From Rialto to the World: The Story of Kay’s Flower School
We didn’t set out to build an internationally recognised flower school.
We set out to honour our mam.
Kay — or Catherine to most people — was a woman who made things beautiful. Not just with flowers, but with fabric, tools, and a lot of love. She worked in a sewing factory in Cherry Orchard, doing invisible mending. If there was a flaw in the material, she’d stitch it so perfectly, you’d never know it had been there. That was our mam — precise, proud, creative. She made all our clothes growing up, and even designed the first-ever Kay’s Flower School website (before websites were even a thing in Ireland).
She never had a formal education past 13, but that didn’t stop her from being the smartest, most tech-savvy woman we knew. And when she opened her flower shop in Rialto on “Kay’s Corner” — that’s where everything began.
The Seeds Were Planted Early
Floristry wasn’t trendy back then. There were no courses, no YouTube tutorials, and definitely no online classes. If you wanted to be a florist, your mam had to be one. Or your aunt. It was a closed-door trade. A family craft.
When we first got involved, we wanted to open those doors. To give people a chance — especially women — to build careers in floristry without needing connections, cash, or years of insider experience.
That’s when Kay’s Flower School was born.
We started small — a few in-person classes in the shop, a couple of tools, some flowers. But it took off quickly, because people were craving more than a hobby. They wanted skills. They wanted to work. They wanted a creative life with real earning potential. And we knew how to teach them that.
The A-Ha Moment: Going Global
Fast forward to 2020. COVID hit. Our school doors closed. Overnight, our business dissolved in front of us.
We were at home baking banana bread like the rest of the country. But one day, Deirdre said:
"Janette, you live across from the school. Why not go back in and record something?"
So we did.
We started with stiff camera work, retakes, bad lighting… and zero clue how to edit. But Deirdre learned it all, fast. We recorded during the day and edited all night.
And on May 29th, our first online course launched.
That was the a-ha moment.
We realised we could bring Kay’s Flower School into homes around the world.
And people loved it.
What Makes Kay’s Flower School Different?
There are hundreds of online courses out there now. But here’s what sets us apart:
1. We teach for real-life, not just screen life.
We don’t give you a login and leave you to it. Our students get personalised WhatsApp support, feedback on their arrangements, and their exact flowers delivered from our suppliers — wherever they are in the world.
2. We’re florists, teachers, and mentors.
Janette’s been teaching floristry for over 20 years. Deirdre has a background in education and adult training. We know how to get results, even for people who’ve never held a rose in their life.
3. It’s a family. Not just a business.
Our dad (Mr. Kay!) still pops in to help clean up after classes. Our students get a cuppa (virtual or in person), a Penguin bar, and a warm welcome. We remember your name, your story, and your why.
4. It works.
Over 85% of florists in Ireland trained with us or have staff who did.
We’ve trained florists in Malaysia, the US, Australia, the UK, and beyond.
We’ve helped women start businesses after redundancy, grief, burnout, or just the need for something more.
Golden Nuggets & A-Ha Moments from the Journey
You don’t need a shop to start a flower business. You need skills, systems, and support.
Floristry is therapy. It brings calm, creativity, and confidence.
There’s no one right way to build a life with flowers. But there is a way to start.
Your hands might get rough, but your heart gets full.
Imposter syndrome fades when you see what you’re capable of.
Why Trust Us?
We’ve been at this for 38 years. We didn’t jump on a trend. We created one.
Our school didn’t start with a marketing plan — it started with a mother’s legacy and two sisters determined to make it work. We’ve trained thousands. We’ve been named Floral Educator of the Year. We’ve taught at major international events. We’ve had our techniques published and credited by top US florists.
But more than anything — we care.
You won’t find a more dedicated team of women who’ll back you, guide you, and champion your success from the very first rose to your first paying customer.
So, Why Choose Kay’s Flower School?
Because we’re not just a school.
We’re a movement.
A home.
A safe space for your new beginning.
Whether you’re dreaming of wedding installations, opening a flower shop, or just finally doing something for you — we’re here, with your flowers, your feedback, and your future.
You don’t need to be born into floristry.
You just need someone to open the door.
And we’d be honoured to hold it open for you.
With love (and lots of flowers),
Janette & Deirdre
Kay’s Flower School
For the life you’re dreaming of — we’ll help you bloom.