BUSINESS is blossoming for one young florist who has celebrated winning a top accolade at Cirencester’s Chamber of Commerce Awards 2014.

Emily Hepworth of Persephone Violet floristry was named Young Business Person of the Year at the awards.

The 18-year-old has only been operating her floristry business for around six months but has already started attracting customers.“I first became interested in floristry when I was 10,” said Emily. “We were having a Christmas event at school and everyone was bringing in turkey and Christmas pudding.

“When I was put in charge of the centre pieces, I was over the moon. I have always loved flowers.”

Emily is currently based in Malmesbury and lives with her parents. She has her own workshop in the garden and works as a mobile service with clients all over the Cotswolds.

Emily is studying to achieve a level four in her floristry diploma and hopes to reach level five which will allow her to teach others her skills.

“In the future I would like to teach others to be as passionate about flowers as me,” said Emily.

Emily specialises in providing flowers for events and occasions with meaning.

“Every flower has a different meaning and put together can convey a message or story,” she said. “This is popular with all of my customers and can add that special touch for brides.”

Emily has even set up a ‘thanks a bunch’ campaign where customers can say thank you to someone inspirational in their lives with a bouquet of flowers.

Kicking off the campaign, the student presented her bunch of flowers to two of her former teachers who she said always inspired her to do well.