What I've Learned In My First Year As A Florist

"How hard must it really be?" I thought to myself whilst sat up on my laptop creating Ditsy and Daisy.

Ideas were wizzing around my mind as a life full of flowers was becoming closer and closer to a reality. Little did I know that several months later, I'd be sat on a tiny kitchen floor crying into stems wondering how anyone did this with ease.

The perception that the floristry industry is 'relaxing' is honestly one of the biggest lies I've ever been told. It is, like any industry, challenging, demanding, competitive and all-consuming. But equally as rewarding and beautiful. Nothing quite beats the feeling of your bride crying happy tears at her bridal bouquet. A delivery of surprise flowers to someone's grandma who exclaims "these are the most beautiful flowers I've ever seen!". Or the arrival of peonies at your local wholesale!

There's no denying that my first year of floristry has been a complete rollercoaster, with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I thought I'd share five things I've learnt so far on this little journey of mine for anyone who is either thinking of joining the floristry world, is a florist also on this crazy venture or just if you want a nosey! So here we go, five things I've learnt in my first year as a florist.

1) There's only competition if you view it that way

Like every industry, the ideology of competition in the floristry world is ripe. It's what drives a lot of florists to eventually pack up shop. Because once you've got in your mind that every other individual in your chosen career is out to get you, your dream job turns into an isolated nightmare. I believe that seeing your fellow florists as friends is very important on your journey to a successful and happy flowery lifestyle. I make a point of keeping my Instagram a friendly happy place and if having another florist on there makes me feel on edge for whatever reason, I remove the follower and continue driving in the drivers seat. You can't win them all and that's fine! Move on and focus on your own thing. Connect with other florists where you can and create a lovely flowery bubble!

2) There's no shame about your level of education

As a self taught florist, I have seen a lot of traditional florists make a point that self taught florists don't deserve the floristry title. Well, I'm here to say that if you are actively putting the effort into your floristry, self taught or not, you are a florist and nobody can take that away from you! People learn in many ways. When I began teaching myself the trade, I simply did not have the funds as a post grad to pick up a course in floristry. So I did what I could to learn my own way! Whilst I do think its important to add extra strings to your bow, your level of education does not dictate the right to your career title.

3) You'll have days, weeks or even months of uncertainty. This is normal and okay.

"Ugh but this is my dream job? Why do I all of the sudden dread creating?". Burnout, in any creative or non-creative industry, is so normal and so okay. We are all human and the idea that we all should be happy and top of everything 24/7 is quite frankly ridiculous. Life gets in the way sometimes whether we like it or not. So, just be kind to yourself during the inevitable burnout. It'll come back to you.

4) DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS

Maybe the hardest one to master, let's be honest. You could be the most secure and put together human, but in the world of 2022 where Instagram and Tik Tok has fully taken over, it's so hard not to compare yourself to the rest of the world. There has been so many times where I've allowed myself to get down over another florist who has 10K+ followers, never has leaves in their hair and seems to be constantly thriving. But it's important to remember that nobody is perfect, no matter how incredible their Instagram looks. It's also important to remember that we all have such different styles in the creative industry. How boring would it be if we all just copied each other? Trust in yourself and your own work of art! Stay in the drivers seat (Thanks to my Dad who said this to me once! 10/10 advice). Change the narrative of "Ugh I wish I was her" to "Wow, good for her! She is smashing it! Go on lass!". It'll change your whole perspective and keep you on your own track. No more wasting time with these negative thoughts!

5) Know your worth

The amount of customers I