Why did you decide to be a florist?  

I was looking for a creative outlet, I loved art and nature, and someone bought me a bouquet of flowers and I couldn’t stop looking at them. I thought what an amazing job that must be to give such joy and I was right!  

How did you start? 

I studied for two years at college then worked in a few shops before going it alone.  That was 20 years ago!  Now I am based in a Workshop at Creskeld Hall, a country estate in Arthington, near Leeds, Yorkshire, where I not only create the weddings and event work we are famous and get involved in loads of exciting projects like the showcase installation at the Harrogate Flower Show and client work for companies like Jo Malone, Anthropologie and Joe Browns but run courses and workshops too.  It’s also HQ for our Franchise operation … we now have Leafy Couture franchisees around the UK, and we even have our own cutting garden packed with dahlia, sweet peas and cornflowers.  

What’s the best part of your job?  

Working as part of a creative team, working with the seasons, being surrounded by beauty and that no two days are the same. There is no singular best part as its always interesting and creative and moving forward whether new flower combinations, new clients or new projects. Fresh flowers, plants, faux or dried … we have so many different briefs to work with. And the flower school side of the business is fabulous too.  I have taught so many incredible people over the years who go on to do wonderful things in their careers and all the others who come for relaxation surrounded by beautiful blooms.  

What’s the worst part?  

The anti-social hours on a weekend can mean that you miss out on or are exhausted for normal life! The fact that flowers are perishable can make it stressful.  

Why do you think National Florist Day is important? 

Bringing together and celebrating all aspects of our industry is brilliant, showcasing what we do and the passion in this industry is so important. Building connections is so important for future success of our industry. 

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

Anything that celebrates our industry and educates the wider community is a brilliant idea. We never stop learning and so more access to growers and wholesalers too is a fantastic so we can learn more about the products we work with and those who are in our brilliant industry. Floristry can be lonely and so building more networks is wonderful.  

Why should someone consider a career in floristry?   

It is the best career in the world, its physical and emotional at times but you get to work with the most beautiful products, embrace the seasons and see the full circle of life. There are so many different avenues in floristry that you will never be bored. There is always inspiration in nature and people are always happy to see