Florist News

what about going to college one day a week or getting some saturday work in a florists, it'l just be tea making, sweeping, cleaning vases to start, but you can see if you really do like it then. Most people just think its a pretty lovely job, but it'll test you with it being winter and you'll know if you are truly dedicated.

They might even let you help with greening up or holly wreath making.

or as its coming up to all the peak times, if you can drive then offer your services as a deliver person, most florists would snap your hand off for delivering.

Try to stay positive Clownfish ; like Elouise said everyone's trying to help and I think you've had some good advice. What does your dad make of the replies you've had??

Are you going to sign up for a course now? The certificated ones like City and Guilds and NCSF (?) don't start until September but you should be able to get on shorter courses starting in January. The Shop you're looking at is in London, isn't it? Whereabouts/what side of London are you?

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www.treesfloraldesign.co.uk

I set up a flower shop from scratch (2005) with Cathie who had just done 1 year at college and passed with flying colours..we got through 7 staff in 3 months of opening, before we found the 2 great people we have now. I know f*ck all about flowers, but do know my finances, so the girls make stuff that sells, makes me a profit and they have a job for life and I look after them. It works and Cathie is still learning, feels intimidated at times as less experienced, but she does all those little jobs that need doing, as well as the deliveries. Its works and I ain't changing it and we have a happy shop producing happy flowers...but its 18 hours a day eat sleep flowers !!

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The best shop in Basingstoke: www.yourcountryflorist.co.uk

it sounds like you REALLY want to do something creative...and thats not really the problem with your endeavour! If you really want to change your job and do something creative, thats no problem. Do what you like, but I think the uproar here is about a non-chalant attitude towards buying and running a flower shop! As i posted earlier, its not just about doing weddings etc. And all the other posts, positive or harsh are all true! There's a whole Sh*tload of stuff you may not have thought about. We don't want you to not become a florist or shop owner, just don't go unprepared into this project. You may be creative, but its just not enuf! Take time to research. If its meant to be then the time will come when your name appears in big lights atop a shop!

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~success is a lousy teacher...it seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose~

I think the fact you want to be creative is great. However as has been said its unfortunately not just being creative that keeps you in the job. Too many times have we had people in saying "What a lovely job it must be" and some of the time that is true...most have to say much of the time it can be quite mundane, thankless and backbreaking work as well.
There are certain occasions when you get to use the creativity inside you, but you will find many customers already have a set image in their head of exactly what they want, and much of the time that does bind you somewhat. Take the course I am on for an example, quite a few came into it thinking it was all flowers and design, however the academic side of it has proved too much for many of them who have left, and those still there are questionning whether it is actually what they even want to be doing anymore after just over 2yrs. However if you can hold onto your enthusiasm for the subject after maybe even giving it a try in any capacity (such as delivering etc. as has already been mentionned) then all the better for you.

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FAUN TO BE WILD...!!!

If you can afford to buy a shop, could you not afford to take a trainee job in a florist and live off the money you would have bought a shop with at least until you are trained. When you are trained you would be in a much better position to run a business or even start your own. The jane packer courses etc may give you a very basis grounding with the floristry but none of the business aspects eveyone has mentioned like actually selling things and making a profit out of them.

The floristry side definately is that complicated, a good two years years to do all the basics that is without getting too technical with wedding work etc and more designer items. If you want these skills the quickest way possible, then you need to be working mainly in a florist and maybe doing day release at college, the experience of working full time in a shop will teach you a millions thing far quicker than the pace at college and will be far more helful for your own business eventually.

I personally know a non florist (I worked for them for short period) that bought a shop having had no working experience in a florist and no general knowledge about floristry or flowers for that matter. They are currently still in business...but I wouldn't say that person is now a proficient florist, and I wouldn't say the business will ever grow and be sucessful..not if the owner remains the same that is

If you think of floristry as a skilled trade, which technically it is. All trades require training and qualifications. The law may not require you to be qualified to be a florist but a lot of people do it for themselves to show they are a professional tradesman, florist, designer or whatever you want to call it.

As for the creative side, today I've only had time to make a couple of bouqets , as I have been doing paperwork, pricing xmas goods and mailing letters and invoices.

I wish you luck in your choice whatever it is

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Sarah Creating Bespoke Wedding Flowers Cheshire