Lisa

Which course did you study and when?

I studied on the first Online Career Change Course in 2020 which was designed by Rachel due to the COVID restrictions. I’m sure I was the very first to sign up!

What did you most enjoy about the course?

I had studied one day courses with Tallulah Rose in 2017 and 2018 in Bath and just knew that this particular course would provide me with the whole package. I started my floral business one month before and was working full time building my brand whilst studying online. I was able to prioritise which lessons to focus on, in particular the business element. My vision statement made up from post-it notes is still pinned up in, so I never lose my way.

What has been your career highlight so far?

From running a studio shop on the high street in Ironbridge world heritage site for 5 years, covering every single aspect of running a floristry business alongside long trading hours I’m now fortunate enough to be in the position to streamline and focus on what I love doing the most, weddings and workshops.

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

Floral design is an outlet for me to express myself and to share its beauty and effect.

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

‘Lisa, show them who you are. You are the brand and they will invest in you.’

What would you say makes your floristry business unique?

Sustainability is fundamental to me. This is why I trained with Tallulah Rose and inspired me to now run the Ironbridge Gorge Flower School.

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

To source flower growers in Portugal and communicate with all suppliers to create a stunning vineyard wedding in the Algarve.

What does a typical floristry day look like for you?

A typical day would start by driving 20 minutes to collect my local farmed flowers, excited during the short journey about what has been picked for me following my brief. On my return I would condition and group them into vessels, clean and tidy up. Then prepare the school for learning to welcome my lovely flower friends to their workshop, some are returning for some flower therapy and curious to learn more and for others the experience is new and most memorable.

What is your favourite British flower and why?

My favourite flower is a double hellebore.

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