I am a small farmer who sells cut flowers and some food at our local farmers market and also to florists, and I don't use a single pesticide on anything on my farm. I am so passionate about it. First because it means my customers won't have to worry about chemicals, and also because pesticides kill good bugs in the garden, which then leads to an overwhelm of bad bugs and then of course more pesticides. It's a vicious cycle. I'd rather make my garden a place that all bugs want to live...good and bad and let them balance each other out. Things work so much better when we work with nature and not against it.
Totally agree, also running a small flower farm on those same principles, no pesticide, we make our own compost and we use the bio-dynamic calendar to pace our days ❤
I've also been a florist for about 10 years, and at 24, I already have daily back pain, and random pain in my joints and fingers. Most of us dont have time to sit and take a break during the day, let alone eat. When we do it, it's at a counter full of greenery and flowers-- I'm sure I've consumed way too much pesticides! Days are loonnnnggg people! I once worked 25 hours STRAIGHT to finish a wedding, alone, in a shop, with the doors locked through 2,3,4am. There is a ton of waste too! Cellophane, water buckets, foam, vases that dont get reused, watertubes, tissue, boxes, and of course baskets and foam. Holidays are another story- 15 hour days for a week straight. Customers are rarely understanding and usually shocked to hear prices, but yes, flowers need to be marked up (we do 3.5 times) plus at least 25% labor charge and goods! Flowers are a LUXURY product! I thought this was a great video explaining the industry. It has it's fun times, but you need to LOVE your coworkers (because you will spend basically all of your time with them), and you need to love ruining your clothes/being wet all the time, being too hot or too cold most days, going in and out of 45 degree coolers and working crazy hours with crazier customers! Also, realize that, from what I've seen, only about 3% of the population has any knowledge on flowers, so you'll be doing a lot of explaining and educating! Also, you need to be great at pairing colors, knowing the color wheel, and understanding design fundamentals! Best of luck to anyone who decides to go for it. Like anything, dont expect it to be leisurely, it's hard work, dedication, back-breaking, and exhausting, but if you love it the outcome is rewarding and the sense of pride is amazing ♡♡♡
its always good to hear the pros and cons of a job!! and not meaning to be negative but the cons are super important to know because for some, certain cons could be a deal breaker in a job. Id love to be a florist! But the truth about how wasteful it is and the harmful chemicals makes me worry. The demanding clients, ohh my I can only imagine people having high expectations that are not realistic. I think when a job is alot of hard work, even though it drains you, it can be very fulfilling!!! I guess you'll never be bored at work right :) Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Of you're in this industry because it smells good in a flower shop, or you think you can make big money like the owner is. You need to leave this industry....period...One has to love our floral industry spite the long hours, low pay,standing for long period of time (you can't sit on a stool and design), eating at your bench, then having to sweep up you made on the floor form the greens--- ALL PART OF THE JOB!!! Find another job...if anybody wants the "straight skivvy" on making a career I'm the floral industry, email me @miriamring1949@gmail.com.As my grandmother used to say, "She's such a panty waist"!!! I would not hire her to sweep up the back design room!!!!
1. Lots of moving parts 2. Problem solving & troubleshooting 3. Price of flowers & being informed 4. Waste and its impact 5. Early mornings & Late nights Thanks for sharing your experiences :)
I was lucky enough to have a floral design class in high school. Running my own flower shop is sincerely my life goal and all of the pros and cons you talked about in this video doesn't phase me at all. being around plants makes me the happiest girl on earth
Wow!!! How cool is that. There needs to be 100x more of that in high school! I’m so happy to hear about your passion and drive to be around flowers. I am right there with you! It takes a strong/determined/creative individual to love what we do. Do you have any questions about starting a floral business? I love meeting new flower friends and I am always here to support you 🌿✨
Very interesting! Your point regarding using flower foam, I completely agree with you. I used to be in our local flower club some years ago and most of the arrangements were done with foam. But nowadays I do not even possess flower foam. As you say, chicken wire is a good alternative. Keep up your good work and give us new inspirations please. 🌷🌺🌹
40 year floral designer here. Started at 10 years old. (Family owned flower shop) I still love my job to this day. Being able to express my creativity everyday is amazing. It’s hard work at times. But worth it if you want it. 🌺 🌸
Thank you for giving me five points to consider before becoming a florist. Of the five things you have told me, I especially agree with the words "lots of moving parts". Many people think that a florist is just a comfortable job among flowers. But you have to work long hours with heavy vases, and when you come to a reservation, you have to move a lot of flowers and luggage, so you have to have good physical strength. I hope people will recognize the efforts of florists
I couldn’t agree with you more! I’m working with a physical therapist right now to heal some of my floral related injuries 🙌🏼 it takes a special kind of boss to be a florist, that is for sure! Do you have any more questions about becoming a florist? Do you want to own your own business, freelance or both?
I'm researching for an interview I have coming up at a flower shop in my city. This was very informative for someone with no floral design experience, I'll be watching more of your videos thanks so much!
Brooke, thank you so much for taking the time to reach out! I’m beyond happy that you were able to find value in the video. I’ll be posting some really great content in the next few weeks as my family and I are moving into our first house. Hint: I’m working on a home design studio! ✨☀️
I’ve been in the industry for 3 years now and I absolutely love it. I just stumbled upon it working at my local Kroger. I didn’t know anything about it but the department needed a creative person, so I took the position. I immediately fell in love and it felt natural. And yes, I wish I knew these beforehand but oh well, it’s a very rewarding job. Thank you for this video!
I'm in my 60s and just starting a very low key floral arrangement business for the home or office. THANK you so much for the info - esp the part about toxic dust, plastics etc. Something important to think about for sure!
I am 22 i just discovered this job this happiness, now i want to live the adventure of growing a flowers shop Probably the happiness comes from the fact that you are sharing happiness
Been a florist since 12 y/o I'm 20 rn and heres my take on being a florist (I'm malaysian btw) 1. Your back will hurt so so much (From making bouquets, changing water,moving them into the fridge,cutting the stems, removing rose leaves etc) 2. You will slowly run out of ideas (When you found your style, it's kinda very repeatable every time and for me, I'm afraid of trying new techniques and styles, and when you do so, it's hard) 3. Having annoying/weird customers that thinks they know more than you 4. FLOWERS ARE EXPENSIVE (Specially for me living in a small country, those special rare flowers are even more expensive cuz we have to import them) 5. Be ready to need to take apart every single thing from your done bouquet 6. Wrapings and accessories are expensive. 7. Most likely have to do overtime for one bouquet 8. Flowers not fresh enough 9. Floral foam will make you have new allergies 10. Need to be extremely disciplined and have a good time stamp But overall it's kinda fun, having to experience stuff that not most people will have and can be creative
here because tomorrow’s my first day at a floral shop. so excited after going through being rejected by three other shop because i’m a beginner with only basic knowledge but i can’t wait to start!
