"I chose to attend Hadlow college as it was local to me and with a young family, I wanted to feel settled and close - my youngest was 6 months old when I started. I also knew that for a rural college it would have the feel I wanted - with the floristry department set within Broadview gardens."
Jo Russell - Owner of Eliza Rose, Artisan Floral Design
My favourite aspect of the course was being encouraged by the tutor with my sometimes different and unconventional ideas. We learned something different each week and really got to experiment with different designs. Our lecturer really made us think outside the box within the industry. I enjoyed designs where I got to add props - such as a hand-tied bouquet I created in a circus theme.
As part of the course, we had a trip to a flower wholesaler, which was so helpful in understanding how to cost flower prices and order flowers wholesale on a scale which I would never have done before - so vital for starting a business. Attending the course and completing the assignments really helped set out the foundations of floristry for me to set up my own business in floral design.
Since leaving Hadlow, I’ve set up my own floristry business from home, it’s now in its 2nd year and I’m really happy with how it’s growing. Since starting ‘Eliza Rose’ I’ve been involved with weddings, creating sympathy flowers and events. One highlight of my career was creating bridal flowers for a photo shoot at a small Kentish farm. These photos ended up on the cover of Kent Bride magazine - walking into WH Smiths to see my flowers on the cover of a magazine was really special.
Floristry was a career change for me and although I was nervous, I am so pleased I went to Hadlow and made the leap! It’s only still the start of my journey, but I’m so excited for the future.
My advice to anyone is believe in yourself and you will do great things – go for it!