Why did you decide to be a florist? 

Becoming a florist wasn’t a deliberate decision; my passion for gardening as a child naturally led me to working with flowers. Pursuing it as a career felt like the next logical step in my journey. 

How did you start? 

I began my journey in the world of floristry 30 years ago when I was just 14 and landed a job at a local flower shop. This initial experience sparked my passion for flowers and led me to pursue formal training in floristry at Greenmount College of Agriculture & Horticulture in Northern Ireland after completing high school. 

Eager to expand my knowledge and skills, I worked in various flower shops to gain hands-on experience while also studying art and design. Seeking new opportunities, I made the bold decision to move to London to further my career. In London, I had the privilege of working in prestigious high-end boutiques, where I honed my craft and expertise. 

During my time in London, I dedicated myself to my studies and achieved my ICSF and NDSF certifications through the Society of Floristry. Seeking to broaden my horizons even further, I travelled to the Netherlands to pursue the prestigious Master Diploma in Dutch Floristry at The Boerma Institute. This experience provided me with a unique perspective on European floral design, which continues to influence my work to this day. 

In 2008, I took a significant step in my career by establishing Neill Strain Floral Couture in the heart of Belgravia, London. Building on the success of my floral couture business, I expanded to create a dedicated Weddings & Celebrations division in 2014. In 2017, I opened a concession at the iconic Harrods department store, further solidifying my presence in the industry. 

Our most recent addition to the NSFC family came with the opening of our third boutique in Mayfair in 2023. This new venture represents a significant milestone in my career and a testament to my dedication to our industry and creating exquisite floral designs that captivate and inspire my clients. 

What’s the best part of your job? 

Working in the high-end floristry industry provides access to a world that few have the opportunity to experience. This profession allows us to connect with remarkable individuals and engage in challenging and creative projects. 

 What’s the worst part? 

One of the most challenging aspects of my job is managing the various stressors that come with running a business. I often find that these stressors hinder my creativity. This includes handling HR issues, managing difficult clients, overseeing finances, and dealing with logistics. 

Why do you think National Florist Day is important?

I am honoured to serve as an ambassador for National Florist Day. This initiative is a fantastic step towards enlightening the general public about the intricacies and obstacles of floristry as a business. While we strive to create beauty for our clients, the art of floristry may seem effortless. However, this can lead to the misconception that it is an easy task, overlooking the extensive operations and challenges we encounter behind the scenes. 

This is an opportunity to highlight the diverse talents necessary to thrive in this industry, as well as the unique individuals who contribute to its success. My aspiration is that by raising awareness about the industry, we can inspire more young people to pursue a career in this field. 

What would you say to another florist thinking about getting involved 

In the creative industry, we are currently encountering numerous challenges. It is crucial for florists to unite and show support for National Florist Day in order to raise awareness and ensure the longevity of the industry for generations to come. 

Why should someone consider a career in floristry?  

Floristry is a distinctive industry that provides individuals working within it with the chance to showcase their creativity, connect with nature, and positively impact people’s lives.