Chelsea Gold Medal winning florist Jillian started in the business at the age of 14 as a ‘wee Saturday girl’. Thirty six years later she’s running a thriving shop in her home town and loves every minute of her job. If a customer goes away smiling, she knows she’s succeeded.
Floristry just came so naturally it was almost like I didn’t have to think too much about a lot of it. The creative part of the brain was the only bit that was working for me so it all fell into place perfectly. It’s all I’ve ever done, it’s like breathing. I can’t imagine not doing it, it’s always been part of me.
The best part of the job is when somebody comes back and they’ve got a smile on their face. You have to make the customer happy. You’re sending an emotion, you have to be personable and approachable and passionate about what you’re doing. That’s hugely important and that’s what we built the business on, customer service and the experience we have. The hard graft and the aches and pains are all worth it when you see somebody smiling.
Being part of the GFG is brilliant. We were delighted to be accepted. Love the stickers and we’re very proud that we’re part of a wider network of florists of the same standard. The general public need to see things like that, they love the fact that you have the accolade and they take ownership of that, they’re proud of it. It’s made a big difference to our clients and to us. As a team, it’s a great thing to be proud of. We love the online community too and the support is there.
