Find Your 
Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a florist looks like? Sometimes it’s not as glamorous as you may think. Step into the life of Keira Lennox, a florist who shares what it is really like to run a flower shop.
When people ask the age-old question, “What do you do?” and I tell them I run a flower shop, they usually respond with one of the following reactions: “Oh! I’ve always wanted to work in a flower shop,” or “Your life must be just like a romantic comedy working around those beautiful flowers all day long…”
In the short time I’ve been running this crazy business, things often feel much more comedic than romantic.
Keep reading for a few of the {light-hearted} lessons I’ve learned as a blossoming florist…
- In large quantities, baby’s breath (or gypsophila, as the pros call it) smells like cat pee.
- Dignity is overrated. You realize this after the fourth time you slip on a rose petal or spilled water and fall right on your behind in front of your staff and/or customers.
While we’re on the subject of things that are overrated, add: three square meals a day to the list. But have no fear; the gourmet cupcakes from the bakery next door will sustain you through the 14-hour days with sporadic lunch breaks.
- As much as you want to wear your cute new platforms to work, just don’t. (See #2)
- “Running on Dunkin” is not just a catchy ad campaign slogan… it’s a way of life.
- Every rose does, indeed, have its thorn. Some are more like daggers, and their only mission in life is to lodge themselves deeply into your dainty little fingertips.
- Manicures are no longer a luxury; they’re a necessity. You’ll need a good coat of polish at all times to cover your now chronically dirty nails and ravaged cuticles.
- Splinters are an inconvenient and unavoidable workplace hazard. When your husband offers to remove them with needles, just politely decline. They’ll work their way out on their own – but not before driving you batty for a few days first.
- There is no greater temptation than the fresh flower truck that pulls up to your back door every day filled to the brim with the most gorgeous blooming beauties. You must develop tunnel vision and chant the following mantra, “I will only buy what I need. I will only buy what I need…”
- Bridezillas do exist.
- It’s amazing what you can get away with when you’re married to the boss. [Insert puppy eyes and sweet kisses here]
- Being a successful florist requires: one part ruthless power-girl CEO, one part creative ingénue, and one part therapist to your staff and customers.
And just when you’re beyond exhausted and feel like you can’t poke even one more posie, someone comes into your shop and says, “I’m on my lunch break, and I just had to stop in and see some fresh flowers to brighten my crummy day.”
Article originally published: Keira Lennox
As you can see, being a florist isn’t always spectacular. At the end of the day though, every splinter, early morning, and broken nail is all worth it when you see the joy that your flower arrangements bring to people.
This is why local florists go above and beyond to make sure they are providing the best service and quality work. Every arrangement is special. Every delivery is an opportunity to make someone smile.
spoken so well from a florist/shop owner that is overly seasoned. This year, as we wind down the Christmas season, with the many questions such as “can i still get a centerpiece delivered”? I find myself dreading the next big red holiday. My newbie teen workers are over zealous with the romantic notion of Valentines day, while I assumed the roll of head captain of a ship that seems out of control, at best. All the planning, hiring, buying, training and utter exhaustion leaves my bank account looking healthy for once, only to be dwindled down in the slow summer months. We do this kind of work because we florists possess an inexhaustible, endless amount of creativity. We are people pleasers, typically compassionate, high energy souls. It thrills us, and yes we are lucky to be florists, because it is not a profitable trade, most can’t even afford to work in it. I am one of the fortunate ones that is rewarded in her career choice. To all of you florists that read this, never give up, keep creating, learn the basics well, gain technique from the masters, be inventive and love what you do, even when your poking the last bloom in!
Thank you for sharing!
When you say “fresh flower truck” what do you mean? Do you buy flowers for your business from it, and if this is so, does it save you money as opposed to buying in bulk from online?
How do you start your own floral business?
Lynda,
Start with contacting your state floral association. They will be able to give you advise and resources.
Wholesaler.