Being a florist was never what I imagined myself doing. I always dreamt of spending years in school, to become a successful doctor or lawyer - making millions and living the high life. I was so wrong.

I tried an office job in high-school, and soon realized that I enjoyed working with people, but that sitting at a desk all day was NOT my 'thing' My mother recommended to me to try a high-school co-op placement at a local flower shop, assuming that it would be a job that was constantly changing, and provided a new challenge daily. Within 6 months, I was making arrangements, consulting with customers, and working on weddings at the ripe age of 17. I've never 'got' something like I did working with flowers. It came naturally to me, and flowed from my head and hands like I was born to do this job.

Soon after finishing high-school I was presented with an opportunity to purchase a flower shop, and I went for it (young with nerves of steel!). After a period of ups and downs and testing the waters, my business soon began to grow, and after 2 moves finally settled at 391 Main St. in Exeter. This past February 2008 I purchased the Arva Flower Place in Arva (north London) and transformed it into my second Village Vines Florists location.

I began working on my own, with the help of my mother, to now having an extremely talented and wonderful staff of 6 part time/full time ladies. I'm currently in my 6th year of business, and in that time have completed hundreds of weddings, funerals and expressions of my customers that's made me into what I am today.

If you know me - this is old news, but if you don't come into my store, you'll soon see the passion and love that I have for my craft. I live for this job, and love absolutely every minute of it. I feel blessed to be able to say that there's nothing else in this world I'd rather wake up and do everyday. I believe in fate, and I believe that the art of design is something that people are born with. Anyone can learn the skills to paint, draw, or create a floral design, but it's what comes from inside that makes those pieces of art breathtaking. I, fortunately, was lucky enough to be blessed with the art to create floral arrangements that put smiles on peoples lips and tears in their eyes.

I have many years ahead of me in this business, and look at all the fabulous friends I've made in the past. I look forward to the ones I have yet to meet in the future. I now look at where I started, and find it hard to believe that we deliver citywide in London, and all over Huron County.

Thank you to all my customers and friends who have supported me so far, and to those of you who will.

- Natalie Kerslake, Owner, Village Vines Florists