Xantiana Young

Hi I'm Shanny, a horticulture student at Nottingham Trent University. I work part time as a self employed florist creating floral arrangements for weddings and events. During the warmer months I grow cut flowers for my business in an aim to reduce my use of imported flowers. Since 2019 I have eliminated the use of floral foam in all of my work due to its detrimental effect on the environment.

On a weekly basis I volunteer at the Flower Pod in Southwell, a charity that runs a cut flower farm for therapeutic horticulture. Working there has expanded my gardening knowledge and increased my passion for cut flower cultivation. I have also enjoyed meeting a variety of people with similar interests and find it very rewarding.

I opted for a change in my career after working 17 years in hospitality and retail. I needed more job satisfaction and wanted to work outdoors in nature. After being introduced to the floristry world I had a direction which I was keen to pursue. Coming from an artistic background in fine art and fashion design has helped me achieve in my field. I'm grateful to be able to express my creativity and to share and collaborate with others.

In my free time I enjoy my allotment, live music, cooking and soap making. For more information connect with me via LinkedIn or Instagram.