Meet our new trainer Linda!
Join us in welcoming Linda, our new floristry trainer at Pearsons School.
With a wealth of experience in the floral industry, a passion for the artistry of blooms, and a commitment to sharing knowledge, Linda is ready to inspire and nurture the next generation of florists. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, our floristry classes are about to get even more exciting! Read on to find out more about Linda, her journey into Floristry, and her highs and lows throughout her career so far.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I dipped my toe into floristry when I was 17 as an apprentice at a busy florist in Sydney CBD, I’ve loved it ever since! I was thrown into the deep end from day one, delivering large corporate arrangements around the city.
From there I went on to work at a lovely florist in Oatley until I built up the courage to invest in my own business at 19 - La Vie en Rose in Kirribilli. A few years later, I opened a second store in Beecroft. I ran the two shops for about 8 years. Having taught so many junior florists, I found a passion for teaching and started my journey as a floristry trainer.
After taking a short break to have kids, I opened Twig & Vine in 2015 and have focused all my floral energy on the business since then.
Why Floristry?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved flowers. I was always inspired by my Nana's amazing garden. I originally wanted to work in the travel industry, but when I moved out of home from Coffs Harbour to Sydney at 17, I happened to see a job advertised for a florist and thought - that would be fun! I was right it was so much fun. Hard work, but always so enjoyable!
I am very excited to get back into teaching again. Being able to share the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful florist with anyone who wants to learn is a joy for me.
Memorable moments?
Gosh, there’s been so many memorable moments. Being awarded North Shore Florist of the Year was very memorable. One of my favourite jobs was for Nova Radio Station, they fitted out an amazing boat on Sydney Harbour with beautiful flowers for a product promotion, it was the most glorious day out on the Harbour working with glorious flowers.
A career-high has been becoming a preferred supplier to the Sydney Opera House - it’s such an incredible venue to work with.
A learning curve was navigating our small business through a global pandemic - Covid! We lost all our corporate customers overnight. We came up with a plan and managed to pivot our business to focus on a new range of flowers and gift hampers which ended up being popular over that time.
My advice to anyone wanting to get into floristry would be to trust in your ability - give it a go, and say yes to every opportunity to learn - you never know where it might lead!
I can’t wait to meet you in the hallways or the classroom
Insta: twigandvine_flowers
Facebook: Twig and Vine
Website: twingandvine.com.au