10 Things You Should Know About Florists
1. They work crazy hours
Not all florists are early risers by choice. But many are up before the sun. Major wholesale markets open at 3am and can start closing stalls at 8. That is a short window for florists to get in and grab the best product. Then they begin the second leg of their day. They are off to the shop or the studio to unload, condition, and create. This is another 8+ hours of their day. Throw an unexpected event into the mix, and florists can easily be living on 3 hours of sleep a night.
2. They are on the hunt
Nature is a fickle thing. A change in the conditions at the flower farm will turn your “perfect” ivory rose just a shade too pink. That means back to the drawing board for florists. They will call wholesalers, or physically trek their flower market, going from stall to stall, looking for that elusive shade of ivory.
3. It’s a high pressure job
The work florists do is fueled by client’s emotions. Weddings, events, and holidays all come with big expectations from clients. And florists feel the pressure. Details need to be perfect. Timing needs to be spot on. Florists take this massive pressure and turn it into creative energy. It’s one of their super powers.
4. They are beauty seekers
My favorite quality is that florists see beauty all around them. That is part of their specialized skill set. They spot out and treasure a special heart shaped leaf, the changing tones of the season, and unique double petaled blooms. Don’t be surprised if your florist friend stops and does a double take at particularly lush bush or wildflower. It’s just part of their nature to seek out beauty in all forms and take a moment to appreciate it.
5. Their products die
Working with a perishable product is tough. Florists’ products need to be at its freshest. Once it arrives, it needs to be processed, conditioned and put into cold storage. Even with all that effort, flowers will die sooner than expected. That’s an out of pocket expense for florists that can add up.
6. They work in challenging spaces
We’ve all seen the florists with stands on the streets. Beautiful blooms and bouquets ready to go on the sidewalk. But ever been by when the florist is opening or closing up? It’s a tiny space! It’s like playing tetris to get product in and out. Ever wonder how studio florists do it without a cool room? They turn the design space into a cool room. They work in almost freezing conditions to keep designs looking fresh. Working in tiny, cold spaces is something many florists have to go through. It makes every aspect of their job, just slightly more challenging.
7. They are multi talented
Mechanics. Architects. Artists. Curators. Laborers. Horticulturists. These some of the many hats that florists wear. They do it all! No matter if you’re the owner, designer or assistant, chances are you’ve had to wear many of these hats in one day.
8. They get physical
Bundles of flowers and foliage are heavier than they look. Add in anywhere from a dozen to hundreds of large buckets of water and you have enough to give you a definite back problem. It’s not all about lifting either. Florists run too! Sometimes a church will allot 15 minutes to install an entire set up. Florists lace up their shoes, get the team ready, and they run to make it happen. No sweat! Well, a little sweat.
9. They face their fears
Think you are afraid of heights? Creepy crawlers a deal breaker? Not for florists. To get the job done, they have to face their fears every day. They climb 15 foot ladders, on the edge of stairs or cliffs. They go up and down over 100 times for an event installation, regardless of their fear. As a florist you face your fears to get the job done and support you team.
10. They care
Florists want every client to walk away happy. They will add in extra blooms to make sure your arrangement is just perfect. They will spend extra to get you your favorite color. They get emotional while writing out your card messages. And here’s an inside secret - florists will go above and beyond for you every time if you appreciate them and their work.
