Florist News

It's a hard call isn't it. still, at least you are still enjoying it.

No Lilltluns interested in taking over the running in a few years time? I have 3 girls and hope that when i have had enough (and the business is still going ) one of them might want to take over.

They seem to like that idea now but the eldest is only 12 hahaha

__________________

Never say never.

Well, unless your sure.

No,... No children, Just Me, Hubby, My bird Vincent and my very old dog, Lucy, She is 20 years old and still going strong!!

My husband is a Supermarket manager and we both work Very LONG hours... So there hasn't been much time for that

Being your own boss is great, but to get the rewards you really do need to put long hours in unfortunatly. I do get tired (as does everyone) especially when I have to start work at 2am to get the Weddings Finished. In September I have 23 Weddings booked - I know I will be Cranky when I finish every weekend and will definatly need a DRINK.!!!

How long have you been a florist??

Your wedding ratio is through the roof .

I know what you mean about long hours. OH works long hours so it will be a challenge, but i am fed up of working and then having difficulties with childcare so really have to be my own boss.

You will probably think i am mad, but i have only been in floristry for 3 years and that is at part part time.

it was something that i sort of fell into and loved instantly. So not only am i opening the shop this year i am also starting my college training as well. Give it a year i should be officially loopy.

I may be light on the ground with experience but i will take on a fully fledged florist to get over that little gimp, but i have loads of ideas and passion so hopefully it will see me through.

I will do weddings but it is something that i won't go all out to advertise for a while. As you say they are hard work and what with one thing and another i will give myself some breathing space for that. Mind you i have a friend who is soooooooooo fantastic at her trade and she is willing to step in and fill the gap when i need her (well that's what she said anyway )

__________________

Never say never.

Well, unless your sure.

No I don't think you are "mad"...

In all honesty, I think that if you fall into something it was meant to be.

However, be prepared to make mistakes, as this WILL happen - just make sure you learn from them - in the long run, this will make you a better florist.

I remember in the beginning I really did make some awful rubbish - I think we all do, We all need our own style and It does take a while for this to come thru. I can't say this enough - make sure you interact with other florists, check out there own work and shops, everyone needs inspration regardless of how far advanced they are.

Having another florist to guide you will definatly be a help.. but don't rely on them too much, it will be your shop, so you will need to create your own style.

Yes.. the Weddings keep me very busy..! It was once a dream of mine to do about 1o Weddings a weekend - But I am now rethinking that - I think what I do now is quite enough - My husband says I need to learn to say NO! Word of mouth is everything - I don't advertise, just get my Brides from reccomendations.

Sorry again for the ramble..... What time in the day is it there??

Yeah, i know what you mean about making my own statement with different styles.

To be honest that is THE ONE THING that bothers me.

I will take on an experienced florist to help me through but i am worried about them not wanting to listen to a NOVICE, obviously i will take avice from anywhere but i want someone who will respect my ideas even though i am not as technically trained as them. Oh well, time will tell.

It is about 9.30am here. the kids are on hols so still in thier pj's. I am taking full advantage and sitting here not doing anything, well till they start moaning they are bored.

__________________

Never say never.

Well, unless your sure.

i started mine from scratch, renting, i didnt have the money to buy, i had about £3000 and i had to knock down walls and buy flooring etc, i had checked out the location for weeks before hand and it seemed like a really busy area, decent parking, which is important, i only had me in the shop and i too was chuffed when i took £100 first day, but unfortunately in this area they just dont want to spend any money, i have given it near on 4 years and although we have a decent customer base its not enough for me to sign a 10 year lease, if i was to do it again, which is highly unlikely btw, i would buy the building, at least that way i could sell it if it wasnt working, i was trying to offer something different round here and it just didnt work, its stuck in the dark ages of spray cars and gyp, and sometimes flowers can be evil!!!

Oh Lisa, i am sorry it isn't working out for you. Sometimes no matter how hard we try we can't make things right can we.

I ahve signed a 5 year lease but i have had a get out clause written in so after 2 years i can give notice to quit.

I hope it all works out ok in the end.


Louise

__________________

Never say never.

Well, unless your sure.

Hi lisa.. I am too sorry that you are finding it a bit more difficult. I did have that problem to in the beginning with customers not wanting to spend any money and only wanting the "evil" flowers.

What I did was have these flowers but also stock some more modern designs... I found that by presenting them with a few more options they quickly learned there were other alternitives.. Take the plunge and give it a go.. what have you got to lose.. I decided one day that if you havn't got it, they can't buy it..!

You don't need to race out and change your whole direction straight away, just do it slowly, they won't even notice. Even with pricing... if you have resigned to the fact they will only spend $10...thats All they will spend..!... I too fell into that trap but now offer designs made up in my shop that are around the $70 mark - and they SELL... I never would of been game enough to do that in the beginning, but it works.. !... Prime Example... I now stock Cymbidium Orchids Plants.. would never thought they would sell in my area but the do.. For $90.00!! - Who would of thought?? - Just take the plunge and see how it goes......

Another example - In the beginning to get my shop going I offered roses at $25. a dozen I did this about every two weeks and they just sold sooo quickly.. NOW.. the normal price is $65.00.. nobody blinks an eyelid..!

Just make sure you don't go too way out to soon.. just do it slowly and see what works for you

Louise,

Your own style will come.. It will take time and you will get there, be patient,

Try different things and have a "play"

Also, by checking out florists work, this should inspire you to get creative.. Just go with the flow and it will come. Expect to make some "rubbish" in the beginning, but this will help you to reach your style goal.!

It is now 7.30 pm in the evening, And I have just had my first Beer....!

Oh i will be patient, i can see an uphill road but am prepared for it (i think)

MMMMM enjoy your beer, i have the whole day ahead of me with 3 bored kids hehe

__________________

Never say never.

Well, unless your sure.