It’s about the people…
It’s always about the people…
The floral industry has some glamorous parts and it can be easy to get lost in the pursuit of recognition or booking the next big gig. To be honest, there are times I long for both, but I know at the heart of my business, it’s always about the people-the people I work with and for.
The first time I realized this business was about people and not just flowers I was 18. I was working at Mayer Flower. It was owned by a mother and daughter, who were 2nd and 3rd generation florists. It was a wonderful place to work. I had lived in this town my whole life and knew practically everyone. I loved being a part of this community. In December of my senior year of high school, tragedy hit. A friend’s mom was killed in a car accident. The community was devastated. We were asked to make the casket spray and other pieces for the funeral. I vividly remember sitting on old metal stools around the big design table, crying, talking about Pam, and watching Jane make the casket spray. I thought how unfair it was to take my friend’s mom when she was a senior in high school. I remember some of the flowers being blue; I think that was her favorite color. At that moment, I realized being a florist is a much greater mission than just providing flowers, it’s about being there for people. Comforting them in the midst of sorrow and celebrating during times of joy- both are an honor.
In the 28 years I’ve been in this industry, I have been recognized a few times and have landed some large events. But none compare to the relationships I have made and the lives I have been a part of because of this amazing thing I get to call a job.
If you pursue floristry, I hope you will remember to build a business focused on relationships and how you can serve others with your gifts! I promise if you lead with your heart, you will be successful.
3 Keys to Building a Floral Team
As I sit here and write this, I am filled with such gratitude for each of these amazing ladies. Building a team is the foundation of a successful business. I LITERALLY could do NONE of this without them. So, how do you support, train, and retain a wonderful team?
Three Keys to a successful team
PAY THEM WELL
This flowering business is not for the faint of heart. It’s long days, heavy buckets, and lots of sweat and sometimes tears. I don’t always have consistent work for my girls, but I build it into my proposal to pay them a wage that is higher than most when I do have work. I also take them to dinner! No one works well hangry!!
EDUCATE AND EQUIP THEM
You can not expect your team to want to work for you if you have not instructed them and taught them the things you’d like them to know. Even if they have floral design experience, everyone does things differently and you have to communicate that to them. You can’t be everywhere so you must educate them in different situations so when things arise on-sight, you have equipped them with the knowledge and confidence they need to make good decisions that represent the company well. When you have trained your team well, it allows them the freedom to grow, and you the opportunity to not feel the need to micromanage.
BE ORGANIZED & DON’T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY
Weddings and events can be unpredictable, but you, as the leader, don’t want to be the unpredictable component. Have systems, schedules, rules, dress codes, etc. Let your team know what is expected up front so everyone is on the same page. Also, just because you’re the boss doesn’t mean others may not have a better idea. That’s what makes teams great. Take the ideas and thoughts of those working for you seriously and use them. Let me tell you, my 17 year old daughter has had some great rear-end saving ideas over the years!
My greatest advice for you though is to love your team well. See them, encourage them, laugh with them, and tell them THANK YOU!! You cannot do this job alone and finding new help all the time is a time and money pit. I am so grateful for the ladies who work with me each season. They are the absolute best!!
2023 Wedding Flower Trends
It’s fun to look forward every year and see what the trends may be. They help give insight to what’s coming and how you can be prepared. They also jump-start the creative process for dreaming about how you can use those trends in unique ways for your clients.
I have been in the wedding industry for over 20 years and have seen many trends come and go. Some hang on longer than others and you have to really get creative, cue the burlap and lace haha! As a wedding professional, you have to remember brides don’t see these trends over and over like you because they are only planning one wedding. They may think what they are choosing is new and exciting and hasn’t been used by everyone that year. As the wedding professional, it’s your job to make their vision special to them!
If you have the basics of design, color theory and styling, you can face any trend with confidence. My course gives you the foundation you need in all of these areas and much more!
Color
I am such a fan of color!! Don’t get me wrong, a beautiful white and green palette is a show-stopper, but when I get to use color, I come alive!! I believe it adds so much interest to the wedding decor. Color is something I love to play with and I hope I get the opportunity to bring lots of color into the 2023 wedding season. Pantone color of the year is Viva Magenta! As you can see from this beautiful proposal, I was ahead of my time with the stunning color palette.
