How to Start Your Career As a Florist
If you consider yourself as someone with green fingers then perhaps a career as a florist could be the perfect answer. Opening up your own florists however is not quite as easy as finding a place and a supplier and letting rip, this is in fact a very specialist trade and you will really need to know your stuff if you wish to become successful in this industry. To help you understand the steps which you should take ahead of opening your own florists, here are some tips on what you will need to start your career.
Study
The idea of studying to be a florist may sound a little odd but the truth is that you really do need to have a great understanding of horticulture in order to find success within this industry. It is not just about finding the prettiest roses or the brightest fuchsias, being a florist is about understanding great quality plants and flowers, how the seasons impact the industry and how to create the perfect selection of plants and flowers. You can learn floristry with Pearsons school for example and that will set you on your path to floristry success.
Gain Experience
Learning at a floristry school will be great for your knowledge but so too will experience of working in a florist and that is also something which you should seek to try out. Ask around your local flower shops and see if anyone has some part time work, alternatively you could volunteer for a few hours per week to try and learn more about his craft, which will of course help you once you get your own business off the ground.
Understand Business
Beyond the horticulture skills which you are going to need, you will also have to gain a deep understanding of how business operates. There are challenges in the world of floristry which other types of businesses do not have to deal with, managing perishable items being a clear example of that. It is therefore essential that you have the experience and the knowledge about how to select, find and sell flowers and plants, as well as having some business knowledge and acumen to launch your very own company.
As a florist you will need to know about sourcing products and suppliers, how to handle shipping, dealing with deliveries, understanding the customer and getting the price point right. All of these aspects are not something which you can learn from a book, they will come from a blend of classroom education and on the job experience.
When it comes to launching your very own business, it is essential that you have a plan for what you will sell, who your target market is and how you plan to keep cash flowing. As you can see, the combination of specialization in floristry and business is absolutely essential if this is the career which you have your sights set on.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
