From Flowers to Finances
After graduating high school, I moved to California to follow my husband as he embarked on his journey with the U.S. Marine Corps. At that time, I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. I knew that I needed a career, but finances—let alone anything to do with money management—were never a focus for me.
I enrolled in online college classes for business management, and in 2010, I graduated with an associate’s degree. With my degree in hand and a decision to move back home, I was unsure of the next step in my professional journey.
For the next ten years, I found myself running and managing the Flower Cottage. Being a florist wasn’t something I had ever envisioned for myself, but it became a role that I truly cherished. The most rewarding aspect of being a florist wasn’t just the beauty of the flowers—it was the ability to work directly with customers during some of the most important moments of their lives. As time went on, it was time to move on from floristry. I was ready for a new challenge. It was then that I began considering a new career direction, one that would still allow me to help people, but in a different way.
When exploring new career options, I had heard about Limestone Financial Credit Union and the amazing work they did in the community. Over the years, I’d seen the way the credit union prioritized customer service and aimed to improve the financial well-being of the people in our community. I was fascinated by the concept of helping people navigate financial challenges and achieve their goals—whether it was buying a home, starting a business, or managing their debt.
The transition from floristry to being a loan officer at Limestone Financial Credit Union wasn’t immediate, but it was a rewarding one. I took the time to educate myself, starting on the front line and moving to loan processing within two years. A year later, I was promoted to loan officer, focusing on consumer loans. During that time, I also became certified as a Credit Union Financial Counselor and achieved my Credit Union Compliance Expert certificate.
The credit union’s community-focused approach to banking was exactly what I had been seeking. I now get to be part of a team that works hard to provide financial education and support, ensuring that our members can thrive in their personal and business finances.
Looking back, my career journey has been full of surprises. From running a flower shop to becoming a loan officer at a credit union, I never could have predicted this path—but I am grateful for every step along the way. Each chapter has shaped who I am today, and I’m proud of the work I do to help people secure their futures.
-Mallary Dillon, Consumer Loan Officer
