Spring is just around the corner, which means warmer weather, sunny skies, and beautiful blooming flowers! Flowers enhance every occasion. For weddings and holidays, for saying you’re sorry or expressing your love, flowers add an elegant and personal touch that stands the test of time.
If lilies, orchids, sweet peas, marigolds and buttercups bring you joy, becoming a florist might be in your future like what Houng did at Lily Blooms. But before you find out how to become a florist, first consider if it’s right for you.
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The Right Person for the Job
Florists are in charge of the production and business of flowers and there are several things to consider when deciding if this bustling career is right for you. Ask yourself some questions to help you figure it out.
Do you have a keen eye for design?
Do you enjoy working with people?
Do you work well under pressure?
Are you creative, dynamic and intuitive?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, becoming a florist might be a great career choice for you. In this industry, if you work well with others, possess artistic and innovative qualities, and are drawn to beauty, you’re probably on the right track to a career that makes you happy.
What a Workday is Like
The average florist works in a flower shop where the front is for retail, while the back is for making floral arrangements and fulfilling orders. The retail side will usually have an area for customers to walk in and check out the display that showcases the range of floral options.
A Florist’s duties include:
- Managing inventory
- Greeting and assisting customers
- Making floral arrangements
- Caring for the flowers on display
- Taking orders from clients
- Promoting the business
You may be asked for your help when choosing the right flowers for a person or occasion so you’ll have to know about the impression that different flowers give and the way they make people feel.
It can be a physically demanding job, especially from spring to early autumn, a popular time for weddings, when florists work hard making lots of arrangements to ensure the client’s wedding is gorgeous. But the hard work pays off since weddings are great for florists to show off their skills and gain clients.
Education and Training
While florists are not required to have a formal education, most have a high school diploma or equivalent. Classes related to art, biology and business would be particularly helpful.
There are educational opportunities for those who desire more experience before diving in. There are courses in horticulture, floriculture, botany and floral design. There are also independent schools where you’ll learn things like:
- Fundamentals of design
- Flower identification
- Flower arrangement
- Colour theory
- Plant care
- Flowers for different occasions
- Holiday floral design
Another way to break into the industry, whether you’ve had formal education or not, is to get an internship in a flower shop where you can learn everything about being a florist. You’ll get a practical learning experience on the job that combines knowledge about plants with customer service and running a store.
Consider educating yourself about which flowers are toxic to cats and dogs. Some will cause illness or worse in pets and it’s a good idea to be prepared if a pet owner enters the shop and asks for flowers that won’t hurt Rover if he got his paws on them.
After all, it’s always a good idea to be in the know and being able to anticipate the needs of your customers can build trust and loyalty.
Time to Get a Job
Since it’s never a bad idea to get your foot in the door, before you’re ready for a career as a florist, you may want to consider getting a job in a flower shop making deliveries or as an assistant. This is something you can do while you pursue an education in the industry or to see if it’s where you want to work long-term. That way, you can get a taste of the day-to-day activities and if you decide that’s the job and the place for you, then you’ll know right away when they’re hiring and you’ll have a leg up on any competition.
You may want to take a look online to see if there are any work-from-home opportunities. Many people have started conducting business from home and the floral industry is no exception.
In the End
There is no one way to become a florist so if you’re passionate about flowers and you want to help make the world even more beautiful, what path you take is up to you. Keep adding to your experience and grow as a florist.