Are you dreaming of a career change that trades the corporate grind for creative blooms?

In our first podcast of 2026, Deirdre welcomes Carolyn Duggan, the award-winning owner of The Florist on the Hill and the 2025 "Florist of the Year". Carolyn shares her inspiring journey of how flowers "found her" during the COVID-19 lockdown, leading her to transition from a 15-year career as a high-level visual manager into a thriving, quirky, and "disruptive" floral business.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

The Career Pivot: How Carolyn used her background in visual merchandising to create a unique brand identity in the floral industry.

Floristry Training: Why seeking professional counsel and training is vital to avoid "expensive mistakes" when starting out.

Growing a Brand: How she opened two shops in one year and built a "waiting list" for weddings years in advance.

Signature Style: The secrets behind her famous "bouquet reveals" and why being "not everyone's cup of tea" is her superpower.

Business Realities: A behind-the-scenes look at managing a retail shop solo while maintaining a cutting garden.

Whether you are an aspiring florist looking for professional floristry training or someone considering a creative career change, Carolyn’s advice on authenticity and resilience is gold.

Connect with Carolyn Duggan at The Florist on the hill -

Website: https://thefloristonthehill.ie/

Instagram: @thefloristonthehill - https://www.instagram.com/thefloristonthehill/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083415457021

Visit the Shop: 169 Rathmines Road, Dublin

Ready to start your own floral journey? Check out our training programs at [Your School Link] to gain the fundamentals of commercial floristry and retail management.

✨ FREE Online Flower Taster Course – perfect for trying your hand at flower arranging!

Sign up here - https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/youtubefreetastercourse

🌿 FREE Flower Conditioning Program – learn how to keep your cut flowers fresh and fabulous for longer!

Check it out - https://kaysflowerschool.myflodesk.com/youtubeflowerconditioningcourse

💐 Beginners Floristry Program – start your journey to becoming a professional floral designer today!

Explore the course - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/online-floristry-programme

💰 Funding Options Available – see if you’re eligible for support towards your training in Ireland.

Find out more - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/funding-to-train-at-kays-flower-school

🌎 Overseas Students Welcome – learn with us from anywhere in the world!

How it works - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/overseas-flower-students

💬 Hear from our Students – discover how Kays Flower School transformed their floral journey.

Read their stories - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/testimonials

📩 Have Questions? Get in touch with us today!

Contact us - https://www.kaysflowerschool.com/contact-us

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