Student Stories

Florist – French Blue Florals

Charlotte Vaun

Which course did you study at Tallulah Rose and when?

I completed all of the online courses, starting with the Online Career Change course during my maternity leave in 2023, (funeral and everlasting courses too) then went on to do the Foundation 2 day and Wedding 3 day in person as top-ups and met the most wonderful friends throughout 2024 – of which we all support and freelance for still today.

What did you most enjoy about the course?

I really value the sustainability of Rachel’s work and teaching, it’s given me so much skill and confidence working sustainably and that has also meant that that shared value has helped me to stand out amongst others when freelancing for other Tallulah’s too.

What has been your most memorable moment since finishing the course?

I was commissioned by the Trafford Palazzo (Trafford Centre) to do a 6ft floral Grecian mannequin using sustainable British dried floral installation for a gardening event this summer.

What is the best part of having your own floristry business?

I had spent years in a career that didn’t enrich me creatively and now I get to create floral stories and feel connected to nature every week and bring this into my mental health profession when suitable.  I have really valued making beautiful friendships and feeling connected to something bigger in the British Flower industry.

Are you seeing the financial return to your business that you had hoped for when investing in training with Tallulah Rose?

Yes, I’m comfortable with the investment I made and what I have secured in business as a direct result of training in the school.

What’s the best piece of advice Rachel gave you?

“Believe in your work” Rachel gave a lot of great advice during the course both for business and floral design, but what stands out is how much she believes in you both during and after – She gives you that validation to believe you have the skills and confidence to go out and be the florist you want to be, showcase your work and your ideal clients will find you.

What would you say makes your floristry business unique?

I work with flowers in the way they are seen in nature; following the natural lines and curves of British blooms just as Rachel taught. I have also (again with ongoing advice from Rachel) developed and delivered therapeutic floral workshops/1:1 session, in which I have combined CBT practice with floristry using the magic of flowers to improve mental health and wellbeing.  It also means I am supporting my local growers when working with British flowers in this way.

What’s been your favourite Client request so far?

A 100% large scale British wedding, for the most wonderful couple, with a full design and creative licence, it was beautiful.

Is there an opportunity that springs to mind that Tallulah Rose gave you the confidence to pursue?

Gosh, It has to be using British flowers and her teaching of sustainable mechanics like Rachel – it’s given me the knowledge and confidence to practice as a florist in line with my values and not just what is “convenient” but really everything I have done in my floristry business; I started my business as a Tallulah and wear this with pride.

What is your favourite British flower and why?

That’s an impossible question. I have a David Austin rose garden so that feel the most obvious, but I find myself drawn to Dahlias for their variety, and I really love to dry and work with everlasting flowers so they are very versatile – right now I currently adore single dahlias; they are just so joyful, and the bees love them.

Click here to find out more about French Blue Florals