YARRA VALLEY NEWS
Local business owners are such a big part of the community so we thought we do a series of quick fire Q&A’s with some of them while they are at work. Today we popped into have a quick chat with Janet who owns Flowers at Junction. Hope you enjoy reading a little about Janet.
How long have you lived in the Valley and what do you love most about the area?
We have lived in the Valley for 22 years and like the people and the space.
When did you start your business?
The actually business Flowers at Junction has been up and running for six and a half years. It will be 7 years in February next year.
How did Flowers at Junction get started?
I bought the florist section of the business down the road that was called Flowers and Flavours. I had worked there for 7 years or so when the business come up for sale. Flowers and Flavours was actually a florist/cafe but when Red Relish bought the business I moved the flower section of the original business down where I am currently. This place I am currently renting was up for lease, so I decided I would take the risk or I else I would have had to go and work down the line. It gave me the opportunity to do my own thing.
What do you love most about running your own business?
I love the freedom to do what I want to do. It allows me to incorporate my own style into everything like the giftware, the consignment items and the flowers. I get to choose what I want to put into the shop.
How long have you actually been a florist for?
I would have to use lots of fingers to answer that question. I started when I was 18 but had a few years out of it but probably 40 plus years I have been a florist. I originally started in South Yarra. There were no apprenticeships back when I started. You started as a junior and worked your way up. When you start as a junior you sweep floors and wash vases. You didn’t touch flowers except for stripping the roses. It was probably after 6 months I got to start doing basic stuff and within about 3 years of starting I was managing the work room. When the apprenticeship scheme come in for florists in the 90’s, I went back to school and got my papers as a florist. I always said I would and I did. Back in my day if you were a florist for 7 years you were qualified. I was lucky I had a great teacher that taught me a lot about floristry.
What do you like doing when you are not working?
At the moment it is sleeping (we both had a good laugh at this answer). I like gardening, I like to draw and do lots of crafty stuff. I like to do spinning as well. Back in the day I use to have a couple of sheep and I would spin their wool and people also gave me wool to spin. I haven’t done it for a while as I simply have not had time.
What is your favourite food?
Anything shellfish.
What is your favourite drink?
Other than wine probably a good coffee. Probably in that order.
What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?
Honesty in everything. Be honest to other people, to yourself to everything. My mum gave me that advice.
Thank you Janet for giving us 5 minutes of your time and sharing a little bit about you and your business Flowers at Junction. It was lovely chatting to you.
