It’s never too late to follow a passion: Pauline started her floristry business at 48, showing that career changes can happen successfully later in life.

Pauline talks about turning adversity into opportunity when her husband, George, had a massive heart attack in 2012, which led him to study horticulture and ultimately inspired them to start their floristry business together.

Pauline and George balance each other’s strengths. While Pauline is the creative "crazy" one, George provides the logical and sensible grounding for the business.

After moving their business from a shop back to their home in 2022, they turned their house into a lively, working studio.

The value of online learning: Despite initial resistance, Pauline found that online courses allowed her to revisit material, take better notes, and learn more effectively than in a classroom setting.

Pauline emphasizes staying calm under pressure and always putting the customer’s special moment, whether it's a wedding or a funeral at the center of her work.

This podcast is a must listen for anyone considering a career pivot later in life or looking for inspiration on how to turn life’s challenges into a thriving business.

Pauline’s authentic storytelling, combined with her wit and passion, provides a refreshing look at the floristry industry. Whether you're interested in the logistics of running a home based family business or simply love hearing about how creativity can bloom in unexpected ways, Pauline’s journey with "Me Auld Flower & Mrs. Bouquet" is both heartwarming and practical.

You will find Pauline

Ready to take your love of flowers to the next level? Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who loves to dabble, we’ve got you covered! 🌸

✨ FREE Online Flower Taster Course – perfect for trying your hand at flower arranging!

Sign up here - https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/youtubefreetastercourse

🌿 FREE Flower Conditioning Program – learn how to keep your cut flowers fresh and fabulous for longer!

Check it out - https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/youtubeflowerconditioningcourse

💐 Beginners Floristry Program – start your journey to becoming a professional floral designer today!

Explore the course - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/online-floristry-programme

💰 Funding Options Available – see if you’re eligible for support towards your training in Ireland.

Find out more - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/funding-to-train-at-kays-flower-school

🌎 Overseas Students Welcome – learn with us from anywhere in the world!

How it works - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/overseas-flower-students

💬 Hear from our Students – discover how Kays Flower School transformed their floral journey.

Read their stories - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/testimonials

📩 Have Questions? Get in touch with us today!

Contact us - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/contact-us

Subscribe to Kay's Flower School channel for our latest clips

Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@KaysFlowerSchool?sub_confirmation=1

#Floristry #FlowerArranging #FloralDesign #FlowerDesign #FlowerArrangement #FloralArt #FloristLife #CreativeFlorist #FloralInspiration #FlowerLovers

In this episode, we sit down with Leah McEvoy of Anna May Floral Designs to discuss her inspiring transition from a high-pressure corporate role to owning a thriving flower shop in Rathgar.

Leah shares her expert insights on what it really takes to succeed in the floral industry, from mastering wedding floral design to the logistics of running a retail business.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Florists:

The Power of Re-Training: Leah discusses how she returned to her passion for flowers later in life, proving it's never too late to start your florist training.

Retail vs. Studio Work: Learn the differences between running a floral studio and a busy retail shop, and which path might be right for your career.

Wedding Floristry Logistics: Leah breaks down a "typical" wedding day, it's not just about the flowers, it's about meticulous planning, teamwork, and managing high-pressure environments.

Managing a Team: How Leah utilizes her corporate management background to lead a team of freelancers and family members.

Building a Brand: The story behind the name "Anna May Floral Designs" and the importance of emotional connection in business.

Supporting Local: Why local florists offer a level of expertise and storytelling that supermarkets simply can't match.

Thinking of a Career Change?

If you’re looking into floristry courses or considering a professional florist career, Leah’s advice on record-keeping, staying organized (thanks, spreadsheets!), and constant learning is invaluable.

"Every single step of that journey was a learning experience for me... it just makes you stronger."

Follow Leah McEvoy at Anna May Floristry

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/anna.may.floral.designs/

Website: https://annamayfloristry.ie/

Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more interviews on floral education and creative entrepreneurship!

#FloristTraining #FloralDesign #CareerChange #WeddingFlorist #FloristryCourses #CreativeEntrepreneur #SmallBusinessTips #FlowerDesignTraining

FREE Online Flower Taster Course – perfect for trying your hand at flower arranging!

Sign up here - https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/youtubefreetastercourse

FREE Flower Conditioning Program – learn how to keep your cut flowers fresh and fabulous for longer!

