How to become A Florist

As John Harrigan said, “Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower.” Florists work with flowers and other plant elements to create breathtaking arrangements and displays for special occasions, for decoration, or to allow the customer to express their tender feelings for loved ones.

• Flower Arranger
• Floral Artist
• Floral Arranger

What do Florists do?

A Florist would typically need to:

• Design and sell creative floral arrangements in wreaths, bouquets, vases, and centrepiece elements
• Use pre-existing designs or their creativity to decorate indoor and outdoor spaces with flowers for weddings or parties
• Take care of and maintain many different species of flowers, herbs, foliage, and ornamental grass at the shop
• Receive shipments of flowers and other plant-related items; cut and choose flowers to be put on display with care and consideration
• Listen to the customers, serve them diligently, and give occasion-specific and aesthetic flower arrangement suggestions to customers
• Educate customers about optimal plant-care conditions so the floral arrangements can last longer
• Manage the inventory and ensure necessary supplies are in stock
• Fulfil orders placed by various customers, coordinate deliveries across the region, and ensure that the flower arrangements reach their destination intact
• Promote the business by attending bridal expos and related events to gain more customers and enhance the reputation of the company by competing in flower display competitions
• Grow plants for retail floral shops and create pre-designed floral arrangements for convenience stores, if in the wholesale business.

Florists working in independent shops make their flower arrangements in a private area. The shop will generally have a large retail display area and coolers that store flowers for preservation. Most Florists working in retail businesses have to make regular trips to the market to purchase flowers and fillers; sometimes, you may need to deliver flower arrangements to customers personally.

Florists working in larger companies, particularly those that are internet-based, work in an industrial environment, create arrangements according to specified instructions, and are sometimes responsible for packaging and shipping the products to the customers.

Florists work long days, mostly spent on their feet creating flower displays or talking to customers. A typical day begins with receiving early deliveries of fresh flowers and preparing for customers to pick their orders up.

In addition to working regular hours, junior or trainee Florists are expected to keep their schedules open to working on weekends and holidays if necessary.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Florists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Most Florists choose to work part-time while some work full-time and a few are self-employed.

Florists are generally employed by:

• Independent Flower Shops
• Markets & grocery stores
• Florist chains
• Wholesalers

Professional associations and organisations such as the Society of American Florists and the British Florist Association are crucial for a Florist interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Long work schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays
• The need to lift heavy displays
• Declining employment opportunities due to increasing customer tendency to buy flowers or plants from grocery stores

As in any career, reading as much as possible about the profession and interviewing those working in the floral industry will help you explore your interest in the field. Additionally, having at least two to four years of experience working with floral design can be advantageous in the hospitality industry.

You could also find part-time work as a trainee with an established Florist and train on the job while attending college. Aspiring Florists can also gain the necessary experience through membership in flower arranging societies or by participating in apprenticeship schemes.

Most Florists have a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. Courses in botany, art, biology, design, business, and economics may help Florists looking to start their own businesses.

You may also opt for formal education and obtain accredited certificates, an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in floriculture programs to obtain practical job skills and knowledge.

Courses on offer include horticulture, outdoor foliage, crop care, greenhouse maintenance, plant storage requirements, principles of floral design, vase arrangements, wedding design, funeral wreaths, hand-held bouquets, marketing, flower shop management, event planning, and portfolio creation. Dedicated self-study in the above areas would also fetch finite benefits.

Certification demonstrates a Florist’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Voluntary certification in floristry and floral design from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and allow you to start your own business.

Most Florists may also need a commercial driver’s license to deliver floral arrangements to their customers efficiently.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Florists. The best possibility of progression would be to raise enough capital and gain enough professional knowledge and skills to start your own floristry business.

Large hotels may offer select entry-level jobs from where you may be able to get promoted to Supervisor or Manager. You could also take up part-time or full-time teaching positions in universities or colleges of further education.

Candidates with the necessary skills, experience, and education have the best job prospects.

The best way to hone your skills as a Florist would be to undergo extensive on-the-job training. Be on the constant lookout for inspiration, take every possible opportunity to practise your floral design skills, keep a sketchbook of potential flower arrangement designs, note down the materials and techniques to be used, and cultivate your own unique arrangement style by experimenting with diverse textures, shapes, colours, and materials.

Florists with significant experience may be able to obtain advanced diplomas in professional floristry. These qualifications may also help you run your independent Florist shop.

Compete to Bloom

Apart from creating floral arrangements for fulfilling customer’s orders, Florists also participate in floral competitions. They develop elaborate displays and art pieces such as a lady’s hat made out of leaves or the sculpture of a horse made from sunflowers and other plant material. A prize won at such competitions helps them build a worthy reputation and attract more clientele.

Tools of the Trade

Florists make regular use of fresh flowers, artificial flowers, fillers such as natural and artificial foliage, ornamental containers, floral & pruning shears, floral foam, floral tape, water tubes hot glue.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Florists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility and effort. The best Florists have a loyal customer base which minimises the risks associated with running an independent business.

On the other hand, a full-time Florist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety. When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

People spend a total of $1.9 billion on flowers on Mother’s Day.

A strong aesthetic sense, a creative mind, good customer service skills, expert knowledge of floral products and design techniques, a flexible schedule, and a ‘green thumb’ are essential attributes of a successful Florist. If you believe you have these traits, this is the career that will bring you infinite satisfaction.

Make your flower arrangements unique and keep up with recent trends in floristry to offer your customers the best service possible. A friendly and informative social media presence could bring in more customers and give you access to a new market.