Future looks rosy for local florist

But for one talented young lady, transferring her creative talents from one career to the other has been a seamless exercise which has been recognised with an award in a prestigious industry competition.

After spending nine years as a graphic designer, 27 year-old Carlie Eldredge has made an impressive start in her career, scooping first place in the Interflora Rising Star competition in late July held at the Home and Building Expo at Wayville Showgrounds.

Carlie, who runs her own business Beyond Flowers at Grange, put her skills on the line against other South Australian florists, drawing on her creative background to create a winning design.

Each florist was required to create a centrepiece for a round table with the theme of ‘Crossed and Curved’ while under the watchful eye of Interflora officials.

For Carlie the inspiration for her winning design came in the middle of the night.

“The night before the competition I had absolutely no idea what I was going to create,” she said.

“But I was confident that an idea would come to me by the morning.

“Luckily it did and when I woke up in the middle of the night, I drew a picture of what I had dreamt and used that design for the competition

"We had an hour of prep work before getting started on our piece.”

The competitors were given the same flowers to work with- anthuriums, gerberas, carnations, orchids, various leaves and red cornus sticks with judges looking for theme interpretation, technique, colour and harmony.

For the first- time competitor, nerves almost saw Carlie withdraw from the competition.

“But I was determined to have a go and see how I went,” she said.

“I never dreamt I would win, especially since the other designs were so beautiful!”

Carlie said the competition was a great opportunity to keep abreast of the latest floral trends.

“It doesn’t matter what sort of job you do, I think there is always risk of becoming complacent,” she said.

“This is a great chance to think outside the square and it forced me to be creative and think on my feet”.

The elated floral artist attributed her Rising Star award to her late Grandmother who nurtured a love of flowers with hours shared in the garden and to a friend, Thomas, whose death at age 28 prompted a career change.

Carlie, whose favourite flowers are peonies and David Austin Roses, has run her own shop for nearly two years.

"I love being able to work with flowers every day, but my specialty and definitely my favourite work is big events like weddings and functions,” she said.

“Its a wonderful process doing wedding flowers from the initial meeting with the couple, right through to the big day.

“And being able to totally transform a venue into a client’s vision for an important event is very satisfying.”

"Flowers bring joy, whether it's a wedding, a corporate event, to brighten up an office, celebrate a new baby or just to let someone know you care.

“I love the opportunity to be part of people’s lives from joyous events to helping them show they care in times of loss.

“And the industry is dynamic and very challenging.

“Changing careers was definitely the best move I’ve ever made”.

With highly-trained florists specialising in weddings, corporate flowers and events and beautiful affordable arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries and funerals, Beyond Flowers is the one-stop shop for all floral needs.

Since starting her business Carlie has implemented some innovative new ideas including a special occasion register so there is no excuse to forget that special anniversary or birthday and a market-to-you service for people who love to fill their home with fresh flowers, but enjoy arranging them at home.

To find out more, please visit www.beyondflowers.com.au

Contact:
Carlie Eldredge, Beyond Flowers
carlie@beyondflowers.com.au
Ph. 08 8353 2000

# # #