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Second year floristry student Aaron MacManus has ambitious plans for the future
Aaron MacManus is a second year floristry student at Myerscough College, with ambitious plans for the future.
Why do you want to be a florist?
I have always been interested in flowers ever since I can remember. It started as a hobby but when I started entering competitions I realised I could make this into a career.
What project are you currently working on?
At the moment I am planning a large event in Telford in June. It is an exhibition and conference where I will be in charge of all the flower displays and decoration. The key part of the design is a 40ft palm tree to be made entirely from aspidistra leaves.
What has been your favourite project so far and why?
I entered a competition a year ago with the theme of “Beyond Imagination”. This was the most enjoyable project and one of the most unusual, winning me a gold award at the show. I started by covering the table with grass then made a metal frame into a cone shape and attached CD's swirling all the way round. Through the middle of each CD I placed different coloured Gerberas which were in test tubes filled with coloured water.
How valuable has college training been to you and why?
I debated for a long time about going to college to progress in floral design and I am pleased with my decision. College has given me so much more knowledge and understanding about the industry. As well as learning new designs and styles, it has given me experience in the principles of design and photography. I have also had the opportunity of working with different types of materials as well as lots of different flowers. College has also introduced me to demonstrating; this is something that I really enjoy and have demonstrated at a number of flower shows and events. The skills I have learned in college will be a great foundation for my future career and have helped me progress my own personal style.
Do you plan to set up your own business once you have qualified?
Just over a year ago I decided to become a self-employed, freelance floral designer on the days I wasn't in college. This included working at my local florists and helping with weddings and other large events. In October last year I set up my own company, WillowWays Ltd. I decided to use my experience with event management and join this together with the floral design to create a company that can provide the whole package for weddings and corporate events. When I complete my college course in June 2007 I plan to progress my business even further.
Which materials are best to work with?
I enjoy working with decorative wire, this is a great way to pull together your design and help strengthen and support it. I also like test tubes in a design as they are great to work with and look original, having the added benefit of making the flowers last longer. I have always found Sisal to be a great material to work with - you can do almost anything with it and it gives a great impact. My favourite flowers to use are tulips as they are very flexible and can be woven through frames and used in many different ways. I also like to use grasses - they can enhance any design, and there is so much you can do with them, especially flexi grass.
And the worst?
I don't like working with cellophane especially the spotted kind, the only time I would use it is if it's completely necessary, such as for an aqua-pack.
Whose house would you choose to decorate with flowers and why?
I would like to decorate the house of Elton John because of his great personality and fashion sense. I think he would let me go wild with the designs and colour and this is something that I would really enjoy. I would also like thinking up new ideas and designs that would fit in with his home.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I hope to be running a successful business, which deals with large events and corporate work. I would also like to progress my skills as a demonstrator and take part in shows. I will continue to enter events and will hopefully progress to world class competitions and flower shows.
What tips can you offer to fellow budding florists?
I strongly believe in following your dreams and goals no matter what. When you are learning floral design it is important to find your own specific style but still allow yourself to learn from others. I believe this is what will make you stand out from the rest.
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