Congratulations! I can remember back when I first started now almost 40 years ago... it's tough getting started. Just remember to strive for quality always and continuing education is essential. Be persistent and you'll do great!
@@FrankBlanchardAIFD THANK YOU! today was my third day and it’s been just a great learning experience. i’ve made 10 different arrangements already and i love it!
@@diana3398 That's great! keep up the good work. Just think, eventually, you will have the need to do 10 arrangements of some sort in an hour. You"ll get there.
My husband and I are starting, next year, growing organic flower varieties in the US. 😍 I'm not a florist, but I sure do love all this. Can't wait to hopefully sell our beauties to some great people like you, locally. Also, I'm a photographer and I have to agree with many of these tips. If you do a wedding it's long hours, crazy demands, no food, and late nights editing. But the outcome!
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I am so so so happy to hear that you are going to start growing flowers!!!! What types are you growing and where are you guys located? I’m just starting some Floret flower seeds indoors and I was thinking about doing a grow along on TH-cam. I live in zone 9b and I’m hoping to grow for a few of my weddings this year ✨🌿🤗
@@rachelsimplified we are located in the San Antonio area. Right now we are growing dahlias, anemone, chamomile, lemon balm, snapdragon, bush rose, salvia (blue, white, and purple), and passionflower. We are hoping to add a lot more soon though. As is, we don't have more than enough for two or three bouquets at the farmers market but it's a start.
Cons also include hayfever, sinus and skin allergies like eczema or rashes. As well as hives in tropical climates particularly with your running around like a mad chook for valentines and mother's day.
I've been a cook for most of my life, and this sounds familiar...lugging, setting up events and breaking down. The not eating and tons of prep. Now I do event design and it's very similar in many ways. We do what are passion leads us.
I really appreciate you speaking to the environmental impacts of this industry. So important. Thank you for offering that awareness so we can make more conscious choices.
I’m soooo happy I stumbled upon your video! I’m a wedding photographer but I’ve always had a passion for florals. I’ve been so curious to the whole business side of a florist industry, and your video answered soooo many questions. ❤️ Thank you thank you!
Thank you so much for watching! I would love to answer any other questions you have 🌿🤗✨ tip of the cap to you my dear, being a wedding photographer is no easy feat! Are you thinking about incorporating florals into your wedding services? I’m always here if you need a flower friend to talk to!
Wow... I hadn't thought about the chemicals/pesticides on the flowers and in the water! At the wholesale flower market I am touching flowers all day too! Time to buy some gloves! And as always, I love your videos. Missed you last week :)
I’m glad you are getting some gloves! Find some that fit your hands well. It can be a little tricky to get used to them especially with really detailed work like boutonnières! I’m so happy you love my videos :) I’m trying to get a system in place for consistency! Thank you for always leaving comments that make me smile!!
I want to work as a florist at a local flower shop. Just because travelling for a position I may or may not like is too much for my soul while I love the earth (being a taurus as well as my zodiac sign 😂). I just want a job near me and a job good for my soul ... You inspired me and I hope that this interview today goes well ❤❤
Tomorrow I start my internship and then possible job as florist/gardener/warehouse worker in a flower trading company that also has it's own flower shops. I'm not a florist, just someone with a big interest in plants, succulent collector(+50!) and some experience in gardenworks. So I've been learning plants/flowers and everything related all week long to be as prepared as possible :) The 3 things I love are plants, trading and actually lifting heavy things, so I hope the best for this job :)) Thank you for this video! it calmed me down haha PS: I'm male btw, located in Germany and about 80% of flowers here are bought at an auction in Aalsmeer, Netherlands,(after they got shipped there from Africa mostly), tulips can go for 17cents there, transported and then are being sold for 30-50cents to the florists in Germany. In Corona March 2020 some where down to 1cent and lots thrown away. But that's just old information I could find on the internet, looking forward to dive into this business :D
We need new designers in this industry so bad. The industry as a whole is growing so fast a lot of florists are having a hard time keeping up with demand because they don't have enough qualified designers to help. So thanks for getting started! We need you!
Very Impressive points. I knew someone who does online business teleflora...(just started a week ago you know company) and as the solo driver for this person who basically just started...I realized the actual curbside presentation walking into hospitals...and sensitive situations I make it a point to dress well present myself well do not ever linger for a tip smile and make they delivery experience the most enjoyable one a ca,(mind you I have a class A cdl truck driver licence and company I worked went under so this is not my normal job lol-but creative . I have a super entrepreneur spirit and major hustle and was like I can do this---but I am no designer--but I am a published author and very creative...thank you for making your video and explaining the real side of things about the business as I would be a one man shop-felt like I was listening to a T.E.D. talk...I visited wholesale flower warehouse...money seems ok keeping 80% but it's not the money for me its the option to create and when people see me they are so happy--esp if its a major deal why flowers are arriving.....but not a gay man and I mean that respectfully..there is a lot to learn about getting it perfect not half ass...Im thinking about it so my question is to you since you obviously know your stuff should I watch videos on basic design and build a business plan or jump onto tele flora and hire an advisor on orders which pop up all day long as my sisters house who started this business...loved your video--please make more..be safe best wishes-Scott
I was scared to watch this video, lol but i was actually saying “yep not surprised” im really looking forward to embark in this journey where ill be my own boss and direct my projects as i vision them
Ha, when people say not to peruse this career due to long hours on your feet I laugh! I work a job on my feet nearly every day doing customer care and cleaning at a shitty fast food restaurant. I have a lot of the deign skills and experience in botanical illustration and floral art that would be perfect for this job! And I would find this 10 times more rewarding and I would probably not want to literally get hit by a truck every single day of my life. This job sounds PERFECT for someone with experience in handling chemicals, dealing with customers, and client based art and design commissions!
