Katie McLaughlin always knew she was creative but wasn't sure how to express herself - until she discovered flowers.
The award-winning 24-year-old Rotorua florist tried other pursuits but it was flowers which made the most sense to her.
"I tried sewing and art but I found that
flowers were my forte."
She proved her floral prowess by winning the Interflora Future Florist of the Year national competition. She also came second in the Asia Pacific category.
Winning came as a big surprise. Miss McLaughlin didn't even enter herself, Pamela Jenkins, her boss at Rotorua Florist did.
"I just said, I'll give it a go, and after I won I was pleased that she entered me."
The floristry competition was a great experience and it was good to meet other young florists her age, Miss McLaughlin said.
She has been working as a florist for the past four years after completing a Floristry Certificate in Hamilton. She trained in the Hamilton Gardens where she learned about many plants, as well as flowers.
She loves the fact that flowers make people happy.
"I like being able to find something they like and are happy with whatever their budget."
Mrs Jenkins helped Miss McLaughlin prepare for the national floristry competition but said it was her young charge who came up with the ideas.
Contestants had to come up with a variety of arrangements themed around weddings and were given the theme beforehand to enable them to prepare.
Weddings just happen to be Miss Mclaughlin's favourite theme.
"Weddings are the most special things to do and I want to use my winning design for my own wedding."
