All in Articles
At times as floral entrepreneurs, we are challenged by situations that force us to draw a line in the sand and to stand unwaveringly by the principles that guide the future success of our business. Sometimes that means saying "no" when you want to say yes.
If there are any future flower farmers out there, I would strongly suggest starting small so you can keep it manageable. It is so easy to become overwhelmed by all there is to do. By keeping it manageable, you will gain confidence and skills and be able to expand as you are able. I would also strongly suggest irrigation, a staking method that works for you and a layout of your fields which keeps everything organized and orderly.
Styled shoots, or “mock weddings” are an amazing way to diversify your portfolio and market your company. As a florist in the wedding scene, styled shoots have been an excellent way to get my name out there and network with other professionals. However, I spent the first nine months of my business avoiding them like the plague. I felt insecure spending money on something that may not be profitable, and I wasn’t sure how to best represent my brand. I’ve since come around, though, and now I love participating in styled shoots!
Flower farming has been a dream of mine for many years and this year it finally happened. When I was in college, I studied Production Horticulture, and the dream began. It’s been a little over ten years now since I worked in the horticulture industry. This spring I took the plunge and started. It’s been a roller coast ride so far. There are things that I did this year that will be different when I start again next year. So I thought I’d share some tips for making year two count.
Being a "newbie" in the field of floral design is exciting and terrifying all at the same time. I remember soaking in new information like a sponge — quickly learning design strategies, varieties of flowers, pricing ideas, and more! However, the most difficult task for me and I would assume for most other newer floral designers is marketing your business to your ideal clients.
Filler and foliage are what makes a bouquet stand apart from a bunch of flowers! It’s not just the focal flowers that growers should focus on — it’s filler and foliage too. Foliage is key in creating the structure of an arrangement. Foliage also provides a foil that contrasts with and emphasizes the qualities of the focal flower. Filler adds charm, character, and personality to your bouquet along with adding body and substance to your stems.
The dream of having your own flower shop is an amazing one to have! I wish I would get a quarter for every time someone has said to me, “I’ve always wanted to own a shop.” So, if this is something that you want and can’t stop thinking about — go for it, but test it out first. I’m here to give you a few helpful steps to make this process a little less overwhelming for you!
I wasn't going to "just grow a small cutting garden." However that's exactly what I did, and I couldn't be happier. Start small. Start intentionally. Start by growing things that thrive in your area. Having success your first year is so important to keeping you motivated for the next year.
The easiest thing to do when you’ve started a new business is to not pay yourself. If you’re working a full time job, and have started a business on the side, it’s easy to think, “I’ll just put this money I’m making back into the business”. Starting good habits of managing your business income from the very start makes it easier to adapt to the business being your sole source of income later. Here are a few tips on getting started early with paying yourself, and ensuring you’re setting aside enough for putting back into your business.
Is your current workspace holding you back from overall growth? If you’re at this turning point in your flower journey (or simply reserving information for the future), I hope you have a moment to explore what may be best for your business.
You want to have a fresh, original design for each client you serve, but maybe you are just starting to run out of ideas. But what happens when your cup is dry, and there is no creativity to be poured out?
I wanted to take some time to share with you several tips I’ve learned along the way that may help you in your journey. Whether you're in the early stages of dreaming up your company, or a veteran in the industry, having a solid foundation to your business is vital to your growth and long-term sustainability.
I’ve experienced an incredible amount of positivity, support, and encouragement from a group of wonderful floral designers and business owners who I lovingly refer to as my “Flower Friends." These women who are my competition, but who have created a real community that I’m honored to be a part of.
