Florist/Floral Designer

Working Schedule

• Florists may work full or part-time. Those who own a business may put in overtime to ensure there are enough fresh flowers and other inventory on hand, the shop is tidy and visually appealing, the staff is taken care of, delivery vehicles are in good condition, marketing is running smoothly, and accounting is done right. Overtime is also likely required during busy seasons such as Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. 

Typical Duties

• Keep the floral shop or selling area looking clean and professional, and workspaces sanitized and free from clutter
• Determine inventory requirements. Find and purchase inventory from suppliers, wholesalers, and local growers
• Create ready-made arrangements and grab-and-go bouquets
• Establish prices and mark items. Ring up sales, including additional items such as cards, balloons, stuffed animals, baskets, vases, etc.
• Assist phone, online, and walk-in customers with custom-made arrangement requirements. Offer suggestions based on budgets, occasions, and desired delivery dates
• Select flowers, greenery, foliage, and containers that complement each other. Create arrangements based on established patterns or design unique concepts
• Trim flowers and other materials as needed to suit the arrangement. Use wire, pins, tape, and other holding materials 
• Deliver or establish delivery of arrangements to intended recipients
• Keep flowers refrigerated as needed. Water flowers and plants
• Create window and in-shop displays, including holiday-themed displays

Additional Responsibilities

• Offload incoming inventory deliveries. Keep track of all stock to know when to reorder
• Provide instructions for care (for example, a plant’s sunlight, soil, water, and climate requirements)
• Write messages on cards on behalf of customers who can’t come in person
• Keep up-to-date on design trends and continue to expand knowledge of plant and flower types and their care needs
• Learn which types of plants are allergens for humans or dangerous to animals (the ASPCA offers a list of plants that are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses)
• Business owners may have many additional duties such as the below: 

1. Maintain financial records of sales, purchases, and other expenses
2. Pay rent on buildings
3. Hire and train new employees
4. Maintain payroll for employees, establish in-house human resources policies, and follow state and federal employer guidelines 
5. Submit business and employee taxes as required by state and federal law
6. Establish branding and marketing practices to attract customers. Offer incentives such as discounts or promotions via social media 
7. Arrange recurring schedules or contracts to replenish flowers at establishments such as restaurants, hotels, offices, and residences 
8. Work with event planners to assist with venue decoration set-up and tear-down

Soft Skills

• Active listening
• Attention to detail
• Cooperation
• Creativity
• Customer service
• Empathy
• Initiative
• Monitoring
• Normal color vision
• Organized
• Patience
• Social perception
• Strong communication skills  
• Time management 

Technical Skills

• Business, sales, and marketing acumen
• Point of Sale systems
• Knowledge of floral design for various occasions 
• Knowledge of various types of flowers, plants, greenery, and foliage and their associated care
• Safe use of floral shears, scissors, pruners, thorn strippers, wire and wire cutters, knives, pins, and adhesives
• Website and social media management 

• Florist shops
• Grocery and retail stores
• Nurseries/lawn and garden retailers
• Self-employment 

Florists need a deep understanding of plant care, floral design, and customer service. They should be able to select and arrange flowers and other elements that complement each other nicely. 

They must also know which flowers are suitable for occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, hospital visits, funerals, and popular flower holidays such as Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Easter and Passover, International Women's Day, and more! 

They must pay particular attention to certain holidays and plan well in advance to have the right amount of stock on hand. As noted by SmartAsset, “Christmas and Hanukkah…account for the largest percentage of all holiday flower sales (30%, or about $2.28 billion,” while “Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day…command 25% of the holiday market share each with close to $1.9 billion worth of cut flowers.” 

Florist entrepreneurs need to develop practical business skills, too. From filing taxes and managing inventory to marketing and customer service, Florists have a lot of responsibilities on their plate! Many also offer floral delivery services, so they have to be careful to transport delicate, temperature-sensitive arrangements in a timely manner. 

E-commerce has led to a surge in online flower orders and home deliveries. Meanwhile, more grocery and retail stores now sell floral decorations. These factors are contributing to a declining number of flower shops, forcing Florists to rely more on online tools and social media to display their work and attract customers in a competitive field. 

Many customers are more selective than ever, wanting unique, tailor-made floral experiences. That’s why Florists and Floral Designers must stay on top of consumer demands and respond with creative, trendy arrangements. Customers are also more environmentally conscious and may want locally sourced, sustainably grown “field-to-vase” flowers in eco-friendly packaging.

Florists and Floral Designers may have always had a “green thumb,” loving to work in their own gardens or tending to indoor houseplants. They may have felt in tune with nature, enjoying the relaxation that comes from working with plants. Because of the business and customer service aspects involved, they may have also had an independent streak, desiring to run their own shop someday!