I began my journey with flowers on the 30th January 2024. It was always my plan to waltz into the flower world upon retirement from the emergency services.

On that day I had my first ‘flower arranging’ lesson with Tracy Nadine from Flowers and Home Somerset. I’d signed up for a 6-week course based at Salisbury College.

My first flower posy was nicknamed ‘The Beast’ by most of the other students, including Tracy! I called it a masterpiece because I’m incredibly proud of it! Why?? It was my own work; yes, it had many, many, flaws; no flower was in the right place (so-to-speak), but I never thought I could ‘actually’ put some flowers together in the first place, so I was uber impressed with myself that I’d made something!

My very first ever floral arrangement.

I remember the day after I scrutinised myself as my design was so much bigger, and not at all in-line with the other students. I felt theirs were amazing and right on par with the brief. So, with flowers I had leftover (I had bought too many) I went about redesigning them, and in doing so I turned one arrangement into 3, and I was super happy with the results!

Since then, I have watched countless videos, on-line tutorials, read so many books, gotten up way before my shift was due to start to practice techniques in all areas – I’ve cried, I’ve been frustrated, I’ve questioned my ability and I’ve asked myself many, many times ‘why am I doing this??!!’

Well, the last year has taught me so much…….

I have grown from not ‘really’ being able to put a petal in place, to launching a stand at The Pheonix Emporium (where I also do fabulous gifts I may add) to arranging many bouquets for special people, I’ve (to date) had the privilege of being the Floral Designer for two weddings, I’ve built my own website and designed my own marketing image. It has taken grit, determination and never losing site of my end goal.

I may not be a qualified florist, but I truly believe flowers speak for themselves; they will tell you where they need to be placed and when; they have their own voice – flowers can’t just be arranged by structure, they require passion, flare and in a way honesty. When all of that is combined you’re able to achieve balanced, beautiful designs.

I consider myself to be extremely lucky in life; I have a son (now 28, how did that happen!) after being told at 19 I’d never have children; I've worked as an emergency service worker for 9 years - I didn't join until I was 45, but it’d been a dream of mine since the age of 12. And now, here I am, 17 months after my first tutorial launching my own website, starting a new business and going on to a third dream. So how lucky am I.

What do you need to know about me? I care, first and foremost. I am passionate, I will do my very best to ensure your flowers, no matter what the occasion, suit your requirements and ensure your flowers are always memorable. I am human, if I make a mistake, I'll fix it. I can be a little gregarious, I have a good sense of humour, oh and I'm always early for an appointment! 

I also have a beautiful pooch called Poppy, she's some 14 years old now, you can see her below; and she, too, can be just as ditzy as me.

Lastly, but most importantly, there is absolutely no way I could have done all of this without the support from my family and friends, and to them I shall be forever grateful ❤️

I very much look forward to being a part of your own floral path, from bouquets to weddings, sympathy flowers to thank-you gifts.

 

Take care

Sharon