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What are some steps for becoming a floral designer or starting a floral business?

As a senior in high school, I’m just starting to explore future careers. I’m a creative person and I like to use my hands at work. I have experience working at a pottery shop and working with floral design on the side. I also am thinking about owning my own business someday.

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Heather’s Answer

In college I had an assignment to write up a business plan for any small business and I choose the idea of becoming a Florist. IF you want to own your own business knowing how to write up a business plan will be a requirement. It's not difficult but you need to know all about your topic.

- Buy floral books you will need to memorize the names of all the flowers and plants. AtoZ Flowers is a good one and my favorite is Flower Design by Judith Blacklock
- Get the small business for dummies book.
- learn how to use small business accounting software
- what are the best locations to start a small biz, is there nearby competition ?
- are there any business clients looking for florist (biggest amount of sm biz income comes from them) hospitals, hotels, biz complex, etc
- what is the cost of starting your business from scratch? cost of buying an already established biz?

- job shadow (!)
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking time to write this! Annalise
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Jean’s Answer

Hi Annalise: As Elizabeth recommended go to your local florists and speak with them about an opportunity to work for them. Hopefully someone is looking for a part time employee and you can fill that need and learn on the job. Always be willing to do any tasks that come up.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Annalise
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Elizabeth’s Answer

Florists hire based on experience. If you need experience you may need to volunteer or take on an internship OR PAY a Designer to teach you. When I wanted to break into this industry I read books. Today you have You Tube. There is a huge range of designer styles. Go online and look at the websites of local florists and pick a few that are your "style". Approach each one in person, early in the week when they are not too busy and ask about an internship. You will likely start by preparing flowers and greens and containers AND SWEEPING THE FLOOR. You will learn by watching, too. As things get busy and designers get under pressure they will hand off more responsibility to you. SHOW UP, always and on time. They depend on you so don't say you're coming and then not show up because you will lose your job and lose a recommendation! This is a tough job. You will work long hours, holidays and weekends, and stand up for most of the time. Don't ever share your knife. You can get an infection from a cut. Get a small bucket and start to collect you own tools (knife, scissors, wire cutters). Wear gloves whenever possible to avoid absorbing pesticides into your body. Learn from everyone's mistakes! Make a list of wholesalers and growers who can help advise you, supply you and connect you to a new employer if necessary. Study color theory online or in person or buy a book. Move to another florist if they don't encourage you to take on my responsibility. You will always do best if you make your employer's job easier. Keep a positive attitude. After all this, and years of experience consider opening your own business. The boss takes the profits.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advise! Annalise
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