I have grown my own small business from nothing over the past 10 years – using some skills from a previous job; learning many, many new skills; practising my craft; learning from the very best people; and each day finding new ways of seeing.

Finding myself inadvertently mentoring others – Holly, who runs a freelance floral design business here and abroad; Charlotte, who is now a landscape garden designer with a plan to return to flowers once she owns the cottage with land; John, who grows and who one day will be the best tulip grower I know; Sara, who was a potter and who is now known for her bowls filled with flowers; and many others – I decided in 2022 to launch a career class of my own.

Along came Annabel and together we worked for a year. Four seasonal “in person” full-day classes on floral design and 12 monthly business sessions each lasting an hour, together with lots of hard work by Annabel, resulted in The Contented Mole, a beautiful place of retreat, offering  creative workshops centred around seasonal living.

Over the past three years, I’ve helped a number of small businesses to grow and develop at their own pace. These have included floral designers, flower farmers, those changing career into floral design, and a writer.

In 2025/26, there are places for three more businesses, or fledgling businesses. We’ll work together to create a unique learning experience for you across the year. Ideally we’ll start in September, in line with the new academic year but, like everything here, nothing is set in stone, and the dates are up to you, to be fitted into a 12-month period of growth for you and your business.

At the end of your year you’ll have a clear idea of what your business is, where it’s going and how you’ll make it last. Sustainability is something we strive towards here, not just in terms of our impact on the environment but also in making sure you develop or grow your business in a way that sustains you, maybe financially, but also in terms of your wellbeing, and always with consideration to how your business impacts on those around you.

What you can expect from this class:

– Four full-day 1:1 in-person classes. One for each season, covering a range of designs including bouquets, centrepieces, urns, archways and other installations. Every class will use locally grown flowers and foam-free mechanics. Either taught here in Yorkshire, or maybe at your place, or somewhere else that inspires us. A portfolio of photographs to accompany each class.

– Monthly business sessions in which we cover all aspects of your development. From business names and branding to finding (and keeping) the right customers. From ideas on your website to creating an exhibition. Whatever issues are particular to you, we will make them easy to navigate and find solutions.

All of the classes and mentoring sessions are done on a one-to-one basis, which provides you with a truly bespoke way of learning and developing. There will be suggestions in each session of “homework” to help you develop further and at your own pace in between the classes.

There are 3 places available.

Cost: £2,500.

Deposit of £300 required on booking and remainder payable in four instalments.

“If you’re lucky enough to be offered a spot on Sarah’s Carefully Crafted Career course, you’re in for a treat. Spending time with Sarah, learning how to really ‘do’ flowers, while also getting to grips with how to take your business to the next level, has been invaluable. With lots of practical advice, common sense and kindness, Sarah’s gentle approach helps you hone your skills while also guiding you to achieve your business aspirations.”

Chloe Eyers, Flower Farmer/Florist: Honesty Flowers, Leamington Spa

“I’m incredibly grateful to have been on this class. From the wonderful workshop days to all the chats in between, it has been invaluable to me. It’s helped me work out how I want to (and that I can) do this, what’s important and what’s not, and that’s not even touching on the practical skills I’ve learned in bowls, urns, bouquets, arches etc. I’ve loved it all and learnt more than I can reasonably articulate.”

Rebecca Murphy, Wedding and Event Florist: Herbivore, Sheffield

“Sarah’s Career Course is a very special thing, and “the small corner” is a very special place.  It’s all about nurture – being there is so restorative and nourishing in every way.  Alongside great no-nonsense business advice Sarah helped me build much more confidence in my flowers and my own ability. Her kitchen table is a safe space to share dreams, fears and maybe even a few tears. The monthly business chats are a godsend when you’re working alone and need an experienced ear and Sarah provided so much reassurance and support.  And the flowers, such beautiful flowers! I left with a wonderful portfolio across all the seasons, which is the real benefit of taking a year rather than a fortnight to do this. And with the confidence and ability to take it forward.  I’m so sad it’s over – I wish there was a lifetime option!”

Hazel Foxon, Event Florist: Hazel Foxon Flowers, Hertfordshire