Thanks for the video, some great advice! I've been wanting to start a career in floral design and the points you made were super helpful. I especially love the comment on environmentally friendly floral design, so key. Say no to floral foam! 👍🏼
Thank you so much!!! I am beyond happy that no floral foam is a thing now. Back in the day people would have laughed at you. Now we are getting to push the boundaries and get creative. I love it!
Question... I have been a florist for over 20 years. Curious as to how we could make a funeral wreath without oasis. I’m sick of blowing my nose and finding the green dust in there. I don’t use the prefab stuff I make my own with the frame, foam, moss and thread. Looking for an alternative. As for the pesticides.. ever prick your finger with a rose thorn and it throbs and pusses for 2 days? I’m surprised my fingers haven’t fallen off lol
What are the best gloves for florists? I am interested in becoming an apprentice but I hadn't considered the occupational hazards. It looks like most florists don't wear gloves. Will it be frowned upon if I insist that I want to?
I’m in college and trying to pick a career. I’ve narrowed it dow to a few possibilities; a florist is one of them. My dad keeps telling me I won’t be able to support myself let alone buy things. So I was curious about the price range florists make.
Thank you for making this video. Three years ago, I took a floral design class, and I loved it. However, I’m recently discovering the fact that floral foam is toxic. I used it like 2-3 times, so I’m not worried. Still, thank you for showing that important detail about the floral industry.
this may be a ridiculous question so please be patient with me, lol!!! I am future thinking for my retirement. I would love to purchase a tiny storefront in the small Texas town that we plan to retire in. I am open to doing flowers for small events in the town but otherwise would love to sell interesting/unusual bouquets for people to purchase as they drive through. Do you think this is a realistic vision?? Thanks in an advance for your input💗
I can definitely answer that. I hate to say it but that's not really what I would consider a realistic business model. Ultimately, you start a business because you want to grow and do more. It is so hard to get started, and if you are not on your game with Marketing for the current business world. You can very easily end up throwing money out the window for no apparent reason.
It all has to do with time. Just because you are open and you have product available to sell doesn't guarantee you are going to sell it. A lot of businesses in the floral industry don't do well because they focus so much on the flowers and design. Yet at the same time their marketing strategy and their overall digital footprint on the web is sorely lacking.
Love this post and your intentionality! Appreciate your POV from your experience in the industry. I for one am pushing for the floral industry to push towards being as sustainable as possible. Thank you for sharing so authentically! :)
hey! I'm 15 and from Switzerland❤️ I will start to work as a florist tomorow😍😍 i fell in love with flowers at a young age🌺 i'm so happy to get to know a little more about the day life as a florist thank you so much🌺
I'm thinking of picking up floristry as a hobby but eventually start up my own shop in the future. I don't really know where to start. It would be much appreciated if you (or anybody else reading this in the comments) to share me some books to read of handouts or whatsoever on the fundamentals for this :) Also, thank you for imparting those 5 things- especially about the environmental impact one.
Subscribe to Florists Review, Fleur Creatif magazines, follow FDI (Floral Design Institute) and AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers). There is a lot of great information out there to focus on floral design with a professional application. It just gotta know where to look. These that I mentioned though will enable you to connect with more.
i know i am still young to understand all business things but i have always wanted my own flower shop and in a lot of ways this video helped me thank you miss :)
Very good points to keep in mind for people who consider this career. Are there good documentaries on the environmental impact you can suggest for self education?
I always have respect for my parents wishes, but I also have respect for my own. If something inside of you is begging to become a florist- don’t ignore it! There are lots of ways to play around with being a floral designer without fully committing to it as a career. Please let me know if you have any questions or want to learn anything in particular! Keep following the beat of your own drum :)
Better for you to study and become a doctor while part timing as a florist. By the time you are a full grown adult about 25yrs old, you can make the decision of which career to stick to. It's a win win and you will have a test of both worlds
@@lila-mq2xy I am an actress by proffession, then later studied Human Resource, Ethics & Public Management, Event Planning, Floristry and a dip in Law. My passion is flowers and plants. All these have helped me in certain times during my Floristry business. It isn't a career to be underlooked. We put in effort to be on top of the game. You never know where the wind will blow you too. Do not put all your eggs into one basket
Thank you so much!!! It is truly a tough profession. Just goes to show how strong you are! Thank you for watching my video and much success to you as well 😊🌿
I know flower farming is something that is up and coming in the US. Are there local flower farms you could reach out to? A lot of the people I see on TH-cam sell at farmer's markets, have CSA memberships, and also sell to florists. I don't know where you live but it sounds like the west coast with the wildfires.
After working in finance I am taking the plunge & have an interview at a local mom & pop place. I’m so nervous and excited! Any tips would be appreciated, from anybody!
Thanks for connecting!!! I’m so proud and excited for you. Please let me know how it went! There is nothing better than expressing your creativity through flowers. If there is anything you’d like to know, I am an open book! ❤️
Tip for delivery drivers: often, you need to tip out some water for transport…..on delivery, just remind the recipient to add water OR carry water bottle with you to refill at delivery.
I enjoyed the video so much! Thank you so much for sharing this. Not many are aware of the negative impact of the industry, so I salute you mentioning that. :) also I love flowers and plants so much :)
Thank you for watching and commenting! I love meeting new plant friends :) you are totally right about not many people knowing. I think it is going to change though!!! ✨🌿 gotta keep spreading the word and inspiring people to design/grow more sustainably. Thank you again for introducing yourself 😊
Sorry, you are getting such a late response to your question, but since you never got an answer I thought I would jump in The answer is yes. Sometimes it's hard for shops to find a great designer who is actually available for full-time employment. So in that instance a lot of shops make things work by having a few different designers working part-time in order to cover the hours needed. The busier a shop is, and if they have a great reputation, it's easier for them to have more full-time employees, pay them well and keep them on long-term.
I feel like all the female florist are very pretty , kind and polite because their job is always related to delicate flowers . May be it's just my stereotype but all the florist I have met till today were very polite and pretty .
You’re so welcome :) I would look into Passionflower Sue for some great foam-free design. She teaches a lot about personals/wearables, installations and also has information on centerpieces as well. When I first started I went to my local library and checked out all of the flower books. A lot of them were kind of dated, but you can learn so much from people that have worked with flowers for a long time. Always talk to your flower supplier as well! I hope this helps
I have been on the floral industry for over 30 years I’ve seen fads come and go. Yes there’s waste . But changing to vases only then floral foam the pandemic caused a lot of changes in product production and supply on demand . I do mainly retail florist . But I’ve done the grocery store and private shop jobs . The biggest problem I have in the business the the getting along of employees. Different personalities clash and I’m better then you attitudes of designers . I’m easy going but I know my stuff and yes everyday is a thinking day but I love the challenge.
