How does one become a florist and open a floral shop?
Question by Happy: How does one become a florist and open a floral shop?
So I want to know how do you become a florist? How do you go about opening your own shop? Finding a floral design school is few & far between. I’ve taken a few classes at my college and one at a florist shop (who by the way turned me down when I asked if they needed some extra help around the shop) My degree is in business and I did have to write a business plan however I feel like I just need more experience. If you actually own a floral shop, when did you decided you were experienced/good enough to go out on your own? What obstacles did you face?
my business plan was not for a floral shop
Best answer:
Answer by gr8music at qtrtilldawn
Not a direct answer, but I will tell you what I did. One day while waiting in the car at the grocery store I noticed many cars, trucks and RV’s with bicycles on them. We didn’t have a bicycle shop in my town, and being very handy with my hands, I went to the bank, borrowed $ 5000 went around town to yard sales, garage sales and newspaper ad’s and bought up every bicycle I could for cheap. Contacted some bicycle parts suppliers and bought the basics and went from there.
Believe it or not, it actually worked. Within three years I was making (gross) well over $ 100,000. a year. Not bad… I later had to close because of a bad divorce, but it worked and the funny thing is, I am wheelchair bound and opened a bicycle shop for goodness sake, weird.
It just takes a desire to make it work, understand the days you can not even put bologna on your bologna sandwich. Cut back where needed and go for it if you town can handle another Florist.
What I said goes against all normal thought or business plan, but I made it work, maybe you can also. If your scared, start in a flea market or even a roadside stand and see what the customers say about your work.
Best of luck, does this mean I get your first bouquet when you open……. ?
Give your answer to this question below!
Every field has a specialized body of knowledge that should be learned before entry. The floral field is no exception. There are a wide range of floral designs, styles, and techniques that should be mastered. Trying to learn these things by hanging around a flower shop is the old fashioned apprenticeship approach. Learning the floral field that way can take many frustrating years. Not all flower shop owners have the time or patience to be involved in that kind of activity.
The most efficient way to become a florist IS to go to floral school. Be prepared to travel to find a quality course. These programs provide specialized hands-on workshop courses in floral design, and specialized information about flower shop business skills. I would suggest that you check out http://www.floralschool.com for the kind of program you are seeking.
Floral Design School would be the best start, as you will learn a lot about not only design aspects, but also correct care of flowers. this will also allow you to harness your own style, as you have to use your style to create your “brand”.
Other things to look at would be where to source your stock, both flowers and sundries. Other things to consider are refrigeration, transport, advertising, just to name a few.
I completed a TAFE course in floristry (Australia) with distinctions, as floristry is such a passion of mine.
I have been a florist for over 5 years, and just got frustrated with working hard for other people with not so much appreciation.
I had some money behind me and decided to go out on my own in September 2009. It’s not easy starting out, but it’s slowly getting there. the best advice I could give is to offer something unique and different, which shows more value than your competitors. Familiarise yourself with their styles, and find their faults. This will help you harness your own individual style.
Second of all, you have to be passionate. There is nothing worse than a florist who will just whack any old combination together. If you show enthusiasm and confidence in what you do, the clients will come!