Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic
Victoria Lynes

Victoria Lynes

Poole

Summary


Experienced and creative manager with over 25 years of cross-industry expertise in retail, team leadership, customer experience, and healthcare. Successfully owned and operated an artisan florist for 11 years, combining creativity, commercial awareness and exceptional customer service.


Proven ability to manage people, stock, and daily operations while consistently achieving strong results. Known for creating a warm, welcoming retail environment that fosters loyalty and enhances the customer journey.


A calm, capable professional with well-developed interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, rooted in a background in care management and nursing. Committed to delivering high standards, thoughtful service and operational excellence.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
2012
2012
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Owner / Manager & Creative Director

Edwards Artisan Florist
Poole
05.2014 - Current
  • Managed all business operations including purchasing, hiring, scheduling, budgeting, visual merchandising and marketing.
  • Led team, maintained excellent supplier relationships and customer care.
  • Designed and curated bespoke floral arrangements for weddings, events and premium clients with high attention to detail.
  • Curated stylish range of gifts and cards with customer in mind, increasing business profitability.
  • Created warm, welcoming in-store atmosphere through seasonal visual merchandising and personalised service.
  • Built loyal client base through authentic interactions and consistent quality.
  • More than doubled turnover of the business from acquisition in 2014 despite market challenges.

Florist

Edwards Florist
Poole
04.2010 - 05.2014
  • Created elegant, hand-tied bouquets and floral arrangements for retail customers, events and corporate clients.
  • Maintained high presentation standards on the shop floor and in window displays.
  • Provided exceptional, personalised customer service.
  • Handled flower preparation, conditioning and shop maintenance with care and precision.
  • Supported stock control, ordering and seasonal product planning.

Full Time Mum

Home
01.2007 - 04.2010

Care Home Manager

Lilliput House Rest Home
01.2001 - 01.2007
  • Led a multidisciplinary team in a regulated care environment, maintaining exceptional standards of service, safety and compliance.
  • Delivered calm and compassionate leadership under pressure.
  • Developed engaging social activities and entertainment for the residents, demonstrating creativity and empathy.
  • Maintained a happy, caring and homely environment.
  • Achieved 'Outstanding' rating with Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Paediatric Nurse

Southampton General Hospital
Southampton, UK
01.1996 - 01.2001
  • Provided pre- and post-operative care to children undergoing orthopaedic procedures including trauma and major elective surgeries.
  • Supported long-term recovery cases requiring rehabilitation.
  • Collaborated with orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and family members to coordinate care and recovery.
  • Delivered patient education and emotional support to young patients and their families.
  • Regularly managed shifts, leading the wards multidisciplinary team.
  • Was promoted from D to E grade within the first year

Paediatric Nurse

Mayday Hospital
London, UK
01.1995 - 01.1996
  • Provided care for children suffering from acute and chronic conditions on the medical ward.
  • Supported families with education and emotional reassurance during hospital stays.
  • Collaborated with paediatricians, therapists and other nurses to ensure holistic care plans.
  • Attended case conferences alongside child protection professionals.
  • Gained valuable experience in acute care and paediatric-specific communication and emotional support.

Education

Floristry Training - Floristry

Judith Blacklock Flower School
Knightsbridge, London

NVQ Level 4 - Management

Bournemouth and Poole College
Poole
09.2000 - 06.2001

HND - Paediatric Nursing (Project 2000)

Kingston And St Georges School of Nursing
London
01.1992 - 01.1995

Skills

  • Calm, pragmatic team leadership
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Creative direction & visual merchandising
  • Inventory, supplier & stock management
  • Operational compliance
  • Commercially aware & results-driven
  • Marketing & community engagement


References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Owner / Manager & Creative Director

Edwards Artisan Florist
05.2014 - Current

Florist

Edwards Florist
04.2010 - 05.2014

Full Time Mum

Home
01.2007 - 04.2010

Care Home Manager

Lilliput House Rest Home
01.2001 - 01.2007

NVQ Level 4 - Management

Bournemouth and Poole College
09.2000 - 06.2001

Paediatric Nurse

Southampton General Hospital
01.1996 - 01.2001

Paediatric Nurse

Mayday Hospital
01.1995 - 01.1996

HND - Paediatric Nursing (Project 2000)

Kingston And St Georges School of Nursing
01.1992 - 01.1995

Floristry Training - Floristry

Judith Blacklock Flower School
Victoria Lynes