Syeda Mirza I’ve used several different mechanics before including chicken wire, buckets, water tubes and eco-wraps. I try to reuse the chicken wire and water tubes whenever I use them by cleaning them well afterwards. Would you be interested in a video?
Hey Rachel, great video. I have a question about making flowers last longer. Is there an environmentally sustainable way to make them work that avoids chemicals which the industry is going towards?
Hello! Thank you for watching and starting a great conversation :) The single most effective way that I’ve found to keep flowers longer is changing the water (not just topping it off) every 1-2 days. For this reason, I am pretty conservative with how much water I put in buckets because I know I’ll be changing it out soon. I choose not to use commercial flower food- that is just a personal choice. Most florists use a finishing spray, called crowning glory, to keep the moisture in the flowers. There are no ingredients listed and not much safety information, so I will do some more research for you. It is also super important that you are keeping your tools and space clean. Dirty snips and buckets lead to lots of bacteria, possible fungal situations, and is just not best practice when working with live products. Cleaning can be done by selecting natural cleaners that kill bacteria and ones that you find safe to use in your home. There are several homemade disinfectant recipes online, but I’d be happy to show how to make one on my channel! So just to wrap it up- change the water frequently, clean your tools/space, find a natural finishing spray, AND treat your flowers with care. Pay attention to your flowers/product when you select them at the market, when processing, and when designing ✨❤️ I hope this helps!
I myself worked in the floral dept for almost two months at the grocery store. You DO move a lot of stuff all the time and it can start to hurt your back if you dont use your other muscles but can still just be bad on your back period. Watering is a tedious but imperative task that can be very time consuming and stressful if not done correctly ( overwatering can be just as bad as underwatering depending on the product) You can lotion up all you want, constantly having your hands in and out of water and handling product is HELL on your skin. It seems to be mostly female dominated so expect at times a small amount of "cattiness"
My back have been hurt, after working in the healthcare it got even worse. To hear that flower bussiness can be also bad for your back is the information greatly appreciated for those who have health limitations!
The problem with that is.. You’ve worked for two days on the event. You’ve tried to get two wholesalers to commit to finding the exact shade of lavender roses. You’ve been loading up the arrangements in the PERFECT manner to not allow them to touch each other. You’ve endured the stop and go traffic on a strict time schedule. You’ve had the wedding planner tell you to take the flowers through the kitchen . Etc.... Do you think we look good after this 😆 Nobody has time to mingle with guests.
You’re very welcome : ) I do charge sales tax for wedding work. It doesn’t make sense for me (financially) to eat that cost. It can sometimes be a few hundred dollars! I hope that helps.
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I am a small farmer who sells cut flowers and some food at our local farmers market and also to florists, and I don't use a single pesticide on anything on my farm. I am so passionate about it. First because it means my customers won't have to worry about chemicals, and also because pesticides kill good bugs in the garden, which then leads to an overwhelm of bad bugs and then of course more pesticides. It's a vicious cycle. I'd rather make my garden a place that all bugs want to live...good and bad and let them balance each other out. Things work so much better when we work with nature and not against it.
Totally agree, also running a small flower farm on those same principles, no pesticide, we make our own compost and we use the bio-dynamic calendar to pace our days ❤
Love this. ❤❤❤🌸🌿
I've also been a florist for about 10 years, and at 24, I already have daily back pain, and random pain in my joints and fingers. Most of us dont have time to sit and take a break during the day, let alone eat. When we do it, it's at a counter full of greenery and flowers-- I'm sure I've consumed way too much pesticides! Days are loonnnnggg people! I once worked 25 hours STRAIGHT to finish a wedding, alone, in a shop, with the doors locked through 2,3,4am. There is a ton of waste too! Cellophane, water buckets, foam, vases that dont get reused, watertubes, tissue, boxes, and of course baskets and foam. Holidays are another story- 15 hour days for a week straight. Customers are rarely understanding and usually shocked to hear prices, but yes, flowers need to be marked up (we do 3.5 times) plus at least 25% labor charge and goods! Flowers are a LUXURY product! I thought this was a great video explaining the industry. It has it's fun times, but you need to LOVE your coworkers (because you will spend basically all of your time with them), and you need to love ruining your clothes/being wet all the time, being too hot or too cold most days, going in and out of 45 degree coolers and working crazy hours with crazier customers! Also, realize that, from what I've seen, only about 3% of the population has any knowledge on flowers, so you'll be doing a lot of explaining and educating! Also, you need to be great at pairing colors, knowing the color wheel, and understanding design fundamentals! Best of luck to anyone who decides to go for it. Like anything, dont expect it to be leisurely, it's hard work, dedication, back-breaking, and exhausting, but if you love it the outcome is rewarding and the sense of pride is amazing ♡♡♡
Yep! Ditto! Lol
its always good to hear the pros and cons of a job!! and not meaning to be negative but the cons are super important to know because for some, certain cons could be a deal breaker in a job. Id love to be a florist! But the truth about how wasteful it is and the harmful chemicals makes me worry. The demanding clients, ohh my I can only imagine people having high expectations that are not realistic. I think when a job is alot of hard work, even though it drains you, it can be very fulfilling!!! I guess you'll never be bored at work right :) Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Of you're in this industry because it smells good in a flower shop, or you think you can make big money like the owner is. You need to leave this industry....period...One has to love our floral industry spite the long hours, low pay,standing for long period of time (you can't sit on a stool and design), eating at your bench, then having to sweep up you made on the floor form the greens--- ALL PART OF THE JOB!!! Find another job...if anybody wants the "straight skivvy" on making a career I'm the floral industry, email me @miriamring1949@gmail.com.As my grandmother used to say, "She's such a panty waist"!!! I would not hire her to sweep up the back design room!!!!
instagram.com/p/CRaXuMsrm7a/?
