I remember Googling “floral design classes” and doing all the research about qualifications and education for florists here in Australia.
Of course, every country has its own education system and treats floral education a little differently.
In Australia, the government approaches it exactly like any other trade. We are lumped into the same category as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and painters. Also, when it comes to starting a flower business, there are no technical requirements.
In fact, in Australia, setting up a business is a super simple and free exercise. So, the barriers to entry are super low and many florists are fooled into thinking building a flower business is a super easy undertaking.
Do You Need A Degree To Be A Florist?
Technically, you do not need a degree to be a florist but when I reflect on my own experience, I realise if someone did offer a degree program for florists, it would need to be the perfect combination of marketing + psychology + sales + flower care + design.
Yep.
We need to learn so much about how humans operate, overcome our limiting beliefs, learn as much about marketing as we can as well as hone our design skills, and understand product care and availability.
It’s a lot, ain’t it?
So many florists ask me how to make money as a florist and the answer surprises so many people – it’s not about being the best designer, it’s about understanding the principles of marketing and overcoming your limiting beliefs.
Yeah, that’s where the psychology part comes into play – we need to understand how our human brain works.
For so many creative entrepreneurs (myself included) this is where we run into the most challenges. Having to wake up every day, give ourselves a pep talk, overcome our mindset blocks and keep moving forward.
It can be a lonely experience and the comparison-it is real. But that’s precisely why I started the podcast, to remind you you’re not the only one struggling. And to remind you, you don’t have to do this alone.
Although You Don't Need A Degree To Be A Florist...
You do need to understand psychology.
At the end of the day, building a successful flower business comes down to learning two things:
(1) understand what is involved in marketing flowers and
(2) managing your mindset on a daily basis.
This includes understanding the power of human emotion – both from a marketing point of view as well as from a personal, mindset perspective.
As humans, we’re conditioned to believe we’re supposed to be happy all the time. So then, when we’re frustrated, mad, or angry, we think there is something “wrong”. Turns out, that’s not true.
As creatives and business owners we are confronted with a lot of feelings every day. But when we’re never taught the power of our emotions, we always find ourselves stopping short – the fear, uncertainty and overwhelm prevent us from taking action. When, in actual fact, there’s nothing to be scared of.
Learning the power of human emotions is one of the secrets to my success – I know it sounds totally crazy and verging on “woo woo” but it’s so true. For 40 years, I walked around believing we were supposed to be happy all the time.
Then, when you start a business, you realise you’re scared, apprehensive, uncertain, overwhelmed, and frustrated 50% of the time.
Today, I remind myself, that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. Those feelings are nothing to be afraid of and that’s how I should feel when I’m confronted with so many new circumstances.
Even better, because I feel so strongly about this idea, I’ve created an entire podcast episode to help you dig even deeper into this subject. It’s so helpful! Check it out below.
Need Help Growing Your Flower Business?
I know building a business can feel super overwhelming. I’ve been there. I’m here to help.
Check out my Flower Boss Bootcamp.
I created this one-of-a-kind program specifically to help floral designers, just like you, master the business of flowers.
I’d love to see you there!
💖
Kathleen
