Jacquie Seales, Newtownards writes

“I’ve always wanted a career that allows me to use my creative side but has plenty of people contact; so after completing my GCSEs I got a job with my local florist, Penny Hamilton of Penelope Flowers, in Belfast. Little did I now where this would lead…

I became interested in studying for a formal qualification in floristry when a full time student on work placement from Greenmount joined the team in our shop. I spoke to Penny, my boss, about it and she was happy to support my application for a full time place, allowing me to work in the shop on my placement and extra hours during college holidays and peak periods of Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

I ‘lived in’ on Campus and thoroughly enjoyed the student life. The course was hard work – a mix of learning about cut flowers and foliages, business, legislation, customer care and design skills. Visits to growers, wholesalers and florists were included, and demonstrations by leading UK and Dutch designers really inspired me with my design work. Our study tour to the Spring Florist Event in Birmingham gave me the chance to see fantastic competition designs and encouraged me to enter one at home.

In April last year I represented the college in the regional heat of the UK Skills Floristry Competition and came second in the advanced category. This encouraged me to work on giving my designs a professional finish and this year I entered the regional heat of the RHS Chelsea Young Florist of the Year. My wedding bouquet caught the judges’ eye and I’ve been invited to compete at the final at Chelsea. I’m also taking part in the UK Skills Competition again at Greenmount and hope to reach the National Final this summer.

I’m now back working in Penelope’s full time, with increased responsibility in the shop and much more confidence in my work. Since starting back full time we have had another challenge – Penny entered the Flower Council of Holland Competition to find the Irish Flower Shop of the Year. The judges looked at all aspects of the business over a period of months, including ideas to raise the profitability and customer service standards of independent retail florists. And I’m delighted to say that even with 100 shops in the competition I’ve been part of the winning team!!

To all those who have just sat GCSEs and A levels my advice is to go and try something you think you might like ….. you might just find a career you love”.

Jacquie enjoying work at Penelope Flowers, Belfast

Jacquie (centre) demonstrating her floristry skills with friends at Greenmount

Jacquie (far left), with Penny Hamilton (third left) and staff – winners of the Flower Council of Holland Irish Flower Shop of the Year Competition.