Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Affiliations
Voluntary work
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic
Emma Adley

Emma Adley

Poynton

Summary

Experienced, passionate floral designer specialising in hand-tied bouquets, wedding and funeral arrangements, and shop displays. Demonstrating strong customer service, creative problem-solving, effective time management, good communicator & team player, reliable and hard working.

Married with 3 children and looking for an opportunity to re-engage in the industry I love whilst balancing family commitments.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Waitress/front of house

Fig and Fennel
Poynton, Cheshire East
2025.04 - Current
  • Warmly greeted guests upon arrival and escorted them to tables creating welcoming atmosphere.
  • Provided menu and offered recommendations especially if customer had any dietary/allergy requirements.
  • Informed kitchen staff regarding special order requirements.
  • Checked in with customers during meals to check orders were received correctly and met guests' expectations.
  • Delivered checks, collected cash or credit card payments and provided receipt to customers.
  • Prepared tables for guests and reset tables between customers.
  • Enhanced bar efficiency by keeping work areas tidy and well-stocked.
  • Maintained cleanliness of the café area whilst preparing orders.
  • Prepared and served hot and cold beverages promptly, maintaining temperature, quality and presentation.

Midday assistant

Cheshire East Council (Lower Park Primary School)
Poynton, Cheshire East
2018.09 - 2019.06
  • Organised lunch queues for efficient meal service.
  • Complied with health and safety regulations.
  • Addressed individual needs of students with sensitivity and understanding.
  • Maintained clean dining facilities to ensure hygienic environment.
  • Provided first aid assistance when required, prioritising pupil's wellbeing.
  • Supervised children's playtime, ensuring safe use of equipment.
  • Mediated conflicts between students to maintain harmonious atmosphere.
  • Assisted younger students with mealtime tasks, fostering independence.

Owner/director

Emma Adley Flowers
Hazel Grove, Cheshire
2012.04 - 2017.09

At Emma Adley Flowers, my main focus was wedding and event floral design. I set up the business to be able to do what I love around family commitments after working for a number of years in a busy flower shop.

At Emma Adley Flowers I :

  • Designed bespoke floral arrangements for variety of occasions.
  • Collaborated closely with event coordinators and clients to create visually stunning displays.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by delivering customised designs that reflect individual preferences.
  • Consulted with clients to select appropriate flower types and arrangement styles, ensuring alignment with current trends and client visions.
  • Arranged delivery schedules for events such as weddings or corporate functions, ensuring timely arrival and set up.
  • Managed inventory and purchasing of flowers, ensuring freshness and quality at all times.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organisation of design studio, promoting a smooth work flow.
  • Adapted quickly to changing client needs or last-minute adjustments without compromising on design integrity or customer satisfaction.
  • Worked on tight deadlines whilst maintaining high standards of creativity and quality control.
  • Engaged with prospective clients and collaborated with industry peers at various wedding fairs to promote services and expand professional network.

Florist

The Green Pavilion
Buxton, Derbyshire
2006.08 - 2012.04
  • Provided personalised floral arrangements for an array of occasions, from weddings to funerals, special occasion bouquets, and weekly orders from local hotels and other business establishments.
  • Managed daily flower shop operations for seamless business flow.
  • Increased repeat business with superior customer service skills.
  • Prepared bespoke bouquets to meet client needs.
  • Maintained clean and inviting store environment to attract customers.
  • Designed window displays to increase foot traffic and sales.
  • Organised weekly fresh flower orders from wholesalers, maintaining optimal freshness.
  • Created compassionate funeral arrangements, ensuring dignity and respect during difficult times.
  • Handled cash transactions, ensuring accurate financial records were kept.
  • Provided advice on plant care, enhancing customer knowledge and trust.
  • Participated in local wedding exhibitions/fairs, showcasing creative designs.
  • Assisted in organising flower delivery schedules, improving efficiency and punctuality.
  • Coordinated with team members to deliver high-quality service under peak times.
  • Cleaned vases and swept shop floors to maintain tidy appearance.
  • Checked and monitored quality of incoming cut materials.
  • Merchandised stock and controlled stock levels, minimising costs and waste.
  • Transported and set up floral arrangements for large-scale functions in line with customer requirements.
  • Packed and wrapped gifts with decorative details to match customer preferences.
  • Built rapport with new and existing customers to boost client retention.
  • Worked on tight deadlines whilst maintaining high standards of creativity and quality control.
  • Organised and executed Christmas wreath workshops teaching the correct techniques to community members interested in the craft.

