Any florists out there?

[Cherryblossom200]

Hello!

I've recently been made redundant, I have a lump sum of £20,000 which needs to last me until I find a new job. I'm a project manager and earn a fairly good salary (over £40,000), I've always had a desire to have my own little florist. I have zero experience, yes I'm nuts. But I have a huge passion for gardening, plants and flowers and think I have a natural flair for it.

However, I'm a full time single parent to a 9 year old. I don't know if it's possible for me to even consider doing this? I realise I would have to be up early to source the flowers and maybe the days are long? Will I even make any money?

I was thinking of doing something a bit more niche. I live in an expensive area so there is a market for it.

I've pretty much had enough of working for other people. I hate the office politics and have always loved the idea of working for myself. I have the drive for it, but I'm also realistic that it's hard work.

Am I crazy for thinking about doing this? Is there a way I could start off small and see how it goes?

Thank you xxx

Go and get some proper hands on experience to decide if it's for you either in a shop or with a wedding and event florist.

I'd start by doing a floristry course to make sure you like the creativity and graft not just the romance of it . My local florist does Items now like works of art and she is always in demand . It's not a cushy life either with early morning flower deliveries, knowing exactly what she needs of each flower to ensure no wastage etc etc . Personally I'd look for a job and train in floristry as a recreation before spending a sum of money on trying to run a business.

Posted too soon....

Floristry is very hard work. It's dirty and it's hard physical graft. There is a lot of lifting involved. It's also dirty and in the winter it's freezing cold.

You'd be an absolute fool to start with no training or experience. It's a really difficult market at the moment. Flower prices rocketed since Brexit and cost of living is really affecting the industry. Margins are so tight, you need to know what you're doing before you commit £££.

I've been a florist for a long time and love it but it's not for everyone. I'm not saying don't do it, just do your homework first.

Also, floristry jobs (if you can find one) are minimum wage. Experienced florists in London are probably on £15 per hour.

People don't do it for the money.

Thank you 🙏

I think I'll just look for a normal job sadly, I've romanticised being a florist and not really thought it out. It's not possible as a single parent, I wouldn't have any time for my DD.

Back to the drawing board! 🤪

Sadly, commercial floristry is 20 minutes to try and chuck a wreath together while simultaneously trying to serve customers and answer the phone. It's not floating about taking your time and being creative doing whatever you fancy. Well, it can be but you won't make any money!

Do some workshops or adult learning or even help out with church flowers. That's the nice stuff.

I thought the same as you . Went and done a 12 week part time retail floristry course

That killed any romantic notions I had. It's hard work with very little profit as you are competing with flowers bought in bulk by the large supermarkets

Also if you get a dodgy batch of wedding flowers and the petals all fall of the night before you will be sued

It's not for the faint hearted