Maureen Jarvis, from Drumoak, worked hard to carve out a career in the fashion retail industry.
For 14 years, she managed 30 stores that built up an annual turnover of £86million.
But she gave up her highly successful job – for flowers.
Maureen, 45, and originally from Aberdeen, said: “I had a conversation with a friend who had his own business.
“He suggested that I put my long hours, hard work and commitment into something for myself and asked if there was anything I’d ever longed to do,” said Maureen, who is married to Harry and has two grown-up children, Samantha and Paul.
“I immediately replied that I’d always wanted to be a florist.”
She spent two years researching the flower business before giving up her job in fashion, then learned the art of floristry before opening her own business, Harmony Florist, at Banchory.
Floristry courses at Aberdeen College gave her a good grounding in basic floristry disciplines, design principles and wedding and Christmas floral designs.
Work experience came through Samantha, who booked her mum on to an evening course with David Florist, of Thistle Street, Aberdeen.
Seeing she had a flair for floristry, David took her on as soon as a position became free and working there provided her with the skill, understanding and knowledge she required.
“Working with David was a fantastic experience,” said Maureen.
“People tend to view flower design as a delicate and graceful occupation. It’s actually very dirty and hard work.
“There’s lots of heavy lifting and your nails are never clean but, of course, the environment is gorgeous and it’s very rewarding.”
She opened her shop in April, at which point, she discovered Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire.
“The Business Gateway website is an amazing tool and I would recommend anyone thinking of going into business to take a look,” Maureen said.
“I used it to format my business plan and to help me consider every aspect and avenue of starting a business.
“It provided lots of hints and tips and highlighted useful, and free, workshops to attend.”
Business Gateway’s Liz Pirrie said: “As Maureen was fairly new to the area, having only moved to Drumoak in the last three years, making contacts and raising awareness of her new business was very important.
“I recommended she attend the Women into-Business workshop, which is an ideal networking opportunity, and the marketing workshop, which explains what you need to know about market and customer research and provides an understanding of customers and their buying habits so you can sell more effectively.”
Contact: Business Gateway on 0845 609 6611 or visit www.bgateway.com