Helen Fincham
Floristry alumna growing exceptional flowers that earned a place at the Duchess of Edinburgh’s Suffolk visit
Helen Fincham joined Otley College in 2022 to study Floristry, a decision driven by her growing passion for sustainable flower farming and her desire to deepen her technical knowledge of the craft. Already running her own flower‑growing business, Helen wanted to strengthen her skills, refine her creative practice and build meaningful connections within the industry.
Her time at Otley proved invaluable. Helen describes gaining a “great depth of knowledge and great connections within my subject area,” giving her the confidence and expertise to elevate her business and expand her opportunities. The course helped her blend horticultural skill with floristry artistry, shaping her into a grower who understands both the science and the design behind exceptional flowers.
Since leaving college, Helen has continued to grow her business and her reputation, quite literally. One of her proudest achievements has been growing and supplying flowers for the Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit to Suffolk, a milestone that reflects both the quality of her work and the care she puts into every stem she cultivates.
Helen now works full‑time as a flower farmer, contributing to the region’s farming and floristry industries while championing locally grown, seasonal blooms. Her advice to current students is simple but powerful: “Enjoy, embrace and explore.”