Not hard if you're a messy commission based artist who's used to crunch time lol
1. Lots of moving parts
2. Problem solving & troubleshooting
3. Price of flowers & being informed
4. Waste and its impact
5. Early mornings & Late nights
Thanks for sharing your experiences :)
Hello Rachel. I am 11 years old and I really want to be a florists when I grow up. You are a big inspiration
❤️❤️❤️ this made me tear up! Thank you for watching, learning and sharing. YOU are the reason that I am putting out videos like this. Thank you!
Florist is great job! follow your dreams
If you wanna learn being a florist check my florist life channel
this is honestly adorable
Hello love, may your dreams come true and you have a wonderful time exploring floristry.
I was lucky enough to have a floral design class in high school. Running my own flower shop is sincerely my life goal and all of the pros and cons you talked about in this video doesn't phase me at all. being around plants makes me the happiest girl on earth
Wow!!! How cool is that. There needs to be 100x more of that in high school! I’m so happy to hear about your passion and drive to be around flowers. I am right there with you! It takes a strong/determined/creative individual to love what we do. Do you have any questions about starting a floral business? I love meeting new flower friends and I am always here to support you 🌿✨
Very interesting! Your point regarding using flower foam, I completely agree with you. I used to be in our local flower club some years ago and most of the arrangements were done with foam. But nowadays I do not even possess flower foam. As you say, chicken wire is a good alternative.
Keep up your good work and give us new inspirations please. 🌷🌺🌹
Hey! I'm 13 and I would loveee to be a florist when I'm older. Thank you for providing so much insight!!
Thank you!! Keep going after your dream!
Even I am 13 years I love to become a florist when I'm older
Wait same I’m 13 and would love to be a florist too... creepy
Come to me
@@AhmedShaban-nx6up what?
40 year floral designer here. Started at 10 years old. (Family owned flower shop) I still love my job to this day. Being able to express my creativity everyday is amazing. It’s hard work at times. But worth it if you want it. 🌺 🌸
What's your favorite flower to work with?
Thank you for giving me five points to consider before becoming a florist. Of the five things you have told me, I especially agree with the words "lots of moving parts". Many people think that a florist is just a comfortable job among flowers. But you have to work long hours with heavy vases, and when you come to a reservation, you have to move a lot of flowers and luggage, so you have to have good physical strength. I hope people will recognize the efforts of florists
I couldn’t agree with you more! I’m working with a physical therapist right now to heal some of my floral related injuries 🙌🏼 it takes a special kind of boss to be a florist, that is for sure! Do you have any more questions about becoming a florist? Do you want to own your own business, freelance or both?
I'm researching for an interview I have coming up at a flower shop in my city. This was very informative for someone with no floral design experience, I'll be watching more of your videos thanks so much!
Brooke, thank you so much for taking the time to reach out! I’m beyond happy that you were able to find value in the video. I’ll be posting some really great content in the next few weeks as my family and I are moving into our first house. Hint: I’m working on a home design studio! ✨☀️
Same here! Hope you got that job/one in the florist fields :)
I’ve been in the industry for 3 years now and I absolutely love it. I just stumbled upon it working at my local Kroger. I didn’t know anything about it but the department needed a creative person, so I took the position. I immediately fell in love and it felt natural. And yes, I wish I knew these beforehand but oh well, it’s a very rewarding job.
Thank you for this video!
im now 19 but always had a passion for flowers and plants and now i have an interview for a flower shop and i couldn’t be more happy
I'm in my 60s and just starting a very low key floral arrangement business for the home or office. THANK you so much for the info - esp the part about toxic dust, plastics etc. Something important to think about for sure!
I am 22 i just discovered this job this happiness, now i want to live the adventure of growing a flowers shop
Probably the happiness comes from the fact that you are sharing happiness
Been a florist since 12 y/o
I'm 20 rn and heres my take on being a florist (I'm malaysian btw)
1. Your back will hurt so so much
(From making bouquets, changing water,moving them into the fridge,cutting the stems, removing rose leaves etc)
2. You will slowly run out of ideas
(When you found your style, it's kinda very repeatable every time and for me, I'm afraid of trying new techniques and styles, and when you do so, it's hard)
3. Having annoying/weird customers that thinks they know more than you
4. FLOWERS ARE EXPENSIVE
(Specially for me living in a small country, those special rare flowers are even more expensive cuz we have to import them)
5. Be ready to need to take apart every single thing from your done bouquet
6. Wrapings and accessories are expensive.
7. Most likely have to do overtime for one bouquet
8. Flowers not fresh enough
9. Floral foam will make you have new allergies
10. Need to be extremely disciplined and have a good time stamp
But overall it's kinda fun, having to experience stuff that not most people will have and can be creative
I'm applying to a level 2 floristry diploma at College soon, I've always wanted to be a florist, so thank you this was a really helpful video!
here because tomorrow’s my first day at a floral shop. so excited after going through being rejected by three other shop because i’m a beginner with only basic knowledge but i can’t wait to start!
Best wishes
Congratulations! I can remember back when I first started now almost 40 years ago... it's tough getting started. Just remember to strive for quality always and continuing education is essential. Be persistent and you'll do great!
@@FrankBlanchardAIFD THANK YOU! today was my third day and it’s been just a great learning experience. i’ve made 10 different arrangements already and i love it!
@@diana3398 That's great! keep up the good work. Just think, eventually, you will have the need to do 10 arrangements of some sort in an hour. You"ll get there.
@@FrankBlanchardAIFD in a hour?!! lord😅😅
Been doing flowers since 1996, You are so right!
Thank you!!! So nice to meet another flower friend! Please let me know if you have any video requests :)
@@rachelsimplified I do flowers but the thing I have is a printer that prints onto roses..
My husband and I are starting, next year, growing organic flower varieties in the US. 😍 I'm not a florist, but I sure do love all this. Can't wait to hopefully sell our beauties to some great people like you, locally.
Also, I'm a photographer and I have to agree with many of these tips. If you do a wedding it's long hours, crazy demands, no food, and late nights editing. But the outcome!
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I am so so so happy to hear that you are going to start growing flowers!!!! What types are you growing and where are you guys located? I’m just starting some Floret flower seeds indoors and I was thinking about doing a grow along on TH-cam. I live in zone 9b and I’m hoping to grow for a few of my weddings this year ✨🌿🤗
I have so much respect for photographers! Thank you for doing what you do and sharing it with the world! ❤️
@@rachelsimplified we are located in the San Antonio area. Right now we are growing dahlias, anemone, chamomile, lemon balm, snapdragon, bush rose, salvia (blue, white, and purple), and passionflower. We are hoping to add a lot more soon though. As is, we don't have more than enough for two or three bouquets at the farmers market but it's a start.
