be a florist?  

I was 11 and my 14-year-old brother need a pacemaker fitted so I was sent to stay with my aunt who had a flower shop.  She took me with her to the shop and let me make dried flower basket arrangements. I absolutely loved it and went home and told my mum I wanted to be a Florist.  That was 30 years ago!! Eeek! 

How did you start?  

I began training at a Margaret Mason’s prestigious flower shop in Preston and then went on to manage The Flower Shop, Garstang before moving to Bedfordshire.  There I worked for a local florist and then set up my own business in 2009 based in Leighton Buzzard.  I then moved to rural Swanbourne and have been there 5 years. 

The studio is based in a converted barn on a commercial business complex and although I mainly work on weddings, I also do funerals, corporate and gifts bouquets oh yes and have built up a loyal following both locally and been invited to create designs for a number of high profile customers. 

What’s the best part of your job?  

Creating stunning wedding designs at luxury venues and seeing the delight on the bride’s face when I show her the bouquet.  

What’s the worst part?  

Being price compared – rather than people seeing the value of expertise, experience and a professional company with a team.  

Why do you think National Florist Day is important 

National Florist Day is extremely exciting, and I’m thrilled it is happening. It’s about time that people recognised and appreciated the skill, talent and pure graft involved in this industry. It’s important for people to understand what goes into creating a floral arrangement, the basics of a classically trained florist, the creativity of one who has had a passionate career move because of their love of flowers, the knowledge that takes years to learn, it’s all so undervalued and unknown!  
 
 
What would you say to another florist thinking about getting involved? 

Yes! Get involved, stand proud and shout about our industry!  

Why should someone consider a career in floristry?  

Remember it is tough.  You have to LOVE it and WANT to do it more than anything. It is not an easy career. But if they are passionate and crave it, then do it. It is rewarding.