So..You want to quit your day job and become a Florist?

Here is the scenario…I am out somewhere making new friends and they find out I am a florist. Inevitably, the next words that come out of their mouth are, “I’ve always dreamed about being a florist! That must be so much fun playing with flowers all day!” But the reality is that floristry is hard work! So how do you ditch the 9-5 and start your own floristry business? If you long to work with flowers daily, and dream of building a flowers business, here are 5 things to think about.

Training. Choosing the correct training is crucial, there are so many different courses available. Think carefully about how you best learn; College is of course a great way to learn but can be time consuming as usually part time spread over a year or longer. Career courses are intensive courses usually over 4 weeks and provide both business and practical elements and knowledge can be topped up with additional mini courses. It is a good idea to get some work experience with a local florist. It really is a simple as getting your hands dirty and watching how the florists work– being in the thick of it is the best way to pick it up and you will gain valuable experience.
Get to Know Your Style. As you get more and more into your design knowledge and work on creating your brand, take time to realize what makes your heart sing! This, too, does not happen overnight. You will evolve, and a design aesthetic will start to emerge. Until then, let your creative juices flow, all the while learning the best practices and mechanics to design.

Start Small. Working from your home is perfectly fine to start out. Give yourself some space to work from and delve into this business by getting your hands dirty and feet wet! I started from a wooden workshop (well shed really) in the garden. It is unlikely that you will be expected to put together a sizeable floral installation on your first wedding. Get to Know Your Style. As you get more and more into your design knowledge and work on creating your brand, take time to realize what makes your heart sing! This, too, does not happen overnight. You will evolve, and a design aesthetic will start to emerge. Until then, let your creative juices flow, all the while learning the best practices and mechanics to design.

Get to Know Your Business.

I realize that many blogs, books, etc. try to tell you that you need to focus on what you are good at and then hire out for the rest. That is easier said than done! When you are starting out, you cannot afford to hire other people to do parts of your business. You will have to wear the marketing hat, the accounting hat, the driver hat, etc. You will be on your feet for hours. You will have some late nights just working on an event. It is a lot, but you can do this! It is the drive that keeps you going.
Ask for Help. It is okay to admit you need help! If it were not for my family and friends in those early years, I would not have made it where I am today. I had lots of help, especially when I needed to set-up weddings and events. And, I had some key people throughout my business life that have provided me with insight, advice, and hands-on learning to keep the business going

All budding florists are welcome to join my free Facebook group for support, advice, and a good old chat!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HFSbusinessinbloom/