Angela Dunlop – CAFRE Alumni

Why did you decide to study at CAFRE?

Following retirement from the civil service, I explored the possibility of studying floristry as I have always had a passion for floristry and design. After completing several hobby courses, I explored the possibility of attending Greenmount Campus and gaining an industry recognised qualification in floristry. CAFRE is the only college in Northern Ireland that offers the British Floristry Association recognised qualifications offered by City and Guilds. After graduating with my Level 2 Floristry course from CAFRE, where I achieved Student of the Year in 2019, I returned to Greenmount Campus where I progressed for a further year for the Level 3 course.

What course did you study at CAFRE?

I completed a City and Guilds Level 2 Floristry course and then progressed to the Level 3 Floristry course at CAFRE, Greenmount Campus. I graduated in July 2022. Both courses lasted for one year and were highly practical and industry-focused which provided me with lots of valuable technical and transferable skills. Whilst studying, I completed my work placement in a busy shop in Comber. I later moved to a florist specialising in weddings, as this was an area I was particularly interested in.

Tell me about your current job?

After graduating from CAFRE, I opened my own retail florist, Rose & Wildflower in Kircubbin, Co Down.

I am delighted to have been nominated as Retail Florist of the Year by the British Florist Association (BFA) for the second year running. This is a UK wide award and it is presented at FleurEx; the BFA’s annual trade and exhibition show later in the year.

What is the greatest challenge of your job?

Despite the pandemic, my business has continued to flourish. The greatest challenge of my job now is ensuring that in these difficult times with general price rises for flowers and sundries and the cost of living rising which impacts labour costs, I must continue to offer my customers and brides, beautiful blooms at affordable prices.

Do you have a typical working day?

No day is the same, which I love! My typical working day starts with a walk with my dogs, on the beach close to my home. I then open the shop, check all my blooms for freshness, change the water in the buckets and get ready to meet my local customers. Following that, it is time to ensure that all of the orders for the following day are made up and ready to go, all the while answering the phone and trying to ensure the order book stays full for the days ahead. In the quiet times, I update my business social media, prepare bridal quotes and arrange bridal consultations. Then its home time where I place my orders with the flower wholesalers.

Do you keep in touch with fellow students who were in your class?

Yes, I do keep in touch with my classmates and we regularly message each other about ideas, prices. We call on one another for freelance work if we have larger weddings or events. It is a great to have each other for moral support and the extra hands are always helpful on the big days. In December 2021, I was able to put my skills and connections to good use when along with two of my colleague contemporaries we created the flowers for my son’s wedding.

What advice would you give a school leaver considering study at CAFRE?

Go for it! It is a great college offering a wide range of courses, with great staff in a beautiful setting. At CAFRE, you will not only get the qualifications you need, but you will gain great practical knowledge, in a very secure learning environment. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Greenmount Campus. I would recommend studying at CAFRE to anyone with an interest in pursuing a career in floristry. I gained invaluable hands on skills and experience that has helped me do my job to a higher standard. If you are passionate about the job, then the course will be enjoyable for you and easier to learn. If this sounds like something that interests you, I would encourage you to look at the courses available at CAFRE. CAFRE contact details are: www.cafre.ac.uk Discover CAFRE on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, Freephone: 0800 028 4291; Email: enquiries@cafre.ac.uk