Check it out - https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/youtubeflowerconditioningcourse

Beginners Floristry Program – start your journey to becoming a professional floral designer today!

Explore the course - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/online-floristry-programme

Funding Options Available – see if you’re eligible for support towards your training in Ireland.

Find out more - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/funding-to-train-at-kays-flower-school

Overseas Students Welcome – learn with us from anywhere in the world!

How it works - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/overseas-flower-students

Hear from our Students – discover how Kays Flower School transformed their floral journey.

Read their stories - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/testimonials

Have Questions? Get in touch with us today!

Contact us - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/contact-us

Subscribe to Kay's Flower School channel for our latest clips

Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@KaysFlowerSchool?sub_confirmation=1

#Floristry #FlowerArranging #FloralDesign #FlowerDesign #FlowerArrangement #FloralArt #FloristLife #CreativeFlorist #FloralInspiration #FlowerLovers

In this episode of The Flower School Podcast, we sit down with Leonie Gerrity of Blended Design, an inspiring florist and entrepreneur whose journey into the wedding and events industry has grown faster than she ever imagined.

Leonie shares how she transitioned from crafting and side projects into a thriving wedding floristry and freelance career, balancing family life, a hearing impairment and the realities of running a creative business. We dive deep into freelancing in floristry, choosing the right clients, building confidence and why there’s more than one “right” path in the flower industry.

This honest conversation covers everything from

- moving from hobby to professional florist

- freelancing for wedding florists across Ireland

- building a reputation without burnout

- choosing weddings that align with your life and values

- why online floristry training opened doors she never expected

Whether you’re a beginner florist, considering freelancing or wondering how to build a sustainable wedding business without a shop, this episode is packed with real-world insight and encouragement.

🎧 Perfect for florists, creatives and anyone dreaming of working for themselves, without sacrificing family or freedom.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe and share if you enjoy behind-the-scenes stories from the floristry world.

🌸 Ready to take your love of flowers to the next level? Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who loves to dabble, we’ve got you covered! 🌸

✨ FREE Online Flower Taster Course – perfect for trying your hand at flower arranging!

Sign up here - https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/youtubefreetastercourse

🌿 FREE Flower Conditioning Program – learn how to keep your cut flowers fresh and fabulous for longer!

Check it out - https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/youtubeflowerconditioningcourse

💐 Beginners Floristry Program – start your journey to becoming a professional floral designer today!

Explore the course - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/online-floristry-programme

💰 Funding Options Available – see if you’re eligible for support towards your training in Ireland.

Find out more - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/funding-to-train-at-kays-flower-school

🌎 Overseas Students Welcome – learn with us from anywhere in the world!

How it works - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/overseas-flower-students

💬 Hear from our Students – discover how Kays Flower School transformed their floral journey.

Read their stories - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/testimonials

📩 Have Questions? Get in touch with us today!

Contact us - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/contact-us

Subscribe to Kay's Flower School channel for our latest clips

Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@KaysFlowerSchool?sub_confirmation=1

#Floristry #FlowerArranging #FloralDesign #FlowerDesign #FlowerArrangement #FloralArt #FloristLife #CreativeFlorist #FloralInspiration #FlowerLovers

Are you dreaming of a career change that trades the corporate grind for creative blooms?

In our first podcast of 2026, Deirdre welcomes Carolyn Duggan, the award-winning owner of The Florist on the Hill and the 2025 "Florist of the Year". Carolyn shares her inspiring journey of how flowers "found her" during the COVID-19 lockdown, leading her to transition from a 15-year career as a high-level visual manager into a thriving, quirky, and "disruptive" floral business.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

The Career Pivot: How Carolyn used her background in visual merchandising to create a unique brand identity in the floral industry.

Floristry Training: Why seeking professional counsel and training is vital to avoid "expensive mistakes" when starting out.

Growing a Brand: How she opened two shops in one year and built a "waiting list" for weddings years in advance.

Signature Style: The secrets behind her famous "bouquet reveals" and why being "not everyone's cup of tea" is her superpower.

Business Realities: A behind-the-scenes look at managing a retail shop solo while maintaining a cutting garden.

Whether you are an aspiring florist looking for professional floristry training or someone considering a creative career change, Carolyn’s advice on authenticity and resilience is gold.

