Karen Radford
Which course/s did you study at Tallulah Rose and when?
I studied the Four-Week Career Change course in June 2025. I have also bolted on other courses as well such as Floral Sanctuary, Celebrate Winter and Everlasting Flowers …..so far!
What did you most enjoy about the course/s?
Basically I love to learn and found the challenge of learning something new every day was so invigorating. The feeling of accomplishment at the end was just so satisfying.
What was the most important thing that you learnt?
Feel the fear and do it anyway! Everything that I learnt practically was invaluable, but I also learnt a lot on the technical aspects and detail on running a floral business and this was something that opened my eyes to a more modern way of thinking.
What has been your most memorable moment since finishing the course?
When I finished the course I felt like I could only dream of hosting a workshop…at the end of November 2025 I held my very first workshop at a lovely venue and thought “I am really doing this”.
What inspired you to change careers into floristry?
My previous career as a hairstylist had panned over thirty years but I always had a love for flowers and floristry and using them in interiors. I realised that as long as I have a creative outlet with my hands in nature creating a design that this was my calling.
What’s the best piece of advice Rachel gave you?
Stay true to you! I am mindful of this a lot and I work in a way that sits comfortably with me.
How would you describe your floral style?
Natural, seasonal, timeless, garden inspired with a slightly airy feel. If the flowers dance I’m happy!
What’s the most valuable part of being able to say you trained at Tallulah Rose?
Tallulah Rose is such a well-respected and recognised name within the industry. Whenever I tell anyone I trained with TRFS it’s always met with “oh you lucky thing” ….this is not wasted on me and I feel very grateful. I am extremely proud to be a Tallulah!
How has freelancing helped you in your floral career?
I realised during the course that freelancing was something I would really enjoy. Being able to work with florists who are already established and who need enthusiastic team members who are dedicated to their craft means a lot to me. It’s great to have a team around you and a good opportunity to keep learning and honing your skills.
What do you love most about being a florist?
Being creative with my hands in nature. I love the way you can transform a room, a vase, a church an archway, with flower power!
Is there an opportunity that springs to mind that Tallulah Rose gave you the confidence to pursue?
The course taught me that I could take a hobby and turn it into a second career doing something else I loved. Rachel encouraged me to say yes to opportunities that came my way…so I said yes to hosting a workshop and just went for it!
What is your favourite British flower and why?
This is a difficult one… Although it’s seasonal for me it’s the rose. Every day on the Tallulah Rose course it was like walking into a sweet shop with a beautiful array of British flowers and foliage. I will never forget the roses though and how I just wanted to plunge my head into them and drink the scent. A couple of show piece roses in an arrangement can completely transform it.
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