Which course did you study at Tallulah Rose and when?
I completed the Living Wreath Course in January 2015 and then the Career Change course in May 2015.
What did you most enjoy about the course?
I loved everything about the course. I hated how it gave me a sense of never wanting to leave, I would of happily moved my bed to the school room. It would always be packed with the most beautiful flowers. I loved how every time I walked in, in the mornings my mind would switch off from everything else and I was just in this bubble of flowers, creations, and role models. I loved how I made friends for life and how till this day we still talk and share our wonderful ideas and creations with each other.
What was the most important thing that you learnt during your time at school… I learnt pretty much everything a florist needs to know. I had very little experience previously as I had only done a college course for a short time. One thing I always remember is that you should encourage people to be themselves and let them create their own visions and arrangements, if Rachel hadn’t done this for me I wouldn’t have the confidence and knowledge that I now have about flowers.
What was your first big break?
My first big break was from the moment I created my Facebook page, I was inundated with messages and notifications. Within weeks I had my first wedding booking and they just kept coming after that. I often find it overwhelming how one decision to attend Tallulah Rose has literally changed my life and I will forever be grateful to Rachel, Saffy and of course the other students on my course.
What are you doing now?
After working from my garden shed for over a year, I now have my very own little shop close to my local town. I still work part time at a Children’s Residential Home as my love for helping others will never go away.
Describe a typical floristry day?
There’s nothing more thrilling than waking at silly o’clock and heading to the wholesaler to collect your order, or just to have a look. I often get lost amongst the flowers and spend way too long admiring the selection of blooms they have to offer. I have a soft spot for succulents and find myself regularly picking these up – just because they’re too nice to leave on the shelf. I would often grab myself some breakfast on my way home to ensure I’m fuelled for the day.
My day would consist of conditioning and preparing flowers for the orders I need to fulfil. Once these are complete I would reply to emails, messages and calls, whilst grabbing some lunch in between. Some days I have wedding appointments or just find myself creating another arrangement for me to admire.
What’s been your highlight to date?
My highlight to date was when I attended a party and one young bride to be found out who I was, to which she then began to scream in my face and made me feel like a celebrity., all because I was “Rachel from The Dancing Daffodil”.
She then went on to tell loads of other people at the party to which they all came on to me and congratulated me and admired my work. It sounds nothing – but this day made me realise how my love, passion and drive for flowers has a profound effect on others.
What advice would you give to a new student starting out?
Be yourself. Be confident and be happy. Don’t try to be something you’re not. The rest will follow.