Connect with Carolyn Duggan at The Florist on the hill -

Website: https://thefloristonthehill.ie/

Instagram: @thefloristonthehill - https://www.instagram.com/thefloristonthehill/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083415457021

Visit the Shop: 169 Rathmines Road, Dublin

Ready to start your own floral journey? Check out our training programs at [Your School Link] to gain the fundamentals of commercial floristry and retail management.

✨ FREE Online Flower Taster Course – perfect for trying your hand at flower arranging!

Sign up here - https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/youtubefreetastercourse

🌿 FREE Flower Conditioning Program – learn how to keep your cut flowers fresh and fabulous for longer!

Check it out - https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/youtubeflowerconditioningcourse

💐 Beginners Floristry Program – start your journey to becoming a professional floral designer today!

Explore the course - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/online-floristry-programme

💰 Funding Options Available – see if you’re eligible for support towards your training in Ireland.

Find out more - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/funding-to-train-at-kays-flower-school

🌎 Overseas Students Welcome – learn with us from anywhere in the world!

How it works - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/overseas-flower-students

💬 Hear from our Students – discover how Kays Flower School transformed their floral journey.

Read their stories - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/testimonials

📩 Have Questions? Get in touch with us today!

Contact us - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/contact-us

Subscribe to Kay's Flower School channel for our latest clips

Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@KaysFlowerSchool?sub_confirmation=1

#Floristry #FlowerArranging #FloralDesign #FlowerDesign #FlowerArrangement #FloralArt #FloristLife #CreativeFlorist #FloralInspiration #FlowerLovers

Deirdre chats with Tim Huckabee about his real life selling techniques that drive profits for florists. Tim will be visiting Ireland soon and if your onw of the lucky ones you may be able to grab him into your shop to help you as a florist drive your profits.

Contact via email: tim@theprofitableflorist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprofitableflorist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhuckabee/

Tim Huckabee| Training Guru | TheProfitableFlorist.com

646.678.8100 office | 917.257.9927 direct

Tim Huckabee’s journey in the floral industry began in 1993 when he took a job at Surroundings Flowers in New York City. What started as just a job quickly became a passion, as he learned the ins and outs of running a successful flower shop. Seeing firsthand what worked—and what didn’t—he realized that sales and service skills were the missing ingredients in most shops. Determined to change that, he took the best practices he had learned and developed a structured process to teach florists how to sell with confidence, maximize every sale, and provide top-tier customer service.

Since 1997, Tim has personally visited over 7,000 flower shops around the world, training teams in real-life selling techniques that drive results. He continues to teach and coach florists both on-site and through live webinars, helping them transform their businesses into highly profitable, customer-focused operations.

With The Profitable Florist, Tim has worked with shop owners and teams across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and North America, conducting hands-on training and coaching programs that empower staff to be more organized, confident, efficient, and professional.

Florists may also recognize Tim as the author of Flower Shop Sale or Fail, the must-read monthly column in SAF’s Floral Management magazine, where he breaks down real customer interactions and reveals how shops can dramatically improve their sales and service.

With a degree in Marketing from the University of Connecticut, decades of hands-on experience, and a passion for helping florists sell with confidence, Tim remains the industry’s go-to expert for turning everyday staff into high-performing sales professionals—and turning struggling shops into highly profitable businesses.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Want to take your flower skills to the next level but not sure how to do it ?? Check out our FREE Online Flower Taster Course Here - ideal for the total beginner or those who dabble to want to go a bit further -

Sign up Here

https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/freebeginnersflowerarrangingcourse

We also have a Free Flower Conditioning Program that teaches you how to maintain and keep your cut flowers looking their best for longer -

Check it out there - Free Online Flower Conditioning Program — https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/freeflowerconditioningcourse

Beginners Floristry Program to start you on your flowery journey to a career as a floral designer - Online Professional Floristry Courses for beginners https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/online-floristry-programme

Depending on the country you live in you may be eligible for funding towards training here at Kays Flower School - Funding Available for Training as a Florist https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/funding-and-opportunities

If you live outside Ireland you can still train with Kays Flower School, see how it works here - Overseas Floristry Student Information https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/overseas-flower-students

See what our past students have to say about training as a florist at Kays Flower School https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/testimonials

Get in touch with us today Get in Touch https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/contact-us