In August 2012 I woke at 3am and mulled over whether or not to leave my corporate job at JPMorgan and open a flower shop.  I had enrolled on a course 6 months earlier at Jane Packer in London and returned to Salisbury with armfuls of flowers and a big smile. 

That morning the niggle wouldn't go away so rather than go back to sleep, I undertook an online nickname search of my christian names 'Pauline Elizabeth' - it returned 2 lists including 'Paloma' and 'Lily'.  At 4am, I registered  www.palomalily.com, and wrote a resignation letter. The Paloma Lily adventure had begun!

I've always expressed my creativity through renovating homes and having an enduring love of gardens.  Grandad's award winning dahlias were the size of dinner plates, Mum inherited his green fingers so I was always surrounded by beautiful outdoor spaces. 

Largely self taught, armed with lots of enthusiasm and an eye for detail, I enrolled on further 2 week course with the talented London florist Jamie Aston in Marylebone; and am forever grateful for his generosity in sharing his creative ideas, technical advice and business tips.

What's the secret of running a flower shop? Consistency, striving to do better and without doubt doing what I love helps navigate retail's ups and downs. Lastly my community, the givers of hugs and providers of endless support - this I couldn't have done without.

Much love Pauline X