Teacher of Adult education

Derbyshire County Council
Buxton, Derbyshire
2007.07 - 2010.08

As a teacher of Adult education my lessons were based on the students gaining a vocational qualification for basic floristry at various venues across Derbyshire.

During this job I :

  • Developed engaging lesson plans by applying knowledge of educational theories and methods.
  • Fostered positive learning environment for student engagement through effective classroom management.
  • Created inclusive classroom setting to ensure all students felt accepted and valued.
  • Assessed student progress, provided constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Adjusted teaching methods according to individual student's needs, ensured inclusive learning environment.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Set up lesson materials and demonstrations.
  • Sourced and provided materials within set budget.

Barmaid

The Kings Arms
Chapel en le Frith, Derbyshire
2004.08 - 2007.09

Assisted in serving guests with food and beverages.
Supported team in maintaining cleanliness and organisation of bar area.
Engaged with customers to ensure satisfaction and address queries promptly.
Operated cash register to process orders and transactions accurately.

Waitress

Rems Restaurant and Bar
Chapel en le frith, Derbshire
2002.08 - 2003.10

Managed front-of-house operations to optimise customer satisfaction and service efficiency.
Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order fulfilment.
Trained new employees on restaurant protocols and customer service standards.

Provided warm and welcoming environment for customers.

Education

AET - Teaching Adults in the lifelong learning sector

New Mills adult education centre
New Mills, Derbyshire
2007.09 - 2008.06

NVQ Level 2 - Floristry

Stockport College
Stockport
2006.09 - 2007.07

Bachelor of Arts - Textiles

Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester
2003.09 - 2006.07

Foundation Degree in Arts - Art and design

Stockport College
Stockport
2002-09

A-Levels - Art, English Lang/Lit, Biology

New Mills sixth form
New Mills, Derbyshire
2000.09 - 2002.07

GCSEs - English, Maths, Science, Art, P.E, Textiles, German

Chapel-en-le-Frith High School
High Peak
1995.09 - 2000.07

Skills

  • Hand tied bouquets and floral arranging
  • Wedding flower bouquets, wiring and arrangements
  • Funeral flower arrangements
  • Shop displays and window dressing
  • Flower and plant care and knowledge
  • Excellent, friendly customer service
  • Creative thinker
  • Trustworthy
  • Great time management and efficient under tight timescales
  • Till operation and basic accounting
  • Clean and tidy worker
  • Team player but can work independently
  • Clean driving licence

Affiliations

  • Netball
  • Fitness/running
  • Reading
  • Watching my sons play football

Voluntary work

  • From September 2023 - September 2025 I held the position of treasurer for my son's school's PTA. From doing this role I have learnt many new skills especially in using Microsoft Excel. It has given me many challenges which I have enjoyed overcoming and it has great to be part of a team for such a worthwhile cause.
  • For the last 3 Christmas's I have ran the Wreath making night for the school PTA. This involves ticket selling, buying materials and demonstrating on the night to a group of 30 - 40 people and then going around to help them so each person goes away with a wonderful door wreath.
  • I also currently help coach the school Netball team. I love seeing the children learn and develop their skills and passion for the sport.

Accomplishments

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award

Timeline

Waitress/front of house

Fig and Fennel
2025.04 - Current

Midday assistant

Cheshire East Council (Lower Park Primary School)
2018.09 - 2019.06

Owner/director

Emma Adley Flowers
2012.04 - 2017.09

AET - Teaching Adults in the lifelong learning sector

New Mills adult education centre
2007.09 - 2008.06

Teacher of Adult education

Derbyshire County Council
2007.07 - 2010.08

NVQ Level 2 - Floristry

Stockport College
2006.09 - 2007.07

Florist

The Green Pavilion
2006.08 - 2012.04

Barmaid

The Kings Arms
2004.08 - 2007.09

Bachelor of Arts - Textiles

Manchester Metropolitan University
2003.09 - 2006.07

Waitress

Rems Restaurant and Bar
2002.08 - 2003.10

A-Levels - Art, English Lang/Lit, Biology

New Mills sixth form
2000.09 - 2002.07

GCSEs - English, Maths, Science, Art, P.E, Textiles, German

Chapel-en-le-Frith High School
1995.09 - 2000.07

Foundation Degree in Arts - Art and design

Stockport College
Emma Adley