Britain’s first Asian male master florist!
A Birmingham man has become the first male master florist after attaining a qualification in flower arranging.
Harkamal Ubhi, also known as Raj, was awarded a Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry, the highest floristry qualification in the UK.
The talented florist is believed to be the only Asian male florist in the country with this qualification, with less than one percent of qualified florists in the country having achieved this level.
“I am absolutely ecstatic about being the first Asian florist to have achieved this level,” he said.
“All those long hours I spent to complete this degree have finally paid off and it has taken me over 5 years to get to where I am now, all thanks to the tremendous encouragement and support from family and friends.”
My Ubhi graduated with Computer Science degree from the University of Wolverhampton and was working as a full-time analyst for National Grid, when he decided to take on the course.
“I started studying floristry part-time as a hobby after receiving a lot of praise when I did some arrangements at a cousin’s wedding,” he said.
“All of my courses have taken over 5 years, with three years in Solihull, then a year each in Wolverhampton and in Devon. I also won student of the year in my first year at Solihull College.”
The father-of-two undertook the pressures of completing his course with top marks while working in a full-time job and looking after his family.
“Several assignments, portfolios, written and practical exams, together with a full-time job, young children and elderly parents, travelling and expenses, made the courses challenging but all the hard work and effort was worth it in the end.
“I am really proud to have received distinctions in all my assignments, practical exam and a credit in my written exam. I learnt a great deal from all my tutors and friends, and now eager to put this into practice,” he added.
Mr Ubhi said that his creative ability and love for nature began as a young boy, when he was growing up in Kenya, Africa.
“I used to spend a lot of time in the garden growing plants and often used fresh flowers to arrange in the home.
“The colours, scents, textures and forms of fresh flowers are amazing to work with.”
Mr Ubi is currently working as a casual florist for the International Convention Centre that specialises in events, and he recently created some designs for the models at the National Asian Wedding Show.
The hardworking family man also said that his profession often comes as a surprise to clients looking for professional flower arrangements.
“I have received a lot of support and praise from my family and friends who know of my interest. But for a lot of my clients, it often comes as a shock when they hear of a male Asian florist.
“But I get a lot of praise from my clients for my intricate and bespoke designs.”
Although he is content working for the large firm, Mr Ubhi said that he would like to set up his own floristry business.
“I am confident that one day my floristry passion will help bloom into my very own business,” he added.
