Hay is set to welcome a new chapter for its local flower shop as Centrespot Flowers prepares to become Bidgee Blooms this August.

Marg Bisset, (left) who has been at the helm for 20 years, is gladly handing over the reins of the business to Emma Laracy (right).

"I am very glad to sell the business to Emma, and am really pleased she is going to keep flowers as an option in Hay," Marg said.

"I am looking forward to August, and I wish Emma all the best".

Marg's journey into the floral industry began somewhat unexpectedly when the Centrespot clothing business, where she was an employee, decided to branch out into flowers two decades ago.

To prepare for this new venture, Marg travelled to Brisbane for a week’s training at The Flower School.

The transition has been years in the making, as Emma approached Marg five years ago to express her interest in purchasing the business when Marg was ready to sell.

Now, five years later, that opportunity has come to fruition.

Despite always wanting to be a florist, Emma pursued a degree in Agri Business at CSU Wagga.

After graduating, she was accepted into the prestigious NAB Agri business graduate program.

Her career with NAB saw her undertake postings around New South Wales.

Emma has also explored much of the world, including Asia, parts of Europe, America, including an iconic road trip, and Antarctica.

She has always harboured the aspiration to be a florist, and someday return to her home town of Hay, where most of her family live.

Being a florist is what Emma calls the ‘ultimate girl dream’. In preparation for taking over Bidgee Blooms, Emma is now embarking on a three-month journey to attain her Certificate III in Floristry, something she has always wanted to achieve.

Following this training, she will return to Hay for a handover period with Marg, where she will greatly benefit from Marg’s extensive experience.

Emma has a vision for the future of the flower shop and is looking forward to putting her own spin on the business, and transforming it into something which reflects her style and personality.

She has a particular view into creating a cottage garden feel.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, she envisions numerous possibilities for the business, saying, "There are many different things you could do with a business, so many opportunities for expansion and I will be looking forward to trying new things".

She hopes to inspire people to appreciate flowers beyond special occasions, encouraging them to stop and smell the flowers because they deserve smelling.

Emma acknowledges the challenges of starting a business but says the ball is rolling.

Keep your eyes peeled for August, to not only congratulate Emma on her new venture, but to say a fond farewell to Marg and wish her a happy retirement.