Color is regarded as the most important element of floral design to most. Color affects the way individuals react to a design because it evokes emotion and when used properly creates line, visual balance, and rhythm within the design. If color is a bit intimidating to you, my course offers a color theory session with styling that helps bring it all together. Color is an element you want to be super comfortable with. I’d love to help you! You can find out more about the modules in the course HERE
Bouquets
The bridal bouquet is usually the most important to the bride. It’s her accessory for the day! She wants it to make a statement. In Flourishing, I show you the mechanics of how to create a couple different styles bouquets. These design principles equip you with the skills to adapt your bouquets to whatever the trends may be.
Most of my bouquets include several elements to bring interest and movement, but brides are starting to choose monoflower bouquets-meaning, one flower for their bouquet. They have also started leaving the stems longer than previous seasons creating a sleek and modern feel.
The other trend I’m seeing is down-sizing. For several years, brides have wanted large, organic bouquets with lots of texture and movement. Brides seem to be trending towards a more petite size with a dainty and delicate feel. Some are choosing single flowers, but others are choosing textural and delicate blooms full of interest, but on a smaller scale.
Eco-conscious
Being eco-conscious isn’t new to the scene, we have seen a big shift in not using floral foam and re-purposing decor, but I have seen brides shifting their decor ideas to using more plants or herbs. I love using live plants and herbs. They bring color, fragrance, and life to the party. Not only do they make gorgeous decor, you can keep them as beautiful reminders of your day or give them to guests as a wedding favor that really goes to good use! It’s always important to remember that your bride will have different things that are important to them and if being eco-conscious is a priority, it’s important to know how to incorporate that.
Large Installations
Large installations have been a trend for a few years now, but brides are allowing florists to be more creative and really make these installations a work of art. A grandiose statement piece for the wedding.
Installations usually have many logistics that need to be worked out. Some important things to remember when you are talking about large installations with your brides are:
Does the venue or location have the proper foundation for you to connect the installation or will you need to construct a completely free-standing foundation.
If the installation is coming from the ceiling, does the venue have equipment for you use while installing or will you be required to bring your own equipment. If you have to bring your own equipment, is it feasible and available for you to transport.
Have your bride verify the amount of time you will have the day of the wedding or day before to create and install. Depending on how much time you have, you can determine how many additional employees you will need to complete.
When you are creating a proposal with a large installation, you want to make sure you are creating something to scale and proportion and balance and unity for the area it will be used in. It’s also important to know how much product and labor you’ll need and how much to charge for those items. I teach these design elements in my course and show you how to price your work with confidence.
Creating custom designs for my brides gives me so much joy. When they trust me with their vision there is no greater compliment. I hope these trends will give you a fresh look at 2023 and let your creativity run wild so you too can create beautiful, custom proposals for your clients.
If you are ready to start your own business, but don’t know where to start, Flourishing is a course that will take you step-by-step in reaching your floral dreams. You can complete online or with a custom in-person option. I’m here for you and can’t wait to see what 2023 brings for you and your business!
A Florist’s Quick Guide to Prepping for the New Year
It’s that time of year when every florist looks at their work space and thinks, “What the heck happened here!” We start the year with ribbon and containers organized, floors mopped, counters pristine, and papers neatly put away. If you’re like me in December, you look around and everything is a total wreck-no matter how hard I had tried to keep it nice all year.
The new year is not only a time to set new goals, but also evaluate what worked (or didn’t work) and set new rhythms. I take January to get myself ready for the next year’s wedding season. Here are a few things that I do.
Organize - I take everything out of my drawers and storage room to organize supplies. I throw items away that are broken, and I make a goodwill/recycle pile for items I no longer want to use.
Clean- I deep clean everything and make sure to use something to get rid of bacteria that may have built up from the flowers.
Taxes- I pay my 4th quarter taxes and get all my information ready for my accountant so we can file early.
Examine Processes- I evaluate my marketing, social media, finances, and workflows. Look at what worked well and what didn’t. Change up what I need to make things run more smoothly this next season.
Rest- I take a little breather. Once everything is cleaned, organized, and evaluated, I take a week or two for myself. I enjoy the quiet and let my mind and body do things that brings life in ways that are not work related.
This job is an amazing and crazy ride and extremely rewarding, but in order to be our best season after season, we must do these little things to stay organized and evaluate our business. Also taking a pause for ourselves gives us time to rest and be more creative for the upcoming season!
Ways to work as a freelance florist
If you want to become a freelance florist, there are several avenues you can choose from. The flexibility as a freelance florist is what makes it an ideal occupation. Two different ways you can freelance are working on the holidays or as-needed at flower shops and providing design assistance for wedding and event florists.
