My Journey in Floristry (and What It’s Really Taught Me)
My Journey in Floristry (and What It’s Really Taught Me)
Starting Out In Floristry
When I first started my career in floristry, I thought it was all about the flowers. And in many ways, it is. The colours, the textures, the seasonality, the joy of working with fresh produce that changes week by week.
Like many florists, I began by learning the practical side of things. How to condition flowers properly, how to build a bouquet, how to work quickly and carefully at the same time. There’s a lot to take in at the beginning, and so much of it comes through doing.
At that stage, you’re focused on getting things right.. Remembering the flowers, learning the mechanics and gaining confidence in your ability.
What you don’t always see yet is everything else that sits alongside it.
What floristry really teaches you
Over time, floristry starts to teach you things you weren’t necessarily expecting. Not just about flowers, but about yourself, and how you work. You learn how to make decisions quickly, often without perfect information. You learn how to adapt when flowers arrive looking different to how you imagined. You learn how to manage time, especially in the lead-up to weddings or busy seasonal periods. And you begin to understand that confidence doesn’t come all at once. It builds gradually, through repetition, through small mistakes, and through working things out as you go. Floristry also teaches resilience. There are early mornings, long days, physical work, and moments where things feel harder than they perhaps should. But there’s also a deep sense of satisfaction in creating something with your hands, and in being part of people’s lives in a meaningful way. These are the parts of floristry that often stay with you.
Know Your Why
This is the biggest step in creating your dream floral business: know your why.
Create your business plan with your dream clients in mind. Do your market research, look at other industry professionals for inspiration, and consider how your business offers a different perspective on floristry.
Ask yourself: Are you dreaming of creating beautiful wedding flowers? Do you want to serve people in a bricks-and-mortar shop? Are you drawn to teaching and sharing your love of florals through classes and workshops?
There are so many routes you can take in your floral career, but my strongest piece of advice is this: niche down from the start and grow slowly. Doing less, but with focus and intention, will help you build a business that feels authentic and sustainable.
Build Your Own Website - Don't Just Rely on Social Media
Building your own website (or investing in someone to build one for you) is something I’d prioritise over social media — especially in the early days of your business.
Your website is the one space online that you truly own. You have full control over its content, design, and message, and it instantly adds credibility and gravitas to your floristry business. I’ve seen many new start-ups run their entire business solely through social media, and I highly advise against it. Platforms change, algorithms shift, and accounts can disappear overnight.
The good news? Creating a professional website doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. I personally love Squarespace — it’s a fabulous drag-and-drop builder with beautiful templates that suit a creative business perfectly.
Your first website doesn’t need to be complex. Even a simple landing page with: A sign-up form for your newsletter, Your contact details, and A few photographs of you and your floral work, …is more than enough to begin.
Invest in a few professional headshots, perhaps a photoshoot of you holding flowers and showcasing your designs, and you’ll be ready to launch a site that not only showcases your creativity but also builds trust with future clients.
And don’t forget — reserve all your social media handles early so your business name is consistent across your website and every platform. Consistency is key to being recognisable and professional.
Keep Learning, Find a Mentor, and Build Your Community
Even after many years in business, I’m still learning and discovering new ways to design with flowers. The more you invest in your craft, the more confident you’ll feel and the more your unique style will shine through.
Here are some ways to keep growing:
- Take classes and workshops to keep your creativity flowing.
- Practice regularly by making time to simply create and play with flowers. For me, this is key to keeping the passion alive.
- Photograph your work to track your progress and build a portfolio.
- Find a mentor. Having someone experienced to guide you can save you years of trial and error. A mentor can keep you accountable, inspired, and focused, offering an outside perspective on your business.
- Connect with other florists and creatives. Floristry can feel lonely if you’re working solo, but community gives you support, encouragement, and collaboration opportunities.
Whilst many florists do work alone, you don’t have to build your business in isolation. The floristry industry has a wonderfully generous spirit, and surrounding yourself with the right people will help you thrive.
Start Small and Grow
When you’re excited about starting a floristry business, it’s tempting to want to do everything all at once; weddings, subscriptions, events, retail, workshops, the lot.
Trying to juggle too much too soon is the quickest way to feel overwhelmed.
Instead, I'm here to give you permission to start small. Focus on one service or one type of client at first. That might mean working from your kitchen table while you experiment with your design style, or specialising in wedding flowers before expanding into everyday bouquets.
By narrowing your focus, you’ll be able to refine your skills, build your confidence, and learn what truly works for both you and your clients.
Then, once your foundations are strong, you can add in additional services to your business and grow at a pace that feels sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a shop to start a floristry business?
No, you don’t need a shop to get started. Many florists begin from home or a small studio space. Focus first on building your portfolio, refining your style, and finding your ideal clients.
How much money do I need to start a floristry business?
Start-up costs vary depending on your goals. At the very least, you’ll need flowers, tools, and basic supplies. Investing in a simple website, good photography, and training or mentoring can also help you grow more quickly.
Do I need qualifications to become a florist?
Formal training isn’t always required, but classes and workshops can build your skills and confidence. What matters most is practice, passion, and developing your own style.
Should I focus on weddings, retail, or workshops?
There are many routes you can take in floristry. Start by asking yourself what excites you most and who your dream clients are. It’s often best to focus on one area first, then expand over time.
If you’d like more support, I also offer mentorship — here’s how to reach me
If you’ve read this far and feel excited about starting your floristry business but also a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone. I’ve been where you are, and that’s why I now offer floristry mentorship - guiding new florists as they take those first steps.
Whether you need help with pricing, building confidence in your design style, or creating a business plan that feels true to you, mentorship can save you years of trial and error.Find out more about Floristry Mentorship