I'm back where it all began…This time, as a teacher. Meet our new trainer, Ali.
Hi, I’m Ali! I’ve officially been a florist for longer than I haven’t been one. It’s a beautiful milestone that feels like both a marker of time and a celebration of a career that’s brought me endless creativity, connection, and joy.
Over the years, I’ve worked mainly in retail floristry across Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and even spent some time in Canada. Each move brought a new experience, new people, and new styles to embrace. Most recently, I was part of the talented team at The Boathouse Group, creating floral installations and arrangements for over 10 stunning venues across Sydney. It was a whirlwind of restaurant florals, weddings, and large-scale events. A chapter filled with creativity and fast-paced excitement.
How Did Floristry Begin for Me?
Interestingly, floristry wasn’t always the plan. Like many people fresh out of high school, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. But I found myself continually drawn to the local florist shop. Something about the environment, the flowers, the movement, it just felt right. I started with some work experience, and before long, I was working full-time. The owner of that shop saw potential in me and encouraged me to enrol at Pearsons School of Floristry, and now, in a wonderful full-circle moment, I’ve returned to teach where it all began.
What's Exciting Me Now?
Transitioning into teaching is something I’ve been dreaming about for a while. But with young kids and part-time work, the timing just wasn’t right, until recently. When my youngest started school, I finally had the opportunity to study full-time and gain the formal qualifications needed to teach. So right now, what excites me the most is that my dream is now my reality. Being able to share what I’ve learned over the years and inspire the next generation of florists feels incredibly meaningful.
A Memorable Moment in Floristry?
There have been so many fun, joyful moments shared with incredible teams, but one thing that always stands out is wedding work, especially for close friends. There's nothing quite like the moment you hand a bride her bouquet and see her gasp because you’ve nailed the brief. That reaction never gets old.
Career Highs and Learning Curves
One of the biggest learning curves came each time I moved to a new city. The styles and floral preferences changed dramatically between shops and regions. I had to adapt quickly. Some changes I adored, others not so much, but I learned something valuable from each experience. Every new workplace added a new skill or technique to my toolkit.
As for a career high? That’s harder to define; there have been many small peaks that felt just right in the moment. Perhaps this new chapter in teaching is the biggest one yet.
Oh, and working on Sydney’s North Shore came with its fair share of A-list celebrities. I’ve had the chance to create florals for Nicole Kidman, Eric Bana, Geoffrey Rush… just to name a few.
Advice for Aspiring Florists
If you’re thinking of entering floristry, go for it! Dive in headfirst, ask questions, be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The industry is filled with passionate, creative people who are always learning from one another.
If you’d like to meet Ali or any of our amazing trainers, book a Private Tour today and take a sneak peek inside our vibrant school. A chance for you to tour our facilities and ask any questions about our upcoming courses.