I have been in the floral industry for over 25 years. Over the years, I have been asked if I went to school to become a florist- my answer, the school of life-haha, I’m just kidding! But kind of not, I went to college and have a bachelors degree in business and minor in art (and coaching)-I’m very well-rounded, but I have never been formally trained in design. I was fortunate to work in flower shops that allowed me to learn from their top designers.
I believe if you want to become an amazing designer you benefit greatly from experience, but a lot of times, you need some sort of training to get more experience. Flourishing can provide you with the education and experience. My in-person course option allows you to gain knowledge about design principles and elements, as well as color theory and styling, all while getting your hands dirty learning in person with me teaching and guiding you.
Once you have knowledge of the floral industry and the basic design skills, where can you work? There are a couple routes you can take.
Retail Flower Shop
Retail flower shops are often looking for people who can work the holidays or a few hours here and there. It’s really helpful if you are already trained because the holidays can be chaotic and they need someone to jump in and get busy.
If you’d like to go the retail route it’s extremely helpful to have basic customer service skills, know how to process flowers properly, make personal flowers like corsages/boutonnieres, design everyday vase arrangements and wrapped bouquets. Knowledge of the types of flowers and their seasonality is also good with helping customers pick out the perfect arrangement, but is something that can be learned as you go too. I’m still learning after 27 years!
When you work in a retail shop, you have to be very well-rounded and willing to do whatever they need. That may be washing buckets, re-cutting flowers to keep them fresh, cleaning out the coolers, answering phones, helping customers, etc. Designing arrangements might not be your first job, but if you have a great team-player attitude and unstoppable work ethic, you will go far and eventually move into the design position.
Wedding and Event Floral Design
The wedding and event industry is looking for great freelancers every season. There is an extreme shortage of designers who truly know the industry and know how to design. Most wedding and event florists don’t have the time to train on-the-job during the wedding because it’s such a high-paced industry. Having design skills and basic knowledge of how things work the week leading up to and the day of the wedding, allows you to jump right in and be a huge asset. This is a very physical job. You will need to be able to move quickly, haul heavy items, and work long days on your feet.
When you work as a wedding/event freelancer, you will need to be very good at copying the style of other people’s work. They have hired you for their client and are expecting a similar design. This is not usually the time to be super creative. A florist will generally tell you what the design needs to look like and then you copy it. Production work is a big part of the wedding and event design process. Being quick and efficient in your design is important.
Just like working for a retail florist, you will need to be an excellent team-player and willing to do whatever is needed. Sometimes it’s designing and other times washing buckets, filling containers, or handing supplies to a designer on a ladder. Being willing to do whatever is necessary is a great quality to possess and will keep florists calling you back!
Tips for being a Successful Freelancer
As a freelancer there are several things that will help you be successful.
1. Have an open-mind. Every florist does things differently. You can learn a lot from working for other people if you don’t close your mind to new ways of doing things.
2. Be pro-active. If there is a lull in the day, find things to do or ask what you can do. Even if it’s just washing vases or organizing supplies, being busy and efficient really sets you apart.
3. Be a team-player. You may not always get the most glamorous job, but do whatever task you’re given to the best of your ability so the team is successful.
4. Have a good attitude. Be the uplifting, positive person people like working with. The floral industry can be really stressful at times, and it’s always nice to have positive and/or funny people to lighten the mood and help people make it through.
5. Be trustworthy and dependable. If you commit to a job, show up. Owners are depending on you and like I said earlier, it’s hard to find good, reliable, trained help. Be a person of your word and you will find yourself busier than you ever expected.
Being a freelance florist has many benefits. First, you are helping the industry continue to grow. Second, you have flexibility and freedom in choosing what type of jobs you take and when you take them. Third, this job will give back to you because when you work with many types of people and businesses, you gain so much knowledge and experience.
If you have a dream of becoming a freelance florist, but don’t know where to begin, I’d love to be your mentor. You can learn from me online or in-person. Below you can see the curriculum and courses I offer. Let’s connect and get you started on your dream. Now is the time to be trained so you are available to work the holidays and busy wedding season!
Networking tips for your floral design business
Networking tips for your floral design business
Like it or not, networking is a vital part of growing a successful floral business. Making new connections, and growing your network of potential clients and referral partners, is critical to your business and personal growth. Networking can often make people feel nervous and uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. The key is to take a genuine approach – be true to yourself and honest with new connections. Remember, networking is about building relationships and sharing knowledge.
