Hannah Walsh

Before starting Floristry, I was studying sports therapy and human anatomy in College at home in Belfast. I had hopes of becoming a yoga teacher and wellness instructor. This is something that I did go onto achieve, but not something that I need a career from. Feeling unsatisfied and locked down during Covid I felt I needed more and therefore I relocated to Ibiza. Where I lived for 2 1/2 years working in the hospitality and wellness industry.

I moved to London about 4 years ago from Spain and Ireland where I am originally from. I was working in hospitality which very quickly progressed into a full-time management role within a very busy restaurant on Portobello Road. I was very proud of this achievement as it enabled me to showcase my skills in the workplace in a leading role in another city. After around one year of working there and doing their Flowers weekly too I realised, I had a missed passion. Each week as I was arranging the bud vases for the tables of the restaurant, It reminded me of being a little girl and watching my mum prepare the fresh flowers that she bought for herself. This begun a journey for me of discovery and I searched for the right course for me in Floristry.

Another motive for enrolling in Floristry with Westminster adult education services is that I find all other courses in Floristry to be unattainable. They were so expensive, and I feared that my hopes of becoming a Florist were gone. On one random day after a period of sickness, I search the web again in hopes to find something more affordable, And out of the blue, the advertisement for Westminster adult education services appeared in front of me. I felt so lucky that an opportunity like this had just presented itself to me.

I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the course both theory and practical are extraordinarily important in this industry. Without the theory knowledge, it would be very hard to understand why we make certain decisions in the practical field I was engaged throughout all class lessons. I particularly enjoyed the Christmas outings to the flower market with my class. This was one of the first times that I got to experience the market during its hustle and bustle.

The teachings of this course was nothing short of pure excellence. Our teacher, Hannah Cheeseman done the best job I could’ve ever anticipated. She is a delight to learn from and someone well vetted within the industry who has covered all realms. It excited me to learn from someone with such a vast range of experience. I also particularly had wonderful relationships with Connie, The school counsellor, And Pia. These strong women helped me through some of the tougher days.

My greatest achievement at WAES was the successful completion of my synoptic exams. And also being invited to speak in the Westminster Lord Mayors parlour, To speak to potential businesses that would collaborate with our College in the future to offer better work placement opportunities for the next generation of student students. This opportunity was huge for my personal growth and career.

Without this course and my work experience opportunity, my CV wouldn’t be as decorated as it currently is. Major opportunities that I wouldn’t have been an option for before are now my reality. Without such success in College, I would not have had the opportunity to work for the Dorchester hotel, Or work in celebrity homes or travel for my work. I have travelled cross country and I have a Switzerland trip approaching for a client christmas installation. I owe all of these opportunities to Westminster Adult Education Service.

My advice to anyone considering enrolling in this course is simple: go for it don’t hesitate or assume you can find something better, or that work experience alone is enough. I had the same thoughts initially and faced many barriers because of them. Since completing this course, the knowledge I have gained has enabled me to confidently answer most floristry-related questions employers have asked, which helped build their trust in my ability to carry out the job effectively. As a result, I have become successful within the industry.

As I prepare to become a new mother in March, I am now considering furthering my education by completing my Level Three Floristry training during my maternity leave. This will allow me to return to work with even more knowledge and confidence, ready to continue growing in an industry I truly love.