Skip to main content

Floristry learner blooms in business

NSCG adult learner, Lucinda Dono chose to return to education to learn new skills in floristry. Little did she know, that just a few months later, she would be setting up her own floristry business.

Lucinda Dono

"I have always had a passion and interest in art and design, and also a keen interest in plants, so I was really keen to learn more about floristry and apply the skills I already had as well as gaining a recognised qualification.

Initially, I didn't plan on setting up my own business, but after enrolling on the Level 1 Award in Floristry and then progressing onto the Level 2 qualification, I felt really motivated to set up my own business. The more I practised, the more I realised that this was the career for me.

After achieving my qualifications at the end of 2022, I quit my full-time job and set up my business and also worked part-time in retail to give me financial security. Since then, I have sold dried flower arrangements, bouquets, wreaths and other gifts at local craft markets and have even taken wedding bookings, which I'm really excited about.

I thought that it would be great to add more strings to my bow as it were, so whilst I was in the zone to learn, I signed up to study the part-time Create Ceramics course to develop my skills within art and design further. The biggest reward for me is being able to share my passion with my lovely customers and really see an end goal, whilst learning new skills along the way. I'm now looking at expanding my business online, attending more craft markets and maybe even attending more wedding fayres - I'm really excited for the future.

I'd say that the biggest challenge studying as an adult learner was having the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and put myself and my business out there. As I'm developing my skills and portfolio of products, as well as kind words of support from my customers, I definitely feel ready to really go for it.

My advice for any adult learners looking to upskill would be just go for it! If it's something you're passionate about or feel you would enjoy learning more about, then developing your skills gives you a real confidence boost to go on and achieve more. You just never know where learning a new skill will take you."

Discover our adult courses here.