Cons also include hayfever, sinus and skin allergies like eczema or rashes. As well as hives in tropical climates particularly with your running around like a mad chook for valentines and mother's day.
I've been a cook for most of my life, and this sounds familiar...lugging, setting up events and breaking down. The not eating and tons of prep. Now I do event design and it's very similar in many ways. We do what are passion leads us.
I really appreciate you speaking to the environmental impacts of this industry. So important. Thank you for offering that awareness so we can make more conscious choices.
I’m soooo happy I stumbled upon your video! I’m a wedding photographer but I’ve always had a passion for florals. I’ve been so curious to the whole business side of a florist industry, and your video answered soooo many questions. ❤️ Thank you thank you!
Thank you so much for watching! I would love to answer any other questions you have 🌿🤗✨ tip of the cap to you my dear, being a wedding photographer is no easy feat! Are you thinking about incorporating florals into your wedding services? I’m always here if you need a flower friend to talk to!
Wow... I hadn't thought about the chemicals/pesticides on the flowers and in the water! At the wholesale flower market I am touching flowers all day too! Time to buy some gloves!
And as always, I love your videos. Missed you last week :)
I’m glad you are getting some gloves! Find some that fit your hands well. It can be a little tricky to get used to them especially with really detailed work like boutonnières! I’m so happy you love my videos :) I’m trying to get a system in place for consistency! Thank you for always leaving comments that make me smile!!
Besides the chemicals, a lot of flowers have poison all over it, larkspun for example is used to kill animals
I just started in the floral industry this past year and this all amazing information and I love your prospective!!
I want to work as a florist at a local flower shop. Just because travelling for a position I may or may not like is too much for my soul while I love the earth (being a taurus as well as my zodiac sign 😂). I just want a job near me and a job good for my soul ... You inspired me and I hope that this interview today goes well ❤❤
Tomorrow I start my internship and then possible job as florist/gardener/warehouse worker in a flower trading company that also has it's own flower shops. I'm not a florist, just someone with a big interest in plants, succulent collector(+50!) and some experience in gardenworks. So I've been learning plants/flowers and everything related all week long to be as prepared as possible :) The 3 things I love are plants, trading and actually lifting heavy things, so I hope the best for this job :)) Thank you for this video! it calmed me down haha
PS: I'm male btw, located in Germany and about 80% of flowers here are bought at an auction in Aalsmeer, Netherlands,(after they got shipped there from Africa mostly), tulips can go for 17cents there, transported and then are being sold for 30-50cents to the florists in Germany. In Corona March 2020 some where down to 1cent and lots thrown away. But that's just old information I could find on the internet, looking forward to dive into this business :D
Wonderful 👏 From a friend in Japan
A VERY IMPORTANT HEADS UP! Thank you for preparing others for safe practices for then and the Earth
I’m 17 and I’ve been a florist for 2 years and I love it haha
We need new designers in this industry so bad. The industry as a whole is growing so fast a lot of florists are having a hard time keeping up with demand because they don't have enough qualified designers to help. So thanks for getting started! We need you!
Very Impressive points. I knew someone who does online business teleflora...(just started a week ago you know company) and as the solo driver for this person who basically just started...I realized the actual curbside presentation walking into hospitals...and sensitive situations I make it a point to dress well present myself well do not ever linger for a tip smile and make they delivery experience the most enjoyable one a ca,(mind you I have a class A cdl truck driver licence and company I worked went under so this is not my normal job lol-but creative . I have a super entrepreneur spirit and major hustle and was like I can do this---but I am no designer--but I am a published author and very creative...thank you for making your video and explaining the real side of things about the business as I would be a one man shop-felt like I was listening to a T.E.D. talk...I visited wholesale flower warehouse...money seems ok keeping 80% but it's not the money for me its the option to create and when people see me they are so happy--esp if its a major deal why flowers are arriving.....but not a gay man and I mean that respectfully..there is a lot to learn about getting it perfect not half ass...Im thinking about it so my question is to you since you obviously know your stuff should I watch videos on basic design and build a business plan or jump onto tele flora and hire an advisor on orders which pop up all day long as my sisters house who started this business...loved your video--please make more..be safe best wishes-Scott
So many true points!!! No one ever talks about.
Super hard work. 💪
Yes let's all quit floral foam!
Thanks got my own home base Floral business now the information u gave was good to know
i am about to get a job at flower shop and i had no idea about some details related to pesticides and toxic foam. wow, thanks for these tips
Excellent and informative video. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
I was scared to watch this video, lol but i was actually saying “yep not surprised” im really looking forward to embark in this journey where ill be my own boss and direct my projects as i vision them
Ha, when people say not to peruse this career due to long hours on your feet I laugh! I work a job on my feet nearly every day doing customer care and cleaning at a shitty fast food restaurant. I have a lot of the deign skills and experience in botanical illustration and floral art that would be perfect for this job! And I would find this 10 times more rewarding and I would probably not want to literally get hit by a truck every single day of my life. This job sounds PERFECT for someone with experience in handling chemicals, dealing with customers, and client based art and design commissions!
You should go for it.
thank you you gave me my grade in floral design
Thanks for the video, some great advice! I've been wanting to start a career in floral design and the points you made were super helpful. I especially love the comment on environmentally friendly floral design, so key. Say no to floral foam! 👍🏼
Thank you so much!!! I am beyond happy that no floral foam is a thing now. Back in the day people would have laughed at you. Now we are getting to push the boundaries and get creative. I love it!
It's not a easy game. But it makes you feel good
Question... I have been a florist for over 20 years. Curious as to how we could make a funeral wreath without oasis. I’m sick of blowing my nose and finding the green dust in there. I don’t use the prefab stuff I make my own with the frame, foam, moss and thread. Looking for an alternative. As for the pesticides.. ever prick your finger with a rose thorn and it throbs and pusses for 2 days? I’m surprised my fingers haven’t fallen off lol
Wow! Can't believe that green foam can create so much dust! Does wearing a mask help?
Oh how i love flowers💞💐💐florist 👍☺️just for me!!!🌹🌸🌷🌼🌺🌻
Girl, I am new. It is 6:17 am I haven’t gone to bed yet.. still prepping valentines flowers that arrived via UPS at 7:30 last night!!!