My Networking Philosophy
Give > take
Giving is always better than taking! Look at networking as a way to build community and support vs. “what can I get out of this relationship?”. It’s about genuinely caring for people and wanting to give them value without expecting anything in return. If you have skills, tips, or connections to offer other people, (and you definitely do!) don’t be afraid to share freely. Helping other business owners is an amazing way to build trust and credibility – which is bound to return to you when those new connections are looking to refer business leads to someone they trust and value!
Quality Connections
We all have a story to share, and getting to know others’ stories can help us connect deeply and build relationships. When you work with people you know and trust, you offer your clients something invaluable - a recommendation for other amazing vendors that can make their wedding or event perfect!
Networking 101: Tips & Tricks
Elevator Pitch
Maybe you’ve heard of an elevator pitch? If not, it’s a trick for introducing yourself in a memorable and helpful way. If you met a stranger on an elevator, could you describe your business in an effective way before the doors opened back up? Try this exercise – Write down who you are, what your business offers, and how it can help others. Now read it and make adjustments until you’re happy with the results. The more concise the better! If you are too wordy, new people won’t remember the important parts.
Business Cards
You can have traditional business cards printed or a QR code to share info digitally, but always have a way to share your information. You never know when you’ll make a connection with someone who needs a florist. Having a way to share your business information is vital.
Stand Out
Don’t be afraid to stand out! Consider bringing small flowers to share at networking events, or getting creative with your business cards by adding pressed flowers or plantable seeds. There are hundreds of ways to get creative, but it’s always a benefit if meeting you is a memorable experience.
Be Yourself
Are you an outgoing extrovert who loves making new friends everywhere you go? Awesome! You probably don’t need these tips at all. Get out there and do your thing! But if you are more of an introvert, or just prefer your privacy and a smaller circle of close friends, networking can feel more challenging. Remember - It might be necessary to push your comfort level a bit by making new connections, but that doesn’t mean you have to be someone you’re not. If in-person networking events are too overwhelming, try Facebook groups! If you hate the idea of participating in a group event, reach out to individuals and invite them to coffee. There’s no “right” way to build a network, so find what works for YOU.
Four Ways You Can Network
Networking can be nerve wrecking, especially when you’re just starting out, but remember – even the most seasoned business owners and networkers were once in your exact spot. We all have to start at the beginning! Try these simple ideas for getting started as a new networker.
1. Compliments + Coffee
Reach out and compliment those you look up to and respect in the industry. Everyone appreciates positive feedback and this can be an effective way to start a connection. Choose vendors who genuinely seem to align with your brand and invest time getting to know them. To create a strong network of vendors you can rely on, you need to truly know and trust your referral partners. Invite new connections to coffee or cocktails and make time to get to know more about them personally, as well as their business. You might just end up with more than work associates. I have several friendships that started with coffee and compliments!
2. Preferred Vendor List
Many venues and vendors have a group of people they work with regularly. They usually call this their "preferred vendor" list. As you establish your business and work with new people and locations, start creating a list of your favorites. If you love a venue or vendor, ask if you can join their preferred vendor list. Be sure to return the favor when possible too! You might add your favorite vendors and venues to your website, or do a feature series on social media to highlight your favorites.
Pro tip: It can be tempting to accept any/ all invitation to become a preferred vendor, but make sure to align yourself with venues that truly are a good fit. Things to consider:
Location - How far are you willing/ able to travel?
Cost - Are the average wedding budgets aligned with your prices?
Vendors - Are other vendors on the list at your level?
Competition - How large is the list? Are there already several floral designers that have a similar style?
3. Vendor Events + Associations
Most areas have sponsored vendor events where you can find vendors who meet up on a regular basis. Join these associations and attend these events to connect to your industry and regional vendors. I recommend joining WIPA (Wedding International Professionals Association) as well as local floral association in your area.
Another great place to connect with local professionals is through local Facebook groups. Look for groups that focus on general wedding industry vendors, groups for florists only, freelance professionals groups, and other creative groups like The Rising Tide Society. These groups are a great place to connect freely and get advice from entrepreneurs in your region.
4. Styled Shoots
Participating in styled shoots is an amazing way to create community. Be selective when joining styled shoots, because you are spending time and resources and you want to use the opportunity to work with vendors who value the same quality and attention to details as you.
Curating your own styled shoots also helps you to connect. Creating your own shoot gives you control of the design portion and the ability to hand-pick vendors who align with your brand and mission.
Beyond creating connections, a styled shoot needs a purpose and a clear plan. You are investing your time and energy, plus the cost of a perishable product, so make sure there is a strong ROI for your contributions. Doing a shoot just for the pretty without a plan will burn you out and is not cost effective for a new florist. Make sure you have a publication plan or strong marketing purpose for the styled shoot.
