A mum-of-five is preparing to take the biggest leap in her career as she puts the finishing touches to the flower shop she will open next week.

Anita Jones, 43, of Walthamstow has worked at Cogger’s Florist on the corner of Forest Road and Wood Street, Walthamstow for the past two years.

After the former owner closed the shop last month, Ms Jones, who has spent the last 16 years mastering the art of flower arranging, found herself searching for a job.

But when she considered how much the shop meant to the community she decided it deserved another chance and took out a lease to relaunch the business as Cogger’s In Bloom.

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The senior florist will offer a range of ornaments and trinkets alongside the flowers at the store, which first opened in 1952.

“I wanted to change the name because it has been given a new lease of life and has new people in it and we are adding our little bit to it,” she said.

“It will be the same in terms of the quality and quantity of flowers but I wanted to put my little stamp on it.

“It’s still surreal for me and it’s a dream come true and it’s something I thought would never happen but it just happened.

“I went from thinking I didn’t have a job any longer to asking the owner if I could take over the business.

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“I am very passionate about what I do and I just feel the area needs a florist.”

Her partner Craig Robinson is lending a helping hand with renovations before the shop reopens on Monday, October 2.

Ms Jones, who is originally from Mile End, said she has chosen “shabby chic” as the décor for her store which she hopes will fit in with the “up and coming” area around Golden Parade.

Her two eldest children Renee, 26, and Jack, 22, have helped out at the store during school holidays in the past and plan to get on board again in the future to assist their mum.

“I find my work very rewarding,” said Ms Jones.

“Lots of customers come in which thank you cards and boxes of chocolates to show their appreciation for us.

“I treat my customers like my family and my favourite thing about this job is interacting with them.

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“I find doing flowers for funerals is very therapeutic. I am making something for someone who is being sent off in a celebration of their life.”

Although Ms Jones will be in familiar surroundings on her first day as manager, she will miss working with her former boss Denise.

She added: “She’s a lovely lady and she is known throughout the community and I miss being in the shop with her.

“I am grateful to have this opportunity to relaunch the business.”