Kirsty Noble ... a Champion newcomer with style!
She’s only 25 but Kirsty Noble has already achieved more than many. A natural live wire, she decided to pivot her academia career from languages to an art-based course and the rest, as they say, is history.
Because Kirsty Noble is now the 2024 Newcomer of the Year … winning the finals at the national competition held at the BFA Fleurex back in September. Oh yes and owner of a brand-new shop in Bolsover … a little project she managed to complete at the same time!
Caroline Marshall-Foster caught up with Kirsty to find out what makes her tick, how she got to this stage and where she sees herself in the future,
What got you into floristry?
After school, I followed the conventional route: college, A-levels, and then university. I initially studied languages because I excelled in those subjects in school. However, I quickly realised that academic study wasn’t the right fit for me. I decided to pivot, enrolled in an art degree at Sheffield Hallam University and there I discovered my passion for nature and florals; they naturally inspired my work. Towards the end of university, I knew I wanted a hands-on career in something more traditional and tactile. About a week after leaving university, I found a job in a local flower shop - and that’s where I really fell in love with floristry.
Where did you train and why did you decide to go to college
I trained at The Floristry School Sheffield, a place I was drawn to even before fully knowing where my career would take me. I chose college because I wanted a tangible qualification and a skillset to rely on. I completed my apprenticeship within two years, although at times it was a struggle to find the right fit between work and college. I loved my time at The Floristry School; it had a wonderfully creative atmosphere that truly embodied Sheffield’s energy, and which I fell in love with when I moved here at 18. I completed my Level 2 and then progressed to Level 4, which really solidified my skills.
How does it feel to win the Newcomer title?
It’s been incredibly validating. It marks a significant turning point for me - not only as a business owner but as someone making their mark on the high street. I’ve worked for others, but opening my shop is the first venture I’ve done entirely for myself. Winning the title of UK Florist of the Year gives me the confidence that I’m starting from a strong position to succeed.
Kirsty received her tophy from Paul Southwick, MD of Oasis Floral Products who sponsored both the heats and Finals of the Florist of the Year competitions
In the same evening you won the highest marks in the Practical Level 4 … how important was training to you/what drove you to keep studying.
Achieving the highest practical marks nationally was an incredible honour. It came as a surprise, but when I look back at how much effort I put into my practical training, it makes sense. While I may not have excelled in the theory as much, I poured my energy into the hands-on work. I had tremendous support from my tutors, Jo (Biddell) and Abby (McGuire) as well as my employers, and even benefitted from world-class training through WorldSkills. During the practical exams, I was juggling renovating my shop and freelancing, so it felt like my focus was elsewhere but despite the juggles to have come out with the highest mark was really rewarding.
With Level 5 probably going to be an expensive option how will you continue your learning process or will you focus on the shop.
It’s unfortunate that Level 5 isn’t funded anymore because it would have been the perfect next step for me. However, I remain close with Jo, Abby, and Georgia from The Floristry School, so I know I’ll always have their support. Plus, I have mentors like Tracey Campbell, who has extensive sustainable floristry knowledge, and Kerry from Tineke Floral Designs, who’s a fantastic businesswoman. Over the last three years, I’ve been learning on the go trying really hard to constantly get better - listening to people - seeing what they really want and how I can be better service to them in my local area.
How important have competitions been to you?
I think they have really helped set me apart. They’ve provided positive affirmation, which I didn’t always receive in my workplaces. The feedback I’ve received has been invaluable, and it’s something I carry with me in every design I create. My love for competing began with WorldSkills, where I gained a silver medal. That spurred me to go back the next year and win gold. It’s been a huge confidence booster to prove my skills on such a public platform.
What would you say to another youngster thinking about entering?
I’d encourage anyone to give it a go—you never know where it could lead. The training and experiences I gained from WorldSkills, for example, were priceless and set me on a path to success. Even if afterwards, you decide that competing isn’t for you, the feedback is always constructive and can help to guide your next steps.
Kirsty at work in the finals and her stunning Sash design ... one of the designs that had to be completed in the finals
With many saying that retail is dead what encouraged you to open a shop
While “retail is dead” is a bit of sweeping statement, I do think retail has evolved. Times are tougher, and costs are higher, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for success. I find inspiration in every shop window, adverts, fashion, trend alerts and what people are asking for and I apply those ideas to my business. You just have to keep adapting, no matter how exhausting it can be.
Tell me a bit more about the shop – where it is/what made you choose the location etc
My shop is located in Bolsover, a heritage town just outside Chesterfield, where I’ve always worked. The town has a northern, down-to-earth charm, and the High Street’s aesthetic complements the look and feel I envisioned for my shop. It’s a place where people support honest businesses, and that felt right for me. I live nearby, so it was a natural choice. When the space became available, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for my own shop, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Sometimes, passion takes the lead, and I’m glad I followed my instincts.
Kirsty literally made her shop come to life from scratch ... making sure every step looked interesting to passer's by.
How would you describe your design style?
