Training as a florist could lead to many opportunities such as setting up your own business. KERRY ANN EUSTICE talks with someone whose career is in bloom

Qualifications:

I looked into floristry courses and found City & Guild runs a national floristry certificate. I took the level 2 certificate, supported by the society of floristry, at Canterbury College. It is a free course, if you study for a whole year, but if you take your arrangements home you have to pay for them.

I learned how to make arrangements such as bouquets, funeral wreaths and wedding garlands. The course also covered working in the trade and how to condition flowers to keep them fresh. The theory included botanical names of plants, and elements of design.

Place of work:

At my shop, Flower Moments, Crofton Lane, Petts Wood.

Earning potential:

Some weeks can be very successful, if we provide all the flowers for a wedding or funeral for example at these times I can make £1,000 a week. All of the money I earn goes back into the business.

What hours do you work?

I open 8:30am until 5pm in the week, except on a Thursday when I shut at 1pm and visit the wholesalers. I open 9am until 5pm on Saturday and open on Sunday if it is a special occasion such as Mothers' Day.

Sometimes I go to Covent Garden at 2am, to get flowers when they are freshest and cheapest. If we have a big order for a wedding or funeral I may have to put extra hours in then too.

What is your typical day like?

I condition the flowers by stripping the leaves below water level, cut the stems at an angle and place in water. I do this again at some point throughout the week and change the water every other day.

I spend time cleaning the shop and I design arrangements for the window and make up orders for the next day. Sometimes I make up special pieces. For example I just created the Owl and the Pussy Cat from flowers for a wedding.

Why did you decide to become a Florist?

I used to help out a florist friend this sparked my interest and after the course I was hooked. While studying I received commissions and this inspired me to start my own business.

Where do you want to go from here?

I want to expand the business and I'd like to be offer the whole wedding package and perhaps move into wedding organisation.