 Emma Reid (Centre) - Winner of the 2007 OASIS® Academy Competition, receiving her trophy from Smithers-Oasis UK Ltd. MD, Stephen Short (L)Emma fell into floristry by accident really. It was never something she’d thought about doing, but when she left school and was offered a place in the florist shop where both her sisters worked, she was completely hooked after just one week.
After competing in the 2006 OASI® Academy, Emma says she found it to be a great experience and hence applied for the 2007 OASIS® Academy competition, which again was such a good experience. It also gave her a taste of what it is like to work in front of an audience; a little nerve racking!
On hearing that she was through to the final, Emma says she was gob smacked. Now she has won the competition, Emma says she is still a bit speechless; “I am so excited (and a bit nervous) at the opportunities that I will have. To come in first was just amazing!”
Emma continued, “I enjoyed the whole experience of the competition, and the flowers and sundries supplied were just amazing. The representatives from OASIS® Floral Products were so friendly and helpful, and it was great to meet other florists from around the country.”
Emma is currently studying NVQ level 3, which she expects to complete by the end of January and says her favourite type of work is funeral work, as she loves to do textured designs.
Emma hopes that winning the competition will bring her recognition within the industry and the opportunity to increase her knowledge and experience. Her sheer determination and passion for the industry has got her where she is today and she is constantly researching for new ideas and inspiration from books, web sites and trade magazines.
Five years from now, she would love to own her own shop and to teach on a leisure basis. She would also like to encourage more youngsters into the industry and help them develop their skills.
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