Karen McClure - how I started my garden design business

Read the full story at Key Women in Business here: kwib.co.uk/201...
"I went to school but I didn’t like it. I wasn’t very good at school because I didn’t know what I wanted to do at that time. I went on and studied travel and tourism which my husband finds quite hilarious now because my relationship with my satnav isn’t great! I looked at various different jobs and drifted into the city because it was something that paid the bills.
From there, I then realised what my passion was and where I wanted to take things. Since then my continuing professional development has become really important to me. I now love going on courses or learning something new and I’m continually absorbing myself in the industry. So, now, I actually spend a lot of time working on my education within the industry whether that’s on planting workshops or design/construction on the specification and business side of things. There is so much to learn and sometimes that can be overwhelming as every single project you work on has so much to learn. I now really enjoy it whereas when I was at school, I wasn’t at all interested or particularly successful."

[@Godsgirlnz]

I started a small scale gardening side hustle on 2019, and this year been very busy with it. I also just completed the Level 3 Horticulture General certification, and been accepted into Landscape Design L4. I think long term the potentials to help transform spaces and help clients is limitless. A great, functional space makes people genuinely happy. And I'm a mum too. ❤️

[@maryamakbarian9283]

❤️

[@adrianjones8503]

Studying garden design at the moment around a full time job. How do you know what to charge for a design and planting plan? Hourly rate or a standard rate? Thanks.

[@lionelely-marius4027]

Excellent! Even if it was 3 years ago. Thank you for being human and sharing your experience. Lio

[@davidgray3321]

You say it’s a shame your dads not around, but he is with you every step you take. Great story, glad you stuck to your guns. Well done. David Gray - Gardener. By the way you should join The Professional Gardeners Guild , they have different membership categories, it’s inexpensive, puts you in touch with top gardeners from the great estates and you get to go on special tours, it will provide loads of great ideas that most designers will not necessarily have.

[@krysteevdb4588]

Thank you for sharing this Karen, your father sounds like a real character. I can relate to the love and passion you have. This was really beneficial for me right now.

[@kadisha123]

Thanks for sharing Karen! Interesting to hear your story

[@honieethesolarpunk4895]

whats the best online garden design course im in america its not so popular

[@julissadeleon3710]

Love this interview ❤

[@Nonna7384]

Thank you for the inspiration, it truly means so much!

[@musiclover310899]

Loved this!

[@vincenthansa183]

Excellent