Becoming a florist is a rewarding career. You’ll make people happy, and you’ll get to spend a lot of time outside in the sun. But don’t just assume that you’re ready to become a florist—there are steps you need to take before you can start working.
Before you can become a florist, you need to get certified by the state where you want to work. This usually involves taking classes on how to arrange flowers and learning about local regulations in order to pass an exam.
Once you’ve gotten your certification, it’s time for the real work: getting clients! Many flower shops will have job postings on their websites or social media pages. You can also check out local high schools or colleges and ask if anyone needs help with their flowers. If all else fails, try posting your own ad on Craigslist or another site like it!
How To Become Florist
Florists use creativity and organizational skills to arrange unique floral and plant designs. They create visually appealing components for various occasions that may be specific to a client’s wishes. Understanding the different processes to become a florist can help you begin your career designing flower arrangements. In this article, we discuss what a florist is, examine some of their job duties and provide steps for how to become a florist.
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What is a florist?
A florist, or floral specialist, is a professional who sells and arranges previously cut flowers and plants. They use creative insight to organize flowers into appealing bouquets or arrangements. Florists often work in flower shops, grocery stores or other retail businesses. Some may also own their own floral business or work for large online companies. Florists are typically most busy during holiday seasons, such as Valentine’s Day, when many consumers buy bouquets as gifts. Since freshly cut flowers are perishable, they may work additional hours preceding a big order or event.
Related: 13 Careers With Plants
What does a florist do?
Florists design floral arrangements for special events, such as weddings or holidays. They may also guide customers on appropriate plant care practices regarding transportation recommendations and how to properly care for plants.
Some job duties of a florist include:
- Receiving shipments and placing new flowers in display cases
- Recommending possible flower combinations to customers
- Filling water solutions to increase plants’ life expectancy
- Arranging flowers in bouquets, wreaths, vases and centerpiece elements for purchase
- Packing a client’s order carefully to avoid any damages
- Growing and watering flowers in their shop
- Ordering flowers from wholesalers or vendors
- Taking customer orders
What is the average salary for a florist?
A florist makes a national average salary of $27,924 per year. Salaries may vary depending on who a florist works for. Florists also may earn more income if they have a certification or many years of experience in the industry.
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How to become a florist
Here are some steps you can take to become a florist:
1. Complete your high school education
The minimum requirement to become a florist is to complete your high school education or GED. While in school, consider taking courses in biology and art to learn about plants and how to properly organize arrangements. Business and economic classes are also helpful for those planning to open a flower shop, as they can learn how to succeed as business owners.
2. Gain experience
Some employers looking to hire prospective florists hire high school graduates immediately and provide on-the-job training. During this time, try to practice as much as you can and become familiar with the tools used to prepare arrangements. Consider working with a mentor through an apprenticeship to learn about their expertise and skills. You can also look for a career at a local florist shop or grocery store.
Related: How To Write a Florist Resume in 5 Steps
3. Develop florist skills
In addition to learning how to prepare flowers, consider developing skills that help a successful florist perform their tasks effectively. Some helpful skills for florists to possess include:
- Creativity: Florists often use artistic techniques to create aesthetically pleasing floral designs for different occasions and present new ideas to clients.
- Customer service: Since florists interact with both customers and suppliers, they frequently use excellent interpersonal skills to convey ideas and complete sales.
- Communication: Florists interact and build relationships with potential customers, conveying their designs and ideas to them. This requires proper communication skills to make complex ideas understandable to those who may not be familiar with floral concepts.
- Time management: To ensure they complete orders in a timely fashion and maintain a floral arrangement’s health, florists use time management and organizational skills.
Related: Creativity Skills: Definition, Tips and Examples
4. Cultivate your own style
While working in a floral shop, try to create your own unique style. Consider experimenting with different shapes, colors and textures to find a design that appeals to you. You also can keep a notebook with ideas and inspiration you encounter when working. Having a signature style can help your work become recognizable and distinguish you from other florists.
5. Seek formal training
To further your knowledge in floristry, consider completing a program in floral design. Some florists may pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree, as well. These programs typically offer degrees in floral design and floral management. Classes may cover different types of flowers, examining their characteristics and how to properly care for common types.
Topics learned during these programs may also include:
- Floral shop management
- Hand-held boutiques
- Horticulture
- Interior plants
- Wedding design
6. Build a work portfolio
To showcase your capability to employers and customers, consider creating a work portfolio with photos of your past arrangements. Include a variety of your work that demonstrates your range of skills in various categories, such as wedding bouquets and centerpiece arrangements. Having a portfolio allows you to provide potential clients with samples of the work you can accomplish.
Related: What Is a Work Portfolio? (Plus How to Build One)
7. Consider earning a certification
One way to separate yourself from other florists and demonstrate your dedication to the industry is to earn a professional certification. The American Institute of Floral Designs (AIFD) provides a Certified Floral Designer (CFD) credential for prospective florists to pursue. To earn this, florists pass a written and design demonstration exam. Once you earn this title, it’s important to continue earning education credits to maintain your certification. The certification teaches florists design competency for table, wedding, funeral and wearable arrangements. Those who earn a CFD may be able to join the AIFD after meeting specific qualifications.
8. Join a professional organization
To help you network with other professionals in the floristry industry, consider joining the AIFD or becoming a member of a floral group in your state. Joining these groups can help you find potential job opportunities, as they often have job boards on their websites with listings for florist positions.
9. Set goals
When pursuing a career as a florist, it’s important to consider your short- and long-term goals. If opening a floral shop is your ultimate goal, begin researching the process of starting a business and creating a brand. However, if you want to create bouquets from home for weddings and other events, consider advertising your services to those around you that could help spread word-of-mouth recommendations.
