Dream comes true as Zoe, 20, launches her own flower shop

Zoe Wallis is hoping for the sweet smell of success after launching her own flower shop.

The newly opened Rose and Lily Florals on Christchurch Road, Ringwood.

The talented 20-year-old has taken over the reins of the former Patricia’s Florist in Ringwood.

Previous owner Patricia Taylor, who ran the Christchurch Road shop for around 30 years, joined Ringwood Mayor Gareth DeBoos to launch the renamed Rose and Lily Florals.

Zoe said: “I still can’t quite believe it and it all seems very surreal.

“I’ve never been academic but just fell in love with floristry.

“I have high standards to match up to from Patricia but have been overwhelmed by the support from family, friends and customers.”

Zoe, who attended Ringwood School, is a fully qualified florist after studying at the Academy of Floristry in Throop and also Dorset’s Kingston Maurward College.

She’ll be joined two days a week in the shop by her cousin’s wife, Rebecca Galton.

Her sister, Lily, 24, designed the logo for the new business and is also helping on social media.

Zoe Wallis proprietor of Rose and Lily Florals with original owner Patricia Taylor and Mayor of Ringwood Gareth DeBoos.

Proud mum, Louise, said her daughter had developed a love of plants from both her grandmothers, Carol Wallis and Beryl Bishop.

Zoe did work experience at Willow Floristry in Verwood and was employed at Carnival Flowers in Wimborne for nearly a year.

“They have been really supportive and I’m very grateful,” she said.

Louise, who also has a son Tom, 22, a deckhand working on superyachts, said: “I’m very proud of Zoe.

“This really is a dream come true for her and we’re all very happy.”

Zoe comes from an entrepreneurial family with Louise and her husband Stuart both directors of New Forest Metalwork Ltd.

Stuart is well-known around Ringwood, and especially at Ringwood Carnival, with his Chitty Chitty Bang Bang replica.

He turned a former Land Rover into a full-sized version of the famous car after Lily watched the classic film and challenged him to make a similar one.

It took him three months, thousands of pounds and hours of hard work.

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