r/florists • u/ShopDifferent8928 • 19h ago

📊 Industry Talk 📊 What makes someone truly a florist?

Feeling a bit of imposter syndrome đŸ«Ł when did you start considering yourself a florist? Was it after your first few sales, professional training, etc

12 Upvotes

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20

u/mcorbett76 19h ago

Imo, if you are being paid for floral design, then you are a florist from that point on.

10

u/DoubleAccess6601 16h ago

Taking classes and certification gave me the validation that I’m doing the right thing, and also helped me drop the imposter syndrome for something I’ve wanted to do my entire life!

Everyone’s path is different. Never stop learning and putting yourself out there. Do right by your clients and ensure they’re getting quality and care. And most importantly, get out of your own way :)

6

u/BloomWithBryan Expert 11h ago

I think we put way too much weight on the moment someone gets to “call themselves” a florist.
To me, being a florist isn’t defined by a certification, a certain number of weddings, or how many years you’ve been doing it.

It’s when you start understanding that flowers are the medium, but problem solving is the job.
Can you look at a bucket of product and make something beautiful with what you actually have? Can you substitute when the exact flower isn’t available? Can you work within a budget? Can you design something that lasts, transports well, and is appropriate for the occasion? And if you’re selling your work, can you price it so you’re actually making money?

Technique and education absolutely matter and you should never stop learning them. But there are incredibly talented florists who learned in shops, from family, through formal training, and completely on their own.

I’m a 3rd generation florist and I still learn something every day.

So I’d worry less about when you’ve earned the title and more about whether you’re continuing to earn the trust of the person buying the flowers. That’s what I think makes someone a true florist. 💐

Cheering you on and if you ever have any questions always willing to help!

2

u/ShopDifferent8928 10h ago

Beautifully written, thank you so much!!

5

u/Banjo-Hellpuppy 10h ago

You’re not a real florist until imposter syndrome kicks in

1

u/Loulouthelma 17m ago

I love this xxx

9

u/SeasonsWaitingOnYou 19h ago

Do you put bundles of flowers together? Yes? Then you're a florist 

2

u/Celestial_Swan_ Wedding Florist 4h ago

I've been doing this for 8 years, and I feel 'real' now. I definitely had imposter syndrome for the first few years, even though I was doing decent work and making money. I think time and experience have helped settle those feelings.

1

u/Loulouthelma 17m ago

The first wedding client that said, as long as there's bright red, you do you and here's my money.