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
2014.05 - 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
2010.04 - 2014.05
- 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
2007.01 - 2010.04
Care Home Manager
Lilliput House Rest Home
2001.01 - 2007.01
- 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
1996.01 - 2001.01
- 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
1995.01 - 1996.01
- 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, LondonNVQ Level 4 - Management
Bournemouth and Poole College
Poole 2000.09 - 2001.06
HND - Paediatric Nursing (Project 2000)
Kingston And St Georges School of Nursing
London 1992.01 - 1995.01
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
2014.05 - Current
Florist
Edwards Florist
2010.04 - 2014.05
Full Time Mum
Home
2007.01 - 2010.04
Care Home Manager
Lilliput House Rest Home
2001.01 - 2007.01
NVQ Level 4 - Management
Bournemouth and Poole College
2000.09 - 2001.06
Paediatric Nurse
Southampton General Hospital
1996.01 - 2001.01
Paediatric Nurse
Mayday Hospital
1995.01 - 1996.01
HND - Paediatric Nursing (Project 2000)
Kingston And St Georges School of Nursing
1992.01 - 1995.01
Floristry Training - Floristry
Judith Blacklock Flower School