Anyone who has a natural flair for designing bouquets and flowers can work on becoming a florist. Knowledge of flowers and plants is important when assembling flower arrangements. The advantage of starting your own floristry business is that you will enjoy working with flowers and be your own boss. You will earn money for being passionate about something you love. You can build up a rapport with your customers and earn their trust and business. You can pick up regular contracts for supplying arrangements to offices. A florist can start small and soon become big in their area.
Here are some tips on becoming a florist.
1. Develop practical skills
Communicative skills are essential when talking to customers and explaining your ideas. A florist has to have a helpful and pleasant disposition. Customers should feel free to approach you for suggestions of flowers for bouquets and arrangement. You should be able to tell them how to look after the plants or flowers that they purchase. Discuss with them their likes and dislikes and offer valid suggestions. Listen to their ideas and work on it to produce something that they really like. You should be capable of taking up large orders for exhibitions and conference and make sure to deliver the arrangements on time.
2. Creativity and passion
Your talent for creativity will help you make exquisite arrangement which will make you popular in your locale. You should be interested in flowers and know how to use the foliage to compliment the plants dexterously. Learn how to make your customers feel special when you put a few flowers and fillers to make your customer feel special. Make sure that the colors you use are pleasing to the eye. Use original designs with bright or pastel shades and take pride in your arrangements.
3. Work long hours
Florists may require keeping their shops open on weekends and on festive days. In order to procure stock, it is necessary to start work early mornings and work extra hours on festive days such as Valentine’s Day and Christmas. Work with other florists to learn more about the job and learn customer care skills. Your responsibility as a florist will be to water the plants, unpack stocks, condition flowers and fix the price of products. Be prepared to stand for long hours while you are working.
4. Courses on floristry
In order to get a certificate you should have passed a Bachelor’s degree. This includes a degree in Business, Botany or Fine arts. You will learn how to hone your skills, gain knowledge on growing conditions for flowers or learn management and marketing skills. The other diploma or certificate programs offered are the Floriculture diploma or the Floral Design course which is offered in many universities in Canada and the United States.
5. Enhance your skills
As you gain experience you can hone your skills in any one particular direction. For instance you can aim at learning techniques for bridal bouquets and offer an estimate for beautiful decorations for the wedding. You could also learn different ways to tie ribbons or fold napkins. Sell different types of wrapping paper and colored ribbons. Make hand-made cards that match the flower arrangements.
6. Getting a job
Florists are sought by floral retail stores, grocery stores, merchandise and wholesale merchants that sell non-durable goods. You can also get a job with a popular florist and learn the ropes while you are working as an apprentice. Learn how to use fresh as well as artificial or dried flowers. You may have to pick up the flowers for your boss every morning which would mean waking at early hours. It is hard work but you will find it works to your advantage when you learn the finer points of becoming a florist and starting your own business.
7. Start your own business
Once you have taken further training, worked as an apprentice and become experienced, you can plan on starting your own business. You can set up a shop or have an outside stall. You do not require a large space but make sure it is at an advantageous spot. You also have the option of selling greeting cards, decoration and gifts in your shop. You should be able to handle the accounts and administration tasks. You may have to travel to nurseries and wholesalers and if you cannot hire someone you will have to make deliveries to the customers.
8. Organize the waste
Be vigilant when you are stocking flowers in your shop or stall. Learn to select fresh flowers and master the art of cutting the stems periodically to ensure they remain fresh. You can ask the local council in your area on how to dispose of the flowers and the costs, if any. Maintain the required stock and you can always order more on big days such as New Year’s, Christmas and birthdays.
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