Transforming Your Career with Flower Power, The Florist on the Hill tells all

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 Subscribe to Kay's Flower School channel for our latest clips Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@KaysFlowerSchool?sub_confirmation=1 #Floristry #FlowerArranging #FloralDesign #FlowerDesign #FlowerArrangement #FloralArt #FloristLife #CreativeFlorist #FloralInspiration #FlowerLovers