From Mum Life to Flower Life: Gabriella’s Journey to Florist Boss
At 46, Gabriella stepped into Pearsons School of Floristry with butterflies in her stomach and a spark in her heart. After two decades as a devoted full-time mum, she was ready to begin again, not just by studying floristry, but by stepping straight into the dream she’d carried for years... Owning her very own flower shop.
“I walked past that shop for eight years saying, ‘That’s my shop.’ One day I popped in to buy flowers and walked out seriously considering buying it. Four months later, it was mine.”
Floristry had always been calling. Back in high school, Gabriella dreamed of studying floristry or interior design. But life had other plans, and she followed her parents’ advice to “get a real job,” leading to careers in banking and aviation before raising her family. It wasn’t until her 40s that she finally made space for her dream and returned to what had always made her feel most like herself: working with flowers.
Choosing Pearsons was an instinctive decision.
“Emelia made me feel seen and supported. She helped me believe I could do this, even with a new business, a family to care for, and a three-hour trip to class.”
At Pearsons, Gabriella found more than skills; she found confidence. She loved the hands-on structure of the course, the passion of her teachers, and the mix of modern and classic techniques.
“Every class felt like an achievement. I was never just a number, I always felt supported and encouraged.”
Owning her own shop became its own kind of classroom. She learned on the job, about her customers, her community, and how to apply everything she was learning at Pearsons to build a meaningful, personal business.
Creating flowers for all occasions brings her joy, but one area touches her heart most deeply: “Funeral flowers are so emotional and personal. It’s a real honour to help families say goodbye with beauty and love.”
Her message to others?
“Be brave. Follow your dreams. It’s never too late to be your true, authentic self. Floristry isn’t just about flowers, it’s about connection, meaning, and heart.”
Follow Gabriella’s Journey:
Instagram: @mvf_milton_village_florist
Website: www.miltonvillageflorist.com
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