My style is a bit difficult to pin down, I think because I’m so early on in my career it’s constantly changing. It’s hugely informed by my experience which is an amalgamation of art, wild natural styling, as well as commercial flower shop understanding too. If I had to explain it, I’d describe it as decorative with a strong influence from natural growth patterns. I let the botanical forms guide my designs. I’m comfortable working and playing with colour which is my favourite part of designing - probably from my painting days. My goal is to offer a touch of that artistic flair with every arrangement, and it’s usually well received by my clients.
How do you tick the ethical trading boxes in terms of environmental and sustainability issues and do customers care?
Sustainability comes naturally to me, likely due to my training. Although not all of the businesses I’ve freelanced for were sustainability focused, I’ve been fortunate to work with Tracey Campbell, who has been practicing sustainable floristry long before it became mainstream.
I’m far from perfect, but I’m always working to make small improvements in becoming a more environmentally conscious business. I think I’m lucky to come from a generation that naturally questions sustainability and a lot of greenwashing that goes in on the industry, and doing some things ‘old school’ in my shop just doesn’t sit very well with me. I’m also coming to learn the need for marketing this and making it a unique selling point; Customers do appreciate when you can explain the origins of their flowers and the importance of environmental care.
Sustainability comes naturally to Kirtsy ... her simple cross is testement to her beliefs.
Who inspires you in the world of business and why?
I’m particularly inspired by young entrepreneurs, especially women who have built businesses from the ground up, as I have. I feel like I’m consistently reminded of my age and there’s huge pressure to have everything figured out already. I love honest and open businesswomen who aren’t afraid to explain what it really feels like. So for me, Grace Beverley [https://www.instagram.com/gracebeverley) has been a major inspiration with her approach to productivity and business. I’ve also learned a huge deal from Kerry and Tracey, both of whom I’ve worked for. Their openness and authenticity consistently inspires me and they’ve shown me how to navigate the challenges of running a business.
Who inspires you in the world of floristry and why?
I could probably reel off a lot of names but one moment really stands out for me. Ever since I saw Elizabeth Newcombe and Charlotte Davies at the Interflora Semi-finals in Manchester, I knew I wanted to compete. Their designs were incredible, and I was absolutely fascinated. But I also draw inspiration from the women I’ve worked alongside in retail floristry—those who solve problems on the spot in the shop, creating beautiful work in challenging circumstances. I love those stories of innovation that happen every day in a flower shop that no one really gets to see.
Colour is hugely important in every design ... a throwback to her time as an artist.
Where do you see the future for you as a business?
It’s hard to predict the future, and I try not to make assumptions. As long as the business continues to make me happy, I’ll be content. It’s such early days, and it takes a long time to become established especially in a small town like Bolsover. I would love to continue in Bolsover for as long as it’ll have me, and I love the idea that I might take on my own apprentice one day.
What are your personal dreams and aspirations – demonstrator/tutor/something else
Right now, I’m happy running my shop, but I know that might change in the future. Floristry, especially shop work, can be physically and mentally demanding, so I might step back at some point. I haven’t fully mapped out the next few years, so I guess the short answer is I just don’t know yet, but I’m 25, so there’s plenty of time to figure it out, I’m open to whatever comes my way.
Do you buy online or go to a wholesaler?
I prefer online because it makes my life easier, plus I think it’s just the way I’ve always worked and has helped make me a more organised florist. That said I try to buy from local growers too if I have an event or need that ‘whimsical’ British grown charm but the predictability of online ordering makes a lot of business sense. It’s just convenient and a lot of my suppliers have made it really easy to do.
Are you an Insta or Facebook type of girl and how does it help the business?
I am definitely an Instagram girl although that makes me a bit sick to say that. I just think I understand it better and as much as I’m young I definitely wouldn’t call myself tech-savvy! To me it’s on the same level as admin jobs, so I do struggle with the concentration required sometimes. That said, I’ve been really working on it, and I do feel it slowly starting to pay off. I like to think that it might be a customer’s first interaction with the business so it needs to show what we do, show some personality and show them why they should shop with us.
What’s your best marketing tip to another florist
Continue to shout as much as you need to. About what you’ve done, what your successes are and what’s going on at the shop. There’s no way people will find out if you don’t shout loud enough so it doesn’t matter how many times you think you’ve said it, someone will never have heard of you, so shout until the cows come home as far as I’m concerned. I’ll be painting my windows for the next year to celebrate winning Newcomer of the Year!
Kirsty makes sure her logo is EVERYWHERE ... even the biscuits at the shop opening were branded!
What do you do on your day off?
Don’t think I know when my last day off was, but that is the life I have chosen, so I can’t complain! With any time off I try to see family and friends as much as I can because I feel like they recharge my batteries. I live in a beautiful part of the country, so I try get out for a walk and enjoy it whenever I can.
The plug … what’s so great about your business and why should people use it?
My business is a complete personal reflection of me. Everything has been built from the ground up with my hands. I’ve had incredible support through competitions and training, which has shaped the unique identity of BLÜM. I feel lucky to have such a firm grip on the concept and what I want to do. I hope it shines through that I bring my artistic flair into every design, whether big or small, and that attention to detail and level of care is what makes my business really special.
