Changing Career in Your 50s With Melissa Richardson

#024 - Florist Melissa Richardson shares her small business journey. After running a model agency for many years, in her mid-fifties she set up JamJar Flowers in London. Now with a team of three permanent staff, she designs floral concepts, installations and art pieces for bespoke events and private clients.On leaving school, she went to drama school. After having worked as a photographer's agent, then freelancing in styling and casting, she became a model agent. When the model agency she worked for went bust, her dad suggested that she set up a model agency.  Aged 55, after having run the agency for 27 years, she decided to close it. She'd always had a great love of flowers, so she started a floristry business from her kitchen table. Melissa shares the reactions from her friends and family about her career change. She then talks about the transferable skills that she'd used in her model agency and then in her floristry business. She also discusses the benefits of working with people younger than herself, including Amy , Talena and India. Melissa explains what JamJar Edit is and how it came about.  Plus she discusses the impact of the pandemic on the business. The Nature of Thyme, a pressed botanicals exhibition, which they created pressed flower designs for, and their installation for this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show are also discussed in detail. Listening to this episode, you'll hear how passionate Melissa is about changing career mid-life and working with a team of younger people. At the end of the podcast, you'll discover her practical tips, which I'm sure you'll find very inspiring. Show notes are available on the My Small Business & Me website: https://mysmallbusinessandme.com/episode24

Om Podcasten

Are you a budding entrepreneur looking for inspiration to start your very first business? Or do feel that your small business is in need of a little va-va-voom? Then this podcast is essential listening. It has two elements - on the one hand your SMALL BUSINESS and on the other, YOU. Firstly, your SMALL BUSINESS. Host Rona Wheeldon from Flowerona speaks to entrepreneurs who share insights into what it takes to run a successful, sustainable and profitable business. You’ll hear how their companies have grown from ideas to reality, the challenges encountered along the way and lessons learned.Industry experts in web design, branding, marketing, photography, social media and coaching also providing insights into how to maximise your potential and build your small business, making sure that you have the essential knowledge and tools you need to grow. Secondly, YOU, the owner. Rona speaks to specialists who can help you, both mentally and physically - from fear, confidence and time management to personal styling advice, meditation and aromatherapy - you’ll gain an insight into how to prioritise your well-being. There’s so much that goes into a successful, happy entrepreneur. And listening to this podcast will ensure that you’ve got all the bases covered, when it comes to both your small business and you. So, hit subscribe, settle down and be inspired…!