If you’ve ever daydreamed of quitting your current job and doing something creative while being your own boss, working as a florist could give you the best of both worlds. After all, if you’ve spent the day lost in spreadsheets at your desk, the appeal of arranging flowers for a living is likely to be very tempting. The good news is that it is definitely possible to change careers and become a florist.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to how to become a florist in the UK, with everything you need to know, including:
- Floristry profession
- Floristry business from home
- Floristry business online
So here’s some hints and tips for how to become a florist with no experience and how to become a freelance florist.
Floristry profession
Before we get started, let’s make sure we understand what the floristry profession actually is. Floristry is the art and profession of creating, arranging, and selling flowers, plants, and foliage. It is a creative and rewarding profession that involves designing and arranging flowers for various occasions such as weddings, funerals, birthdays, and other events.
A florist's work involves selecting the right flowers, plants, and materials, arranging them in a visually appealing way, and ensuring they stay fresh and beautiful for as long as possible.
Florists may work in flower shops, supermarkets, garden centres, or as freelance designers. They may also provide services such as delivery, installation, and maintenance of floral displays.
Benefits of becoming a florist
There are several benefits to becoming a florist, including:
- Creative outlet - Floristry is a highly creative profession that allows you to express your artistic side and create beautiful arrangements that bring joy and happiness to others.
- Flexibility - Many freelance florists work flexible hours, which can be ideal for those who have other commitments or responsibilities, such as caring for children or elderly family members.
- Job satisfaction - As a florist, you get to work with beautiful flowers and plants every day, and you have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is making people happy.
- Variety: There are many different types of floristry, from wedding and event work to retail and corporate installations, so you can find a niche that suits your interests and skills.
- Social connections - Florists often work closely with their customers, building relationships and becoming a part of important moments in their lives. This can be a very rewarding aspect of the job.
- Level of job security - Flowers and plants are always likely to be in demand, meaning floristry is a potentially more stable profession than others more affected by economic uncertainty.
Training to become a florist
If that all sounds great, we should discuss florist training. How do you train to be a florist? How long does it take to become a florist? To become a florist, you can train through a variety of routes, including:
Apprenticeships
Many florists offer apprenticeship programs, where you can learn the trade on the job while earning a wage.
Vocational training
Vocational colleges and schools offer courses in floristry, which can range from short-term workshops to full-time diploma or degree programs.
Online courses
There are also online courses and tutorials available that can teach you the basics of floristry, including techniques for arranging flowers and plants and will give you floristry qualifications at the end. There are many online courses and tutorials available, such as those offered by the British Florist Association, the Academy of Floral Art and the Flower School.
Workshops and seminars
Many florists and floral design studios offer workshops and seminars that can help you learn new skills and techniques, or improve your existing skills.
Self-study
You can also learn the basics of floristry by reading books, watching videos, and practising on your own.
Regardless of the route you choose, it's important to gain experience and practise your skills as much as possible. This can involve working as an apprentice or intern, volunteering to help with events and weddings, or creating your own arrangements to build a portfolio. It's also important to keep up with industry trends and new techniques by attending trade shows, joining professional organisations, and networking with other florists.
Floristry business from home
If you’re setting up for the first time, you may decide to start off your freelance floristry business from home, especially if you are still working in your old job until you can afford to leave.
Here’s our tips for how to become a florist from home in the UK:
- Choose your niche - Decide on the type of floristry you want to specialise in, whether it's weddings and events, corporate installations, subscription services, or retail flower arrangements.
- Obtain necessary equipment and supplies - To run a floristry small business from home, you will need to invest in equipment and supplies such as floral foam, scissors, vases, containers, and refrigeration units. You can source these from local florist supply shops or online suppliers.
- Create a business plan - A business plan will help you to identify your target market, set prices, and plan your marketing and advertising strategies. It will also help you to identify any legal requirements for running a home-based business in your area.
- Register your business - You will need to register your business with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for tax purposes. You may also need to register for VAT if your business turnover exceeds a certain threshold.
- Set up a workspace - Set up a workspace in your home that is dedicated to your floristry business. You may need to install refrigeration units, work tables, and storage space for your materials.
Floristry business online
Running a floristry business from home means that the internet is your friend when it comes to finding and engaging with customers. Here are some tips for how to become a florist online:
Develop a portfolio and online presence
Develop a portfolio of your work and create a website or social media presence to showcase your services and attract customers. You may also want to consider offering delivery services or partnering with other businesses to expand your reach. Market your business: Use social media, SEO, and paid advertising to reach your target audience and drive traffic to your website. You can also partner with other businesses, participate in trade shows and events, and offer promotions and discounts to attract new customers.
Develop a delivery and fulfilment system
Develop a system for delivering and fulfilling orders, whether it's through your own delivery service or a third-party provider. Taking card payments is a crucial part of your strategy here, and you can easily integrate an online checkout with your website with Dojo’s online payments solution.
By following these steps, you can set up a floristry business online and reach a wider audience, even if you don't have a physical storefront. However, it's important to remember that running an online floristry business requires attention to detail, exceptional customer service, and the ability to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