Now Go Build Your Network
The only thing left to do is get out there and make connections! Try these networking associations as a starting place:
Become a part of FLOURISHING!
Flourishing is an independent course, created to guide you through the process of becoming a floral designer or floral freelancer. But we know how valuable a supportive community is, so we created a network to go along with the course! Members have access to a private Flourish Facebook Group where you can ask questions and connect with other budding florists.
Floral Design 101: How (and why) to process flowers
Floral Design 101: Processing Flowers
What exactly is the “processing” step in flower arranging? If you’re new to floral design you may not be familiar with this term, which just means prepping the flowers and greenery before using them in arrangements. This is an important step, because processing your florals correctly can significantly increase the life of your work!
Processing flowers can sometimes feel overwhelming because different varieties of flowers may need specific techniques. (Pro tip – It’s helpful to look at Mayesh’s Flower Library (link to www.mayesh.com/flower-library) if you have a flower that you are unsure how to process correctly. They have tips for every flower variety – it’s a go-to resource for me!)
Before you start to process your flowers, you want to gather all of your tools. Make sure your buckets, knives, and cutters are clean. Working with clean floral processing tools will prevent issues with bacteria and give your flowers the best chance for a long life.
How to Process Flowers for Arrangements
Step 1 – Gather clean buckets and vases. Fill everything with cold water and add flower food according to the instructions on the package.
Side note: Is flower food really that important? Yes! Flower food provides a nutrient supplement to help the flower bud continue to develop into a beautiful, fully opened flower. It also helps lower the pH, which helps keep the water and food conducting system in the flower working at maximum efficiency. Aka a hydrated flower is a healthy flower! And just in case you weren’t convinced yet, flower food can keep floral stems from becoming plugged up. During transportation stems can become clogged with debris, but flower food has special ingredients that keep the water uptake flowing!
Step 2 – Unwrap the flower bunches. Cut off rubber bands, and remove any foliage that would be submerged under water.
Step 3 – Give the flowers and foliage a sharp angle cut before placing into water. This increases the surface area for the flowers to drink. Be sure to put the flowers back into water immediately after cutting! Once a stem is cut, most of the flower’s energy goes toward healing itself and preventing moisture from leaving. This is why it needs to go immediately back into water (with flower food) after being cut.
Step 4 – Allow flowers to hydrate for a few hours at room temperature. This gives them enough time to adjust to the new water, food, and location. Once the stems are rehydrated and filled with flower food, flowers should be moved to a cooler or cool area. Cold storage significantly extends a cut flower’s life span.
Floral Design Tips for Everyone
Whether you’re making a home arrangement with grocery store flowers or thinking about taking clients as a freelance florist, these flower processing tips will help you extend the life of your floral designs!
Ready to learn about design principles or how to launch your floral design business?
Check out Flourishing, the ultimate education for floral designers and freelancers.
Become a Freelance Florist:5 steps to getting started
I often hear people say they’d love to become a florist but feel unsure about how to get started. It can seem overwhelming, but I believe the simplest way to begin is by becoming a freelance florist. This role allows you to follow your passion for flowers, express your creativity, and enjoy the flexibility of managing your own schedule. As a freelance florist, you'll also have the chance to learn from every florist and project you work on. Here are the key steps to help you launch your freelance florist career.
1. Gain Floral Design Skills
You don't need to be an expert, but having a solid foundation in basic design skills—like creating arrangements, bouquets, and personal flowers—will give you a significant advantage when seeking freelance work. Additionally, it's essential to understand how to properly process and care for cut flowers to ensure their freshness and longevity.
2.Set Up Your Business
Although you'll be working for other florists, it's important to set up your own business since you'll be operating as an independent contractor. Start by choosing a name and developing your branding—something you truly love and that can grow with you if you decide to transition from freelancing to managing your own floral projects.
You'll also need to register your business with the state, obtain the necessary sales tax licenses, and establish a dedicated business bank account.
3.Build A Portfolio
It's essential to demonstrate to potential employers that you can create a variety of designs. As a freelance florist, you'll be expected to adapt your style to match the florist hiring you. To stand out, make sure you learn different techniques and design styles, and showcase this versatility in your portfolio. You can build your portfolio on social media or a website.
