Leanne Lovell has been a florist for 40 years and loves her job as much today as she did when she started out. “It doesn’t feel like a job for me – I am so passionate about it.” Leanne loves leading the talented team at Victoria Florists. The air is charged with creativity, as flower stems, scissors and ideas are passed around. It’s busy, relentless work, yet offers so much satisfaction. But what’s a working day really like when you’re a florist?

Bright and early

Three mornings a week, Leanne’s alarm goes at 5am – in time for the market. Once upon a time, she’d brave the cold, but now the market is online. It’s frenetic and fun, vying for the best in-season flowers, and anticipating how all the flowers will come together once in the shop. When the market is finished, it’s time for a quick shower because the shop opens at 8am!  

All go from the get-go

At Victoria Florists there are always four florists in the shop, and it really is a team effort. At 8am it’s straight into preparing orders for the courier at 9am. The team spend all day putting together beautiful bouquets, showcasing different flowers in various styles. While it can be quite stressful when people request arrangements last minute, the team always make it work for customers even when timelines are tight. Leanne says they’re always bouncing around ideas and supporting each other. “It’s a great atmosphere, and the day just flows,” she says.

Paper, scissors, thorns

Over the years floristry has taken its toll on Leanne’s hands and earlier this year she had surgery for Carpal Tunnell Syndrome. But, Leanne says, “It’s a small price to pay for such a fulfilling job.” On a day-to-day basis, there are a few minor discomforts that are part and parcel of the job. Leanne says that, while the odd rose thorn gets her, the papercuts are worse! She also says that pinnies and comfy shoes are a must.

The highs and lows

Florists put together flowers for people experiencing the highs and lows of Life. Whether they’re given in times of joy or sorrow, exquisite floral arrangements make the most beautiful and meaningful gifts. As Leanne and the team help customers with their decisions and make up orders, they’re mindful of the circumstances around the flowers – why they’re being given and to whom. “We feel excited putting together flowers to celebrate an engagement or anniversary, and we feel empathy when the flowers are given at a time of loss. We experience many feelings in one day, but we can’t dwell on these feelings because each new customer has a different story.”

Caring for every customer

Whatever their circumstances or budget, all customers at Victoria Florists are treated the same – with the utmost care and attention. “It’s a real privilege to provide exquisite flowers for people in their happiest and saddest times,” Leanne says.