AS FOR many full-time mothers, there reached a point in Carol Kidd’s life where she wanted to expand her horizons.

But what started out as a college course aimed at boosting her self-confidence ended up morphing into a thriving flower business in Glasgow’s south side that employs three people. And the woman behind it couldn’t be more surprised – or proud of her achievements.

“I honestly never thought I’d own my own business,” smiles Mrs Kidd, 42, who owns and runs Bonnie Fleurs in Clarkston. “But it just goes to show that it’s never too late to find a new career.”

Kidd was in her thirties when she went to Langside College, now part of Glasgow Clyde College, to study floristry.

“I was nervous but excited about it,” the mum-of-two explains. “I suppose my confidence was low because I’d never really had a job or a career. My husband had a good job, so I looked after the children. But when the youngest went to secondary school I really wanted to do something for myself.

“The floristry course was fantastic – I learned so much and I really enjoyed the social side of things.”

After college, Mrs Kidd worked full-time as a florist in Clydebank and Clarkston before spotting an empty shop and taking the plunge. Eight years later, the business is going from strength to strength.

“We’ve just secured a contract with a big hotel chain to do all their weddings, corporate events and foyer flowers. Working on that scale is a challenge, but the array of arrangements needed means we get to be creative so it’s rewarding. This is the part of the business I think we’ll look to grow.

“We also provide flowers for a big sports club, local hair and beauty salons and lots of schools in the area. And, of course, we are always busy with weddings, funerals, Mother’s Day, all the life events that flowers are such an important part of.”

According to Mrs Kidd, the internet is a big part of her business, while Facebook allows her to share flower arrangements instantly with potential customers. But she admits the aspect of her business she enjoys most is more traditional - giving customers good service.

“I love dealing with people, making them feel good,” smiles the florist. “And hopefully when they’ve had a good experience they’ll come back, and tell their friends and family. That individual experience is what small businesses like us have over the big supermarkets or online flower stores.

“It’s very satisfying to stand back and look at your work, knowing that you’ve done a good job and your flowers will bring people joy at their wedding or comfort them at the funeral of a loved one.”

And Mr Kidd is keen to encourage others, especially women, to consider venturing out on their own.

“I started my business with the money from the sale of a car,” she says. “Keep in mind that at first you don’t need fancy equipment – you can build up as you go. I started out doing deliveries myself in an ancient Land Rover. Don’t think that you have to run before you can walk.

“It’s also important to know your strengths and weaknesses so you can share the burden and focus on what you’re good at.

“The other important thing is finding good staff. That’s one of the hardest things to do, especially in floristry. And once you find them, treat them well and hang on to them.”

Mrs Kidd smiles when she thinks back to her days at home with her children, now 21 and 19.

“I’ve worked so hard to build this business,” she says. “People don’t realise what goes on behind the scenes in floristry, the early mornings and late nights, the pressure. And I wasn’t able to take a salary till my third year in business.

“But it has been worth all that hard work. Now when I stand back I feel a real sense of achievement.”