Chloe Morrison – CAFRE Alumni
Chloe Morrison a young entrepreneur from Ballymoney, took some time out of her busy schedule to tell us about her education, career and passion for floristry.
What course did you study at CAFRE?
I completed a City & Guilds Level 2 Floristry course and then progressed to the Level 3 Floristry course at CAFRE, Greenmount Campus. I graduated in June 2015. I just can’t believe where the time has gone! Both courses lasted for one year. I also had opportunity to put the design and customer service skills gained at Greenmount Campus into practice at my weekly placement at the “Pink Kactus Floral Boutique” shop. The courses are highly practical and industry-focused which helped prepare me for working in professional floristry.
Why did you decide to study at CAFRE?
I have always had a passion for floristry and design and I just knew I wanted to pursue a career in floristry. I took inspiration from my father, a local gardener, who is the reason I have green fingers. My father has such a talent for gardening and some of my earliest memories are of being outside in the garden with him. My father also completed a Horticulture course at Greenmount and we always attended the Garden Open Days at Greenmount when they ran. This interest led me to applying to study Floristry at Greenmount as I always wanted to study there.
Tell us a little about your current job?
Having gained my qualifications and worked in a florist for a few years, I really wanted to set up on my own and bring my creations to my hometown. I decided to put my experience in floristry to good use and in 2018 I established my own florist shop which I called “Petal Lane Floral Boutique”. I set up my business through the “Go for It” programme and I received excellent advice. Not only did my father inspire me, I was inspired by other business women and other florists who I have followed on social media for many years. I have always aspired to being my own boss and having my name on all of my creations as they leave the shop; this encouraged me to take the plunge and go for it!
Do you have a typical working day?
Where do I start? It is normally a very busy day as I work mostly on my own – you become a master of all trades! I visit my supplier and wholesalers and I purchase materials. I make lots of lovely bouquets and creations for weddings, occasions and events and provide a bespoke design service for my customers. This variety of work keeps my job interesting and rewarding. No day is ever the same in Petal Lane Floral Boutique, which is why I really love it.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job would be delivering flowers to my customers and seeing their reactions when they receive them. Before lockdown I never got to experience this much as family members did this for me, but since then I have decided to do that myself and it is really the best part of the day.
Do you keep in touch with fellow students who were in your class?
I developed great friendships whilst studying at Greenmount Campus and I have kept in touch with as many of them as possible. There are a number of fellow students who are also working within the industry that I come across from time to time. As my business has continued to grow, I have maintained links with CAFRE and I am delighted to have a current Level 2 floristry student on placement to help me in the shop.
What advice would you give a new graduate?
There are so many opportunities available to students and I would encourage all students to grasp them when they can. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and go for it! Never say never! I never would have dreamed whilst studying at Greenmount that I would have my own business and be called a young entrepreneur. Have the right attitude. Take guidance from your peers and learn from your mistakes.