4.Market Yourself
Networking is one of the most effective ways to land freelance jobs! Start by researching florists whose work you admire and reach out to them during the off-season. Invite them for coffee to build a connection and explore how you can assist them when things get busy. You might begin with tasks like washing buckets or processing flowers, but once they see your dedication and willingness to take on any task, more opportunities to design will come your way.
5.Start Small & Grow
It's perfectly fine to start small. Find a florist who needs help and give it your all. From my own experience, if someone is eager to handle the less glamorous tasks, I’m more inclined to teach them on the job. The floral industry moves quickly, and once you prove yourself, more opportunities will come your way. You'll be surprised at the incredible projects you'll be invited to work on. However, having strong basic design skills is crucial to your success, as most florists simply don't have the time to teach those fundamentals during the busy season.
Freelancing for other florists is such a great way to learn this industry. Every florist does things differently and you’ll have the opportunity to learn so much.
If you’re interested in learning more, I’d love to talk with you. I have in-person workshops where you receive 1-1 mentoring and real time feedback on your designs or online options.
If you're ready to take the leap, join my online course! It provides everything you need to start your freelance florist journey with confidence. Plus, it includes a 45-minute mentoring session—let's equip you with the skills and confidence to thrive in the floral world.
How to Start a Floral Business in 5 Easy Steps
How to Start a Floral Business in 5 Easy Steps
So you want to start a floral business (or become a freelance florist) – but starting a business can be overwhelming! If you love floral design but feel completely lost when it comes to the business basics of running a floral design studio, this is for you.
In this post you’ll find everything you need to set up and establish your floral business! (Plus, a bonus checklist (link to download) to help you keep track.)
So you want to start a floral business (or become a freelance florist) – but starting a business can be overwhelming! If you love floral design but feel completely lost when it comes to the business basics of running a floral design studio, this is for you.
In this post you’ll find everything you need to set up and establish your floral business! (Plus, a bonus checklist (link to download) to help you keep track.)
How to Start a Floral Design Business
1. Create a business plan.
We’ve all heard it, but it’s worth repeating: If you fail to plan, you can plan to fail. This doesn’t have to be big and scary though! A simple one-page business plan is enough if you have the right pieces. So what does your floral design business plan need to include?
Define your target market so you know exactly who your audience is (aka who are you creating for and selling to?).
Take time to do a little market research. This will help you understand what your ideal clients are looking for, what your competitors are doing really well, and how you can create a business that stands out and is unique.
2. Set up your accounting.
Ok, I get it. These steps might feel “boring” to you right now, especially if you’re drawn to floral design because you want to make a living (or a side hustle) doing something creative. But setting this stuff up now will make life much easier down the road! Set aside some time now to check these off the list (link to download) and you will thank me later when your business is flourishing.
Set up a separate business checking and savings account. This helps you keep your finances in one place - it’s an easy step that makes a big difference!
Apply for a sales tax license for your city and state. You can do this online, just google “sales tax license and (your state) to apply.
Set up an accounting system. I like Quickbooks, but Wave is a free option that works great for freelancers and small business owners as well.
Hire an accountant. Trust me, this expense is small in the long run. I highly recommend not skipping this step unless you’re very confident in your accounting abilities.
Decide what forms of payment you will accept, and how you will process credit cards.
3. Apply to work with local wholesalers.
Start with a google search for “floral wholesalers in (your area)” and start reaching out to ask for applications. High quality florals at a wholesale price are a necessity for making a profit as a floral designer.
4. Set up a client storage and workflow system.
Honeybook and Dubsado are both popular among florists, but there are many options for keeping your client information and projects organized. If you are just getting started and plan to be a freelance florist you may be able to get away with a well-organized spreadsheet.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) programs can include many valuable features like:
Billing and payment options
Accounting features
Marketing capabilities
Automated workflows (sending repetitive emails for you to save time on tedious tasks)
Invoicing/ contracts
Organization of client contacts
5. It’s time to get visible!
Build a website for your floral design business. (Hint: don’t overthink this one.) You definitely need an online presence, but don’t waste tons of time and money on a website in the beginning. Something simple with photos of your floral design work, your contact information, and services you offer is a great place to start!
Reserve your social media handles. You certainly don’t need to be active on all the platforms right now… but you may want to be eventually. So choose a name that you can use consistently across all channels and reserve it on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Register your business name. Make it official!
There it is. Your floral design business in 5 easy steps! Yes, there are still a lot of things to do, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just take it one step at a time… and don’t forget to download the free checklist (link to free download) to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Need more help launching your floral design business?
Check out Flourishing, the ultimate education for floral designers and freelancers.