Becoming a florist

So, how did you get into floristry?

This is usually the question people ask when I explain I work part time for the peak body of social enterprise in NSW and ACT and part time as a florist.

And the simplest response I can share is that I made a decision! Finding the Pearson’s School of Floristry start your floristry journey email, adding my card details and hitting submit was the easy part. I deliberated for two years about studying Certificate III in floristry and when Pearson’s student information session rolled around for the second year, and I found myself starting at the invite at the screen and acknowledged that my yearning to take a leap towards this world was real and not going anywhere. The genuine encouragement from my partner at the time, having a rock in my corner that believed in me and my aspirations tipped me from contemplation to action. I’m always grateful for his encouragement in that moment. 

Before all of this, was a lucky childhood, growing up on beautiful Awabakal land (Lake Macquarie) and spending lots of time at my grandparent’s property at Mount Vincent. Their garden was magical filled with pockets that became my special places in nature to spend time. From ‘dining in Tuscany’ (as my grandma Normie would call it) under a cloud of lilac wisteria, to taking picnics down to the willow tree, smelling all the roses in the rose circle, making pot pourri from the lavender bush skirting the verandah, the masses of colorful hydrangeas, the sound frogs croaking in the lilies and always picking a bunch of flowers, wrapping it in paper towel and foil to take home. My deep connection to, and respect for, nature was forged in this very special garden and by the people who cared for it.

Funnily, I’ve lost count of the number of people who have reached out to me since I publicly started this journey saying they’ve always wanted to do floristry. And while I am the first person to say - do it! I appreciate it’s not always as straightforward as this and perhaps there are a few steps that person needs to take first, without losing sight and the buoyancy of imagining working with nature.

In Australia, floristry isn’t considered a trade and falls under the General Retail Industry Award. This means you can operate as a florist without completing a Certificate III or Certificate IV in floristry and there are many wonderful, self-taught florists.

Personally, I deliberately chose to undertake the Certificate III as I wanted to ensure I was learning the foundations and grasping as much as a I could about the industry as I came from a completely different background in Financial Services Consulting. My Certificate III experience was wonderful. I cherish the friends I made during the 9 months, the wisdom and expertise so generously shared by Pearsons School and the overwhelming feeling of support and sense of empowerment from the experience overall.

Floristry moved me. Week two in the classroom I had this resounding feeling of ‘this is it, I’ve arrived’. And you just know. I looked forward to class every week and experienced the gamut of emotions across the nine months learning a whole new skillset and concepts. The inner critic crept in many times but so did pride putting on my apron, finishing assessed arrangements, joy and wonderful creative whirlwinds.

Of the flower retailing industry, one of my teachers would often say “there is space for everyone”. This simple remark became one of my affirmations. It helps ground me in the spirit of collaboration, not competition. I feel excited think of all the possibilities from running a retail shop, to weddings, event floristry, corporate, editorial, installation work, funerals, styling, teaching and more. While I am at the beginning of my floristry journey, honing my skills and seeking opportunities to continue working with florists across a range of services, my heart is drawn to events and making personalised arrangements. I’ve always loved creating memorable experiences and putting consideration and care into every detail and it is a privilege and joy to be entrusted to design and embody feelings and messages in flowers.

What’s a decision you’ve made that’s bought you joy?