Meet our Alumni, Mark Khodair.
Studying a double degree in Law & Psychology at the University of New South Wales with an anticipated Admission as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court in August 2024 was not hitting the creative outlet that Mark always desired.
While studying for such a demanding degree, Mark took the leap and followed his passionate floral dreams. He completed his double degree in Law and Psychology and Certificate III in Floristry this year!
We recently checked in with Mark to find out more about his balance of life, study, and passion.
How has life changed for you since completing the course?
Life in general has moved at such a rapid pace since starting the course in July 2023 and finishing in April this year. I have been able to nourish my creative drive by learning and developing a skillset that I can now utilise to bring joy to others and, most importantly, myself! I have been able to move myself from a position of not knowing so much about the art and craft of floristry to now being able to create, design, and style with a solid foundation of knowledge and training.
Have you always wanted to work in Floristry, if not how did floristry come about for you?
I currently work in the legal industry and have recently graduated from a double degree in Law & Psychology at the University of New South Wales with an anticipated Admission as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court in August 2024. I have an interest in the areas that I have studied and am currently working in, however, I have always been a creative person at heart since I was younger. I love to create and generate creativity in the avenues that I can within my community, workplace, and personally in my own life around my friends and family. I had spent quite some time going back and forth with floristry, despite my love of nature and flowers. However, I decided last year to take the leap and feed into this desire by immersing myself in the course. My mindset at the time was to test the waters; to discover if it was something I wanted to continue pursuing. And now, I am so glad that I did because I loved (and continue to love) spending my time learning and creating both throughout and outside of the course.
What was it about Pearsons School that made you want to study with us?
I did plenty of research into Pearsons beforehand and knew that it was where I wanted to complete the course. I loved learning about their work, the types of trainers that students learn from, the resources, and the ability to network with and learn from professionals in the floristry industry. I loved that I could spend one full day a week away from everything and immerse myself in flowers, solely.
What did you love about studying the ‘SFL30115 Certificate III in Floristry’ with Pearsons School?
I loved so much, if not all of it. I loved my trainers and appreciated the opportunity to learn from different trainers throughout the course. I loved my class and meeting my peers who I can now call my friends! I loved the resources, the expertise and guidance the trainers held and provided, and the ability to grow and learn each week in a safe and supported environment. I loved the enrichment nights and market visits that students were invited to. I loved that while all students learnt the same skills and techniques, there was still so much room to explore and nourish our own creative styles and interests.
Did you take on any work experience opportunities during your study at Pearsons, and if so what were they?
I did, I took work experience with florists in the events industry. While these florists produce and sell bouquets to customers, they primarily create beautiful arrangements and installations for a range of personal and corporate events. I loved being able to gain a behind-the-scenes experience on multiple occasions which broadened my understanding of working with florals in the event space.
What projects/floristry work are you most excited about or would love to work on now that you’ve finished your course?
Prior to starting the course, I was interested in pursuing floristry in the events industry and I am still aiming to do so. I would love to be a part of designing and styling many different locations and venues to create beautiful floral arrangements and installations for a range of events. I primarily aim to continue developing my knowledge through greater experience with event florists.
How have you found searching for and securing work in the industry?
In my experience, I have personally reached out to my favourite florists that I have been following for a long time. I reach out and express my interest in wanting to volunteer with them to help them in any way possible and to learn as much as I can from them!
What have you learned about floristry since leaving the classroom and working in the industry?
It is more laborious than you think! Flowers are pretty, but the work is labour intensive. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes and many people in fact do not realise that. There is a lot of work that goes into creating, designing and styling beautiful installations and arrangements at events. The same can be applied in retail floristry; stock management, flower care and handling, customer service, etc. The industry is labour intensive and this aspect of floristry is one that I continue to learn about the more I engage with my own work and the work of others.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get in to floristry?
Take the leap, just do it. The only reason why we fear taking a next step is because what we really fear is the unfamiliarity that lies ahead. The only way in which we can continue to grow and expand our horizons is to engage in new opportunities and challenges that take us out of our comfort zone. I was really hesitant to enrol myself in the course at Pearsons and many individuals in my life can attest to that! But one priority for me was to discover what creative outlet was fulfilling and rewarding for me; and at the time I believed learning more about floristry would do so. Never be afraid to learn, grow and develop. I am incredibly grateful for the lessons that I was taught by the trainers that I had the pleasure of learning from, and I feel relief and joy as a result of taking the courage to take this next step for myself, no matter the outcome.
Instagram: @marjairflora