From Florist to Flower Farmer: Rozz Darlington's Blossoming Journey

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In this episode, we explore the incredible world of flower farming with Rozz Darlington, the owner of Rosaline's Flowers and The Flower Paddock in Cheshire. Rozz shares her journey from being a florist to becoming a flower grower, highlighting the difficulties she faced during Brexit and the pandemic. She discusses the challenges of maintaining quality and supply of flowers and how she transitioned to growing her own on her family’s farm.

We delve into the realities of flower farming, including battling nature, the hard work involved, and the unique aspects of the business. Rozz and I exchange stories about the highs and lows of our careers, the importance of transitioning slowly into flower farming, and the sheer unpredictability of the job.

Rozz also shares personal anecdotes about her experience on reality TV, after appearing on Married At First Sight, dealing with the pressures of social media, and the invaluable lessons she's learned about resilience and self-confidence. The episode is filled with laughter, insightful tips, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and challenges of flower farming.

Key Takeaways

1. Transitioning to Flower Farming: Rozz emphasises the importance of transitioning slowly from other careers into flower farming to manage expectations and reduce the risk of failure.
2. Challenges of Flower Farming: The conversation highlights the various challenges faced by flower farmers, including weather, pests, and the unpredictability of nature.
3. Community and Support: The episode underscores the importance of community and having a support system, especially in the often solitary world of flower farming.
4. Social Media Insights: We discuss the unpredictable nature of social media success and the importance of maintaining a balance between personal and professional life online.
5. Resilience and Personal Growth: Rozz shares her personal journey of growth, dealing with public scrutiny, and how her experiences have strengthened her resolve and confidence.
6. Practical Tips for Flower Farmers: Practical advice on how to market flowers, the benefits of participating in local markets, and the importance of keeping the business simple and manageable.

Ros Darlington Resource Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rozzdarlington/?hl=en-gb ,

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• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• Flower Farmers Retreat 2024 (21 &22 September): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/businessretreat2024
• 2024 Farm Day at Field Gate Farm (10 August): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/farmvisit
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection