TOOTING MY OWN HORN

**insert blushing here**

Who likes to toot their own horn?! Certainly NOT me when it comes to my actual, legitimate achievements, not owning the hell out of “yeah of course, I make an awesome platter!!”

It always makes me feel awkward and often in an industry like mine where we are constantly told we “play with flowers” I’m left feeling like people won’t think my accomplishments are that great anyway!

BUT.... I was listening to a fellow Gippsland business owner and she talked about owning your achievements and being proud of yourself and the way it was put truly made me reconsider, why do I not embrace all the hard work, hours and awards?!

So here is to owning your awards, achievements and accomplishments no matter how big or small! I encourage you all to be proud of yourself and talk about things you have done that make you say, “hell yeah I did that!”

I’m going to share some of my best with you, I hope this let’s you learn a little about me, how I got to where I am but more importantly that my advise, expertise and experiences come from far and wide and over many years of self development, growth and constant learning!

More information about myself and my awards etc can be found over at our Meet The Team Pages, however for a quick run down on some of my achievements and career, Here We GO!

Began working at our local florist at 10 years old - cleaning, serving customers, making simple arrangements
Worked throughout primary & secondary school at the florist, after school and during peak periods.
Finished VCE with a cracking score and heading off to a private college to being my floristry apprenticeship (4-5 days of work with 1 day per week of schooling with A LOT of homework)
Winner of Oasis Cup - Victoria 2011
Winner of Oasis Cup - Victoria 2012
2nd Place - Intermediate Student Competition - Melbourne Flower and Garden Show
Floristry Apprentice of the Year 2013
Winner of Oasis Cup - Victoria 2013
Overall Winner of Oasis Cup Australia 2013
Winner Interflora Florist of the Future - Victoria 2013
2nd Interflora Florist of the Future Australia 2013
Completed my 3 year apprenticeship
Studied my Certificate 4 in Floristry for another 2 years
2015 Moved to Melbourne to work in a busy store, delivering large scale events, weddings and workshops.
2017 moved back to Gippsland and began working on a local flower farm, business building, wholesaling and working on weddings and events.
2020 Taking the bull by the horns and releasing “Style Lush”

After completing this blog, my Mum messaged me to say I had forgotten awards and would need to revise my list. *rolls eyes*

Moral of my story here is….

This is only the beginning for me and I cannot wait to create beautiful events, meet amazing people and share my passion far and wide.

So I encourage you all to toot your horn, follow your dreams and come on this journey with me.

Rach xx

The Beginning of Style Lush

To be perfectly honest from the age of 4, gardening with my Pa was my top priority. Then it bloomed into a crazy rollercoaster ride of learning, school, long hours and a career with endless potential.

However, when my Pa passed earlier this year, one of the last conversations we had was about my work.

“You are destined for so much more than what you are doing right now. So much of your talent and brain is not getting used to it’s full potential. Stop worrying, believe in yourself as much as all of us believe in you.” - Pa

My Husband agreed, my friends have encouraged and my family... well they are probably rolling their eyes saying “about damn time.”

For “Style Lush” has been a concept in my head and something I have dreamed about my entire life, yet never was game enough to take the leap. So here I am, my Angel from above has spoken and Style Lush is born.

Welcome to my vision and life long dream. I hope it excites your senses and takes your breath away. Just like the creative ideas do to me, every single day.

Rach x

(The Photo above is from my first floristry competition at the International Melbourne and Flower Garden Show where I dedicated my “table for two” to my Pa and I, as always my biggest fan.)