Evening Times feature (16/11/06):

WHO hasn't dreamt about trading in the nine-to-five grind to do something they love? Everyone has their moments when they imagine switching careers and giving up the rat race to do their own thing.

But few of us will give up job security to branch out on our own.

Yet that's exactly what Charis McElhinney has done. This former primary school teacher and call centre manager has turned her back on office life to become a florist and gift shop owner.

She recently opened her store, Windowbox, on Byres Road, which sells flowers and handmade gifts, many of which are exclusive to her in Glasgow.

It may be a small store, but it's big on personality - which is largely due to Charis' livewire character.

It's where you will find all types of girlie bits and bobs from Lisbeth Dahl, such as sparkling rings, sequin purses and rose photo frames, and quirky gifts from Bombay Duck - look out for the fab, oversized lollies with cheeky slogans such as "lick my lolly", "Miss World" and "Sugar Lips".

There's also jewellery from Glasgow designer Mobius Trip, who works in beaten silver to produce a stunning range of large pendants and chunky rings.

Elsewhere, Catherine White's bespoke range of bridal and costume jewellery features Swarovski crystals and delicate strands of silver.

The Biggar-based jeweller also designs contemporary pieces such as chunky, glass heart necklaces, and her collection is exclusive to Windowbox in Glasgow.

Also look out for striking framed photographs from Stephanie.

Gibson, unusual candles, baby gifts and toys, as well as handmade cards and photo albums.

And of course, there are all kinds of beautiful blooms, from hand-tied bouquets and arrangements to little orchards in their own pots.

It was visiting her mum in hospital that gave Charis the idea for Windowbox.

"My mum was in hospital for a long time so I would leave work, usually always late, and go to visit her," she says.

"But by the time I got up to see her, all the shops were closed, there was absolutely nothing open. The only flowers I could find were half-dead carnations in garages, and I thought that there should be somewhere open late where you can get nice flowers, gifts and cards all under the one roof."

It means she opens from 11am to 7pm, seven days a week: "We're also open on Sundays, which makes us unique and we'll also be doing deliveries on Christmas morning too."

Charis also offers wedding packages, including flowers and a professional photographer, starting from £699.

And playing a part in so many celebrations brings Charis real job satisfaction.

"I'm the happiest I've ever been - I'm in my element," she says. "It's so nice to hand over flowers to someone and pass on congratulations."

And there's also the chance to play cupid once in a while.

"One guy phoned up and asked if we could make up a bouquet with 176 flowers," says Charis.

"He explained that he had moved away from the city and split up from his girlfriend, but realised he had made a mistake. He came back to Glasgow and as he hadn't seen her for 176 days, he wanted a flower for every day.

"So we made up a giant bouquet which contained a dozen red roses, lilies, freesias everything - it was huge - and he went off to turn up at her door.

"We're still waiting to find out if she took him back!"

For info: Windowbox, 63 Byres Road, tel: 0141 334 2656.

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