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!
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.