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Tell us a bit about yourself and your business

After retiring from full time employment, I began pursuing my long-term hobby of floral design. I eventually started selling my arrangements at craft fairs and artisan markets around the country.

Following lots of encouraging and positive comments from customers, I decided to further evolve my business when an opportunity arose to rent a unit within the Idlewells Market Hall.

During my time at the craft fairs, I met many extremely talented and like-minded people, and as a result, some of these artisans now supply me with their hand made products, which are also available to purchase, complimenting my floral arrangements.

I now trade 6 days a week, selling predominantly handmade bespoke floral arrangements, needlefelt items, handmade soaps, bath bombs, soy wax candles, wax melts and wire crafts. I also sell a small number of skulls, dragons and fairies.

I am continuing to create and grow a welcoming environment where customers can browse, chat and purchase high quality hand made products at reasonable prices.

How did you hear about Enterprising Ashfield and its growth programme?

Whilst discussing the terms for opening the unit within the Idlewells Market Hall, I explored several opportunities advertised by Ashfield District Council, who in turn recommended Enterprising Ashfield, where I was introduced to an extremely nice, helpful and informative member of the team.

What made you want to join the programme and what did you hope to get out of it?

Whilst I knew what I wanted to do and achieve, and feel well equipped with life skills, it is also good to get guidance and advice from people who are experts and can help provide both the reassurance about what you are doing, but also help to steer you and show you alternatives which can be better and more efficient. One of the key expectations I had from the programme was to be assured I was doing everything I possibly could to ensure success and to also build a network of contacts and support should I need it.

Were there any challenges you were facing going into the programme?

Whilst I am supported by my husband who completes most of my administration and accounts work, I create all my own floral arrangements, therefore time is a priceless commodity, balancing everything is a continued challenge.

Other more specific challenges are related to technology (web site, social media) and marketing. These are still an acknowledged and known weakness for me, but during the early months of 2025 this is something I will be looking to become more knowledgeable and stronger with.

How did you find the content, pace and delivery of the programme?

The content was informative, the pace was just right for me, the delivery I found to be concise, understandable and we were encouraged to be interactive. The content was thought provoking and made me think.

Has the programme helped get you to where you need to be , and what are your plans now for the business moving forward?

The programme has supported, both in terms of confirming my existing knowledge, further developing this and helping me to define a gap analysis of the areas that need more attention and development.

To further move my business forward I definitely need to enhance my knowledge and commit to technology related learning, social media, web site and marketing.

Any other comments about the growth programme?

Invaluable guidance, templates and methodology to ensure everything is in place to create a successful business.

Would you recommend the programme and Enterprising Ashfield to other people with their own businesses?

I would definitely recommend this programme, especially to people who are just starting up, but equally I can see how this would benefit people who are already in business.