Sam Small

Which course did you study at Tallulah Rose and when?

I studied the 2 Week Career Change Course in May 2022, and haven’t looked back! I knew from day one that it was where I was meant to be.

What did you most enjoy about the course?

I loved that it felt like a nurturing and encouraging environment from the offset – we were guided, and taught, but also encouraged to explore what felt right and intuitive to ourselves, and no question was too silly to ask. Having a gorgeous selection of flowers to work with every day felt like the biggest treat, and I learnt alongside the most incredible other women who I’m still friends with today.

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

There have been so many! But I have such fond memories of every couple’s wedding I’ve flowered. The gasps of delight, the joy on their faces when they see the flowers – there’s nothing that beats it and it creates core memories for me every time.

Where are you currently on your floristry journey?

Three years in, I’ve just launched a re-brand that’s much more aligned to who I am, and how I’ve grown as a florist. When I first trained, I very much leant towards a neutral palette, whereas now I am all about colour, and the joy that colour can represent! I’ve also seen how heteronormative the wedding industry can be, and I have undergone training and structured my business to ensure that I am as inclusive as I can be to all prospective to-be-weds.

Describe a typical day in your floristry life / journey?

It always starts with a cup of tea and a check in of emails/admin before heading to my studio to see what the day holds – conditioning, creating or cleaning buckets!

What was the best piece of advice Rachel gave you?

To keep practicing! I reeeeeallly struggled with the Wedding Bouquet lesson when I trained. Now wedding bouquets are one of my favourite things to make but it’s only through practicing (and investing in additional courses to keep up that practice) that I’ve improved my technique.

What advice would you give your younger self starting out on your floristry journey?

Really sit down and work out what your values are. If you can work those out early on, and stay true to them, you’ll be a more authentic florist.

Also, mistakes happen! They are all part of the journey – be sure to forgive yourself for them, and learn from them – it will make you a better florist and business owner!

How has training at Tallulah Rose changed your relationship with your career?

It’s been fundamental. I’d seen a career coach before booking the course, so already knew I was ready to make a significant career change. But the course taught me that you can structure your business in such a way that your career can really work for you. I had to “unlearn” the concept of Monday-Friday 9-5pm, but in doing so, it’s meant my career has offered me so much more flexibility and freedom than I ever could have imagined.

How have the contacts you made during your TRFS training helped with your business?

They’ve been invaluable – not only have I made great friends that provide a wonderful support network, but I’ve also been able to freelance for, and work with other Tallulah’s. That has helped my hands on experience, and developed my skill level no end! I’ve found the TRFS network incredible for finding “like minded” florists, who aren’t gatekeepers, but rather are prepared to share what they know, with the best of intentions.

What is your favourite British flower and why?

Every season (or even month!) brings a new favourite but I still have a die-hard love for a single petal variety Peony. Such a short season but the Coral Charm/Coral Sunset varieties are worth an almost daily purchase, just to watch the colours fade from neon to pale pastel!

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