Alex rises to life’s challenges, grows floristry business

Alex Jarvis’s business is blooming: “Now that I have finished my Floristry Certificate I am excited to fulfill my ambitions in life.”

One of the challenges faced by some people with a disability is that it is not always visible. This was the case for Nambour’s Alex Jarvis.

But after more than a decade of dealing with the daily challenges associated with her neuro diversial condition, Alex recently graduated with a Cert III in Floristry. She is also currently studying a business course through NEIS (New Enterprise Incentive Scheme).

“I have previously experienced a great deal of difficulty in finding a job because my disability is not visible,” Alex said. “This has proven to be a really frustrating experience for me.

“I try not to allow my condition to get the better of me in my day to day activities,” she said. “Now that I have finished my Floristry Certificate I am excited to fulfill my ambitions in life because I have gained the knowledge to start my own small home based business.

“Alex has worked really hard to get to this point and it is wonderful to see her take the next step and create meaningful work for herself,” said Alex’s NDIS Support Worker, Sandra Gorry.

“It is a significant step towards independence for her. She is very sensibly taking baby steps and is making beautiful small bouquets to order for her customers. Not everyone wants, or can afford to spend hundreds of dollars on lovely, fresh floral arrangements. This is the market Alex is hoping to tap into”.

As well as fresh bouquets, Alex is also experimenting with dried flowers and is creating arrangements that may potentially find a market in existing retail businesses.

“As I find my way and develop my skills, I would love to be able to create a safe working environment and have a shopfront that provides an opportunity for employment for people with similar neurodiversity conditions,” Alex said.

• For the month of July, Alex is running a special offer: buy any dried arrangement and receive a free macrame pot hanger. You can find out more about Alex’s Little Bouquets by visiting her website www.alexslittlebouquets.com.au or following her on Facebook @alexslittlebouquets