What are the best gloves for florists? I am interested in becoming an apprentice but I hadn't considered the occupational hazards. It looks like most florists don't wear gloves. Will it be frowned upon if I insist that I want to?
I’m in college and trying to pick a career. I’ve narrowed it dow to a few possibilities; a florist is one of them. My dad keeps telling me I won’t be able to support myself let alone buy things. So I was curious about the price range florists make.
Thank you for making this video. Three years ago, I took a floral design class, and I loved it. However, I’m recently discovering the fact that floral foam is toxic. I used it like 2-3 times, so I’m not worried. Still, thank you for showing that important detail about the floral industry.
this may be a ridiculous question so please be patient with me, lol!!! I am future thinking for my retirement. I would love to purchase a tiny storefront in the small Texas town that we plan to retire in. I am open to doing flowers for small events in the town but otherwise would love to sell interesting/unusual bouquets for people to purchase as they drive through. Do you think this is a realistic vision?? Thanks in an advance for your input💗
I can definitely answer that. I hate to say it but that's not really what I would consider a realistic business model. Ultimately, you start a business because you want to grow and do more. It is so hard to get started, and if you are not on your game with Marketing for the current business world. You can very easily end up throwing money out the window for no apparent reason.
Ideally, would be great to have people to call on to help with special events.
Love your video especially the environmental impact part. Not many people would talk about it.
Thank you for sharing🥰, but why keeping up fresh flowers is challenging for the flower shop?
It all has to do with time. Just because you are open and you have product available to sell doesn't guarantee you are going to sell it. A lot of businesses in the floral industry don't do well because they focus so much on the flowers and design. Yet at the same time their marketing strategy and their overall digital footprint on the web is sorely lacking.
Love this post and your intentionality! Appreciate your POV from your experience in the industry. I for one am pushing for the floral industry to push towards being as sustainable as possible. Thank you for sharing so authentically! :)
hey! I'm 15 and from Switzerland❤️ I will start to work as a florist tomorow😍😍 i fell in love with flowers at a young age🌺 i'm so happy to get to know a little more about the day life as a florist thank you so much🌺
I have a question- how young do you hire? And what do you expect of someone who is applying? (Application, experience, age, resume, like everything.)
Thank you for sharing it! 💐
I'm thinking of picking up floristry as a hobby but eventually start up my own shop in the future. I don't really know where to start. It would be much appreciated if you (or anybody else reading this in the comments) to share me some books to read of handouts or whatsoever on the fundamentals for this :) Also, thank you for imparting those 5 things- especially about the environmental impact one.
Subscribe to Florists Review, Fleur Creatif magazines, follow FDI (Floral Design Institute) and AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers). There is a lot of great information out there to focus on floral design with a professional application. It just gotta know where to look. These that I mentioned though will enable you to connect with more.
YES. Thank you for talking about the environmental impact!!
I got a job at a florist when I was 19, I worked everywhere for ten years....the best time of my life!
i know i am still young to understand all business things but i have always wanted my own flower shop and in a lot of ways this video helped me thank you miss :)
Very good points to keep in mind for people who consider this career. Are there good documentaries on the environmental impact you can suggest for self education?
My parents want me to become a doctor or something higher.... I keep telling them I want to be a florist ;-;
Do what you want and try to let go of the worry what they think of you /their expectations ,, go for your dream because its your life
I always have respect for my parents wishes, but I also have respect for my own. If something inside of you is begging to become a florist- don’t ignore it! There are lots of ways to play around with being a floral designer without fully committing to it as a career. Please let me know if you have any questions or want to learn anything in particular! Keep following the beat of your own drum :)
Better for you to study and become a doctor while part timing as a florist. By the time you are a full grown adult about 25yrs old, you can make the decision of which career to stick to. It's a win win and you will have a test of both worlds
@@edwinaahabwe7585 actually… that doesn’t sound bad at all 😃 THANK YOU! I’LL THINK ABOUT THIS
@@lila-mq2xy I am an actress by proffession, then later studied Human Resource, Ethics & Public Management, Event Planning, Floristry and a dip in Law. My passion is flowers and plants. All these have helped me in certain times during my Floristry business. It isn't a career to be underlooked. We put in effort to be on top of the game. You never know where the wind will blow you too. Do not put all your eggs into one basket
Thank you Rachel for your wonderful shared insights. Tough work but the best for me! Success!
Thank you so much!!! It is truly a tough profession. Just goes to show how strong you are! Thank you for watching my video and much success to you as well 😊🌿
I know flower farming is something that is up and coming in the US. Are there local flower farms you could reach out to? A lot of the people I see on TH-cam sell at farmer's markets, have CSA memberships, and also sell to florists. I don't know where you live but it sounds like the west coast with the wildfires.
حبيت طريقه كلامك وشرحك على اني ما فهمته لكن استمتعت معك واني اطالع وجهك
Awesome video! Thank you so much!
After working in finance I am taking the plunge & have an interview at a local mom & pop place. I’m so nervous and excited! Any tips would be appreciated, from anybody!
Thanks for connecting!!! I’m so proud and excited for you. Please let me know how it went! There is nothing better than expressing your creativity through flowers. If there is anything you’d like to know, I am an open book! ❤️
My current situation! I just contacted a local spot too and hopefully it'll go well. How did/is your experience go/going?
Today, I receieved a call to inform me that I've been hired as a florist assistant and bouquet delivery driver! I am excited but anxious.
Tip for delivery drivers: often, you need to tip out some water for transport…..on delivery, just remind the recipient to add water OR carry water bottle with you to refill at delivery.
thank you!
On the flowers are expensive part I'm planning on having my own little garden in the back for some of the more hard to get flowers
Thankyou so much Rachel, btw i love the ending 🤭😂
All the new dried BLEACHED/painted products are horrendous on the environment as well-just as detrimental as foam.
But being a florist is still FAB👌🏼
I enjoyed the video so much! Thank you so much for sharing this. Not many are aware of the negative impact of the industry, so I salute you mentioning that. :) also I love flowers and plants so much :)
Thank you for watching and commenting! I love meeting new plant friends :) you are totally right about not many people knowing. I think it is going to change though!!! ✨🌿 gotta keep spreading the word and inspiring people to design/grow more sustainably. Thank you again for introducing yourself 😊
Do you know if it is common for a floral shop to have part-time positions?
Sorry, you are getting such a late response to your question, but since you never got an answer I thought I would jump in The answer is yes. Sometimes it's hard for shops to find a great designer who is actually available for full-time employment. So in that instance a lot of shops make things work by having a few different designers working part-time in order to cover the hours needed. The busier a shop is, and if they have a great reputation, it's easier for them to have more full-time employees, pay them well and keep them on long-term.
Very nice presentation and educational advice! Much continued success!
Thank you so much!
I'm a florist called Rachel too ... Only fifteen hour days ... I wish lol ... Round the clock mother's Day valentine's and Christmas week
Learn something new everyday
For me it's the word "shlopping"
Very knowlegeable video ma'am. I'm a newbie florist
Thank you very much! I’m going to be starting a series on wedding florals that I can’t wait to share :)
I feel like all the female florist are very pretty , kind and polite because their job is always related to delicate flowers . May be it's just my stereotype but all the florist I have met till today were very polite and pretty .
Thank you for this video! Are there any books or media you recommend to learn more about the floral industry? I would appreciate your input, thanks :)
You’re so welcome :) I would look into Passionflower Sue for some great foam-free design. She teaches a lot about personals/wearables, installations and also has information on centerpieces as well. When I first started I went to my local library and checked out all of the flower books. A lot of them were kind of dated, but you can learn so much from people that have worked with flowers for a long time. Always talk to your flower supplier as well! I hope this helps
sounds like a great topic for your next video
I have been on the floral industry for over 30 years I’ve seen fads come and go. Yes there’s waste . But changing to vases only then floral foam the pandemic caused a lot of changes in product production and supply on demand . I do mainly retail florist . But I’ve done the grocery store and private shop jobs . The biggest problem I have in the business the the getting along of employees. Different personalities clash and I’m better then you attitudes of designers . I’m easy going but I know my stuff and yes everyday is a thinking day but I love the challenge.
lol you stumble over words and that's ok. It can be a lot of pressure talking to all of us! I learned a lot thank you so much!!!!
Thank you!
What is the replacement for floral foam if you're making an arch or arbor?
Syeda Mirza I’ve used several different mechanics before including chicken wire, buckets, water tubes and eco-wraps. I try to reuse the chicken wire and water tubes whenever I use them by cleaning them well afterwards. Would you be interested in a video?
Hey Rachel, great video. I have a question about making flowers last longer. Is there an environmentally sustainable way to make them work that avoids chemicals which the industry is going towards?
Hello! Thank you for watching and starting a great conversation :) The single most effective way that I’ve found to keep flowers longer is changing the water (not just topping it off) every 1-2 days. For this reason, I am pretty conservative with how much water I put in buckets because I know I’ll be changing it out soon. I choose not to use commercial flower food- that is just a personal choice. Most florists use a finishing spray, called crowning glory, to keep the moisture in the flowers. There are no ingredients listed and not much safety information, so I will do some more research for you. It is also super important that you are keeping your tools and space clean. Dirty snips and buckets lead to lots of bacteria, possible fungal situations, and is just not best practice when working with live products. Cleaning can be done by selecting natural cleaners that kill bacteria and ones that you find safe to use in your home. There are several homemade disinfectant recipes online, but I’d be happy to show how to make one on my channel! So just to wrap it up- change the water frequently, clean your tools/space, find a natural finishing spray, AND treat your flowers with care. Pay attention to your flowers/product when you select them at the market, when processing, and when designing ✨❤️ I hope this helps!
@@rachelsimplified Thanks. This is helpful information!
Try to purchase from farmers that are local and growing organically! It can be hard for a lot of people, but hopefully that will change soon :)
Wow good tip! I've never thought about my knives needing to be clean, but it totally makes sense!
Thank you for sharing your 5 points very important information to consider.. Can you give me more information about how to substitute foam ?
Thank you!! I will be posting a video about floral foam and substitutes this month :)
I myself worked in the floral dept for almost two months at the grocery store.
You DO move a lot of stuff all the time and it can start to hurt your back if you dont use your other muscles but can still just be bad on your back period.
Watering is a tedious but imperative task that can be very time consuming and stressful if not done correctly ( overwatering can be just as bad as underwatering depending on the product)
You can lotion up all you want, constantly having your hands in and out of water and handling product is HELL on your skin.
It seems to be mostly female dominated so expect at times a small amount of "cattiness"
My back have been hurt, after working in the healthcare it got even worse. To hear that flower bussiness can be also bad for your back is the information greatly appreciated for those who have health limitations!
Thank you so much 😊
Thank you so much for sharing! I make flower videos too! This was helpful 💕
You’re welcome! I will definitely check out your channel!! I am going to be more active on this account and I’d love to build a flower community ❤️🌿✨
What classes or certifications did you have to get to become a florist?
Damn...im also becoming a florist..had no choice..and damn..your lovely..im falling in love😍😍
In as much as we dont want to use flower foam, mesh doesn't help with a solitide flower centerpiece
Thanks for being so transparent. Very insightful.
SD Zim you’re very welcome. I will always be honest about the good, bad and the ugly!
Great video. Thanks
Thank you so much!
subscribed, thank you for keeping it real!
Thank you for connecting! Is there anything that you’d like to know about floral design?
Thank you
Interesting... thank you
You’re welcome :)
She tell it like it is!
Great vid. Thanks!
Viking 2016 thank you! I really appreciate the support.
Have you experienced being asked out at weddings and events? Will I find a husband? 😂
😂😂😂 sometimes there will be an inappropriate groomsman, but I am happily in a relationship!
The problem with that is.. You’ve worked for two days on the event.
You’ve tried to get two wholesalers to commit to finding the exact shade of lavender roses.
You’ve been loading up the arrangements in the PERFECT manner to not allow them to touch each other.
You’ve endured the stop and go traffic on a strict time schedule.
You’ve had the wedding planner tell you to take the flowers through the kitchen .
Etc.... Do you think we look good after this 😆 Nobody has time to mingle with guests.
Love this🇿🇲👍🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲💕
l like flowers
Thank you so much for sharing, do you charge sales tax on your wedding arrangements?
You’re very welcome : ) I do charge sales tax for wedding work. It doesn’t make sense for me (financially) to eat that cost. It can sometimes be a few hundred dollars! I hope that helps.