The business of living a dream

TAKING a gamble, Longreach’s Anna Douglas is trading in the security of spread sheets and tax returns for a world of flowers and art to fulfil a dream.

Last Friday night friends and family mixed and mingled with curious locals at the official opening of Flowers on Swan.

After spending several years working for Longreach accounting firm O’Regan and Partners, Ms Douglas finally felt courageous enough to return to the floral industry - but this time as her own boss.

"I have worked for florists in both Brisbane and Sydney and have always loved it.

"I got the idea a year ago that I wanted to start my own business and talked myself out of it because of the risk, but finally thought I would give it a go.
"Once I had the accounting experience it made me more confident to make the move to running my own business.
"It’s not just flowers.
"I have a bit of everything: artwork, silk flowers, children’s toys and gourmet foods."

Artists Lesley Cowper from Aramac and Roma’s Sandra Roberts are just two of an already expanding gallery collection lining the freshly painted walls of the refitted shop on Swan Street as Ms Douglas looks to find her niche in a local market.

"I really felt I wanted to do something more creative. I enjoyed accounting but this is more me.
"It is a real personal challenge."

Ms Douglas has recently spent time in Toowoomba with Southerden and C and J Florists in an effort to brush up on her arranging skills and checking out the latest trends and in-demand-blooms.

"I really want people to approach me and tell me what they like. I love deep purple tulips in boxes at the moment but that may not necessarily be what others like!"