Blossoming Sustainability: Sarah Diligent's Path from Nanny to Eco-Friendly Florist

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Hi there! It’s Roz Chandler here, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to another enriching episode of The Cutflower Podcast. Today, we have the wonderful Sarah Diligent with us, a wedding and event florist, author, and teacher of sustainable floristry. I’ve admired Sarah’s work for over a decade, and I can’t wait for you to hear her inspiring journey. Let’s dive right in!

Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Diligent, who shares her fascinating transition from being a nanny to becoming a celebrated florist. Sarah recounts her journey into floristry, spurred by her own wedding, and how her passion for flowers and sustainable practices has shaped her career. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running a floristry business, the importance of sustainability, and the evolving trends in the floral industry.

Key Takeaways

1. Sustainability in Floristry: Sarah emphasises the critical role of sustainability in floristry, detailing the environmental impacts of traditional practices and the benefits of using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials.
2. From Nanny to Florist: Discover how Sarah’s global experiences as a nanny contributed to her unique perspective on floristry and her determination to tackle challenging projects.
3. Educational Journey: Learn about Sarah’s educational path, from initial courses at Green and Gorgeous to her extensive training with various florists, which equipped her with the skills and confidence to start her own business.
4. Challenges of the Industry: Sarah candidly shares the hurdles she faced, including initial rejections from florists and the demanding nature of the job, and how she overcame them through perseverance and passion.
5. Consumer Awareness: The importance of educating consumers about the origins of their flowers and the ethical considerations involved in flower farming and floristry.
6. Business and Personal Growth: Insights into how Sarah balances the demands of her business with personal wellbeing, the value of setting boundaries, and continuously striving for sustainability in all aspects of her work.

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