Why did you decide to be a florist? 

I’d always been a keen amateur but making it my career didn’t happen until 10 years ago. I’d worked in both the private and public sector as a programme director, implementing and managing high profile and complex business transformation programmes, but I wanted to be able to express my creativity and feel a greater connection with nature. It was a big jump into the unknown for me. Retraining at 40 wasn’t something I had ever thought I would do but I am so glad that I did!  

How did you start? 

I knew I didn’t just want to become a florist, I wanted to become a florist shop owner.  So after training I opened my first shop in 2015 and my second shop in 2021. This enables me to also be involved in managing all aspects of the business and allows me to remain dedicated to my other passion of high quality, excellent customer service and creating a happy and enthusiastic team. 

Now I employ 9 staff, am also a member of the British Floristry Association and the winner of this year’s BFA Retail Florist Shop of the Year Award and have recently been appointed a GFG Council Member with specific responsibility for leading the Accreditation Panel for the Faces of Floristry element of National Florist Day. 

What’s the best part of your job? 

Without a doubt getting my hands on the flowers and being able to lose myself creating meaningful moments for people. I love being able to be part of their special occasions. Celebrating life and adding beauty to the world. 

What’s the worst part? 

The emotional roller coaster days. When you have an emotionally challenging order related to a funeral or difficult life event, followed by a wedding consultation, followed by a funeral, followed by a newborn. Days like this happen more than you realise and can be very emotionally taxing. This is one of the many reasons it’s important to have a good floral community support network. 

Why do you think National Florist Day is important? 

It’s a wonderful idea. The concept that our industry (like so many others) is recognised and understood for the huge, diverse, complex industry it is, is crucial for it to continue to thrive. 

NFD aims for people to recognize how vital the role of a florist and the supply chain is and allows individuals and businesses within the floral industry to promote their remarkable contributions and highlight their specialist skills. 

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

Please do get involved. It is so important that the members of this incredibly special, creative, huge industry join together to shout out the world just how fabulous and diverse it is. Shout out about why your skills are so amazing, why we are creating jobs and skills for future generations, why your specialist skills should be appreciated and how the supply chain from growers, to suppliers, to florists and shop owners is so vital to the local community and the wider economy. 

Why should someone consider a career in floristry? 

 Floristry is a wonderful, rewarding career. Not only do you get to express and unleash your creativity, but you get to create beautiful arrangements for people celebrating special occasions. You spend your days surrounded by fresh flowers and working in a supportive community of fellow florists and suppliers. There are a number of routes into becoming a florist from formal college training, apprenticeships or on the job training with many florists going on to open their own shops.