After 7 years working for flower shops, first whilst training and then as a florist, one thing I have learnt in my first year as a studio florist is that it's completely different, in so many ways!
In my time working as a florist, every day has always been different. When I began my training I was learning new things all the time - I still am to be honest! But back then it was all about the technical side of the job, learning flower names and doing my written course work as well as my day job.
Working as a full time florist, you're conditioning stock, completing the work for that day and the next, answering the phone and taking online orders, serving customers in the shop and keeping the shop and flower stands tidy. Most of the shops I have worked in have had a team of florists, shop staff and drivers.
Then I went on to do freelance floristry, which was different again. I think as a freelance florist your skills are really appreciated. You've been chosen, at that time, to complete that job. It feels more like a collaboration than working for someone and there's a lot of bouncing ideas with like minded people which is always lovely.
Now it's just me...
(Most of the time! I do still occasionally do some freelance work which I always enjoy.)
Working for myself was really quite daunting to start with. Some days it still feels pretty daunting, but once I've written my to do list over my cup of tea at breakfast, it's not so bad!
Each day starts with a to do list, I'm one of those people who has lists for everything... in notebooks, on scraps of paper, on my phone...
I also have a diary for my hand bag and a bigger diary in my work space.
My handbag diary is so that I don't double book myself and my work space diary has lots of reminders in for sending invoices, wedding quotes or notes of stock I've pre-ordered. It also reminds me when to order wedding stock as it's ordered in advance.
After I've written my list, it really depends on the day, but there's often conditioning stock to be done first. All buckets are bleached, fresh water put in and stock is all stripped of any lower leaves and cut on an angle so it can have a good drink!
Next, the days orders need to be made, each bouquet or tribute is made completely unique, so every order you receive will always be different. Bouquets are always wrapped in paper, some have a small square of cellophane to hold water if you go for the aqua pack option which then goes in a cardboard box and every one is finished with a raffia bow. Gift cards are written and put in their envelope along with your flower food, care instructions and my details.
Making up the orders is of course the best part of the job and the reason I love what I do. Every order gives me the chance to be creative and wedding work is my favourite. I get excited with every season change and love choosing stock from the lorry which comes round each Monday, or from the online live flower market.
This is where I may squeeze in another cup of tea or I might make one in my travel mug for the journey!
If there are bouquets or arrangements for collection which haven't yet been collected, they will go on my collection table. This is in a weather safe area where people can collect from if I am out on deliveries.
Once I've loaded up the car I'm then out on the road delivering, which is why I may sometimes miss calls I'm afraid! It really is only me...
If you do miss me, just leave a message or send me a text or WhatsApp and I'll get back to you ASAP!
I actually love this part of the job. I've always enjoyed driving and have always spent a lot of time driving.
Driving around the Forest of Dean in itself is different every day, at the moment the leaves are changing colour and I've seen a lot of deer recently. It's such a beautiful area which I'm getting to know better all the time thanks to all the deliveries!
I also find that it's lovely to be the person to hand over the flowers as it always makes people happy, even in sad times.
Depending on how busy it is, I may have another delivery run to do in the afternoon. I may also have a wedding consultation, most people tend to go for a Saturday so I may not always be available for deliveries on a weekend, but I always offer collections.
Otherwise, I set myself up with my laptop and paperwork to reply to emails and messages, work out and type up any wedding quotes, send invoices and do any other admin.
This is where there's a definite bonus to working in shop where it's always cold - in the winter I can get the wood burner going which really is a luxury in comparison!
This side of the job is a much bigger part than I originally imagined...
It's taken a lot of time and patience to set everything up, with the help of some of my wonderful friends and family!
I'm also working with a business coach, Lauren Malone, of Lemon Tree Coaching and Development, who runs a free Facebook group, Lemonade and also a paid membership called The Bubble which I highly recommend to anyone with a small business. I have learnt so much from her and gained confidence too (which is a work in progress!).
That's pretty much my job now, a bit of everything! Every part of a flower shop squeezed into one person!
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Head over to my Instagram to follow what I'm doing daily on my posts and stories,
Lauren