5 Things you may not know about being a Florist

Ever wondered what it really takes to become a Florist? I get messages on a daily basis from wonderful blossoms who unfortunately have an incorrect view of what it takes to be successful in the floristry industry.

Here’s my top 5 Things you may not know about being a Florist

1. You need more than 8 weeks to become a competent Florist

It takes more than just a couple of classes to be competent and confident in this field.

Lots of times I hear questions like” So, after I have completed this 8 week course, will I be able to have my own floristry business? “

Sorry blossoms, the short answer to this is: ‘No’

The longer answer is : Please acknowledge that Floristry is a profession and should be treated as such!

Professionalism comes from knowing not just one or a few different facets of the field, but ideally all of them!

One can’t call themselves a florist, just like that. Just like you would call anyone a doctor after a few weeks.

There is time involved, dedication and hard work to get there. And don’t forget passion!

Learning a new profession takes time, just like learning any new skill.

Floristry is no different and everyone who has started thinking there can’t be that much to it putting a few flowers together will be or has been proven wrong soon after they started their training.

2. There is a lifetime of learning in Floristry

table flower

 

There is so much to learn in our wonderful profession, that it takes a good year of part-time studies to maybe getting closer to the goal of being your own boss…

Possibly longer.

In Germany where I did my traineeship, traineeships are 3 full years long for this profession. When you consider that, it then seems crazy to think, we would know it all after a few months!! Right?

If you are a beginner the best starting point at FDS is the Floristry Foundations course which will introduce you to the fundamentals in theory as well as the practical application. This course also is delivered as an intensive.

3. Master the basics of Floristry first

You have to get the basics right first, it is like the foundation of the house: If it isn’t right, everything that comes after it, won’t work that well.

Thats why we go in-depth in our Floristry Foundations course.

The smallest move that is taught the correct way can assist you to be time-efficient in your job or business and will help you take care of your body in the long run!

We can’t take short-cuts when it comes to learning a new skill.

You wouldn’t demand a short cut on a sprouting flower, so be patient on yourself.

It would be like thinking, that you can be a painting artist, but you don’t even know about the different techniques, brushes, preparation of the canvas, mediums, mixing colour etc.

We can’t just “wing it” and just do random things… we will never have a professional product in the end, and it will not represent the rest of the Industry in the right way!

4. Learn the fundamentals of design.

A skFlorist bouquetilled practitioner with excellent design, in any profession shines through.

The more skilful you are the easier you will make it seem for others but the beauty of your work will be enough to captivate your customers.

But to get there, it takes time, work experience, good tuition, guidance, patience and determination, but also Passion!

5. Floristry is a business.

Being in the Floristry Industry, doesn’t only require you to be a good florist in the practical sense, but also a huge part of it is the business component.

The Marketing strategies, the financials, the stock control, the Human Resources, Staff Management, Payrolls, Tax, Bookkeeping etc.

It’s the whole package, that makes you a true floristry professional.

If you’ve already got some experience in Floristry or would like to become a professional then you will want to check out our 24 week Industry Ready course.

Floristry2

In Summary my blossoms

It takes more than 8 weeks to become a true professional.

In fact there is a lifetime of wonderful learning to be had. You need to first master the basics of design and the fundamentals of floristry.

And realise that this is a business and you need to master this as well to truly flourish as a florist!