Meeting Dean Sharpe was such a delight and it’s obvious I’m not the only one who thinks so. ”Oh Dean...you are my happy place” (Dani, one of Dean’s brides). He has a calming and fun personality that will put even the most stressed bride at ease. He gains respect and recognition from his clients through the hard work and hours of dedication he gives them. Dean is a magical people person with some outstanding skills and a bursting imagination.
The early days
Dean has always been creative and not new to running his own business. Having worked within the events industry for years beforehand, he has an insight into what the flower industry already has and what it’s missing. When Dean decided it was time for a change in his life, using his creativity he tried floristry. He took to it instantly and the rest as they say is history. He worked in a florist shop full-time while he was at college to help support himself. This also helped him to gain an insight into the industry as well as gaining those untaught skills and vital experience.
His Achievements
This section could go on and on. Floristry seemed to come naturally to Dean and he propelled his career in fast forward, achieving goals in unheard of times. Studying at Moreton Morrell College, a prestigious institute, he has won ‘Floristry student of the year’ and the overall Moreton Morrell ‘Student of the year’ award.
In addition to his college achievements Dean has flourished in the world of competing. After being encouraged to compete, the nerves he first experienced were extinguished when he won a first place at Fluerex in 2015. This was the flame that ignited his passion for competing and brought out the creative and ambitious imagination he held inside. Achieving first place in other competitions and becoming a finalist in many others, Dean had caught the competing bug. In 2016 he won Gold at the UK World Skills. This was an intense final where for 3 days he competed against 7 other very talented florists.
Deans throne he made for the Chelsea finals 2018
In 2017 he made the finals of RHS Chlesea Florist of the year, but unfortunately had to pull out, however 2018 came around and there he was in the finals once more. Scoring 90/100 in the qualifying heat, it was clear that Dean had earned his spot. Creating an amazing floral throne, Dean was awarded a bronze medal. What an achievement! Dean is already preparing for the heats in order to qualify for the 2019 Chelsea finals.
The Birth of Dean Sharpe’s Floral Studio
While at college and working full-time, Dean knew the end goal was to run his own florist business. Today this business is a year old and growing at a steady rate. He works from his home studio which is a gorgeous, well- lit open plan apartment. With no shop Dean has more freedom to work, compete and demonstrate. He works alone but in the future hopes to reach a point where he is able to have an assistant. Although he has a keen interest in weddings and events, he by no means sticks to just those and caters for every flowery occasion.
He takes care with each individual client and their brief. Giving a few hours for his initial consultation allows for both the client and he to build a relationship and plan properly nailing the brief. After the first consultation he will send a detailed quote of what was discussed. He will arrange a second and final consultation 3 /4 weeks before the wedding. Although there are only two meetings, each produces in-depth plans and ideas.
His Reputation
Dean has managed to grow his business on the back of how great his skills are. Word of mouth is one of his biggest advertising tools. After spending two days with him it was clear as to why. His personality is brilliantly infectious and his talent is overwhelming, creating a pairing that people just have to rave about. I was fortunate to attend a wedding set up with Dean, so many guests approached him, congratulating him on his RHS Chlesea Bronze medal and his flowers at the wedding. Dani (the bride) had told everyone how brilliant her florist was way before she saw her own wedding flowers. It was such a joy to see how much people loved his work and how much the bride loved him.
When you have a successful free way of advertising such as this, there seems no need to push it. Ted Baker has never run an advertising campaign and look where they are! If you can connect to people on a more personal level you will go far.
Future Goals
Looking into the near future Dean will begin preparations for the Chlesea heats. In addition to this Dean will be hosting master classes at Moreton Morrell College. This is an exciting role for him and he can’t wait. From firsthand experience I can say Dean is a great teacher and I can only imagine the wealth that will be learnt in his classes. Dean will be demonstrating for Country Baskets in Loughborough in October and Bristol in November. Keep an eye out for more information which can be found here.
We will aim to grow with Dean Sharpe, watching his personal growth as well as the business. If you wish to see more of what he gets up to, keep an eye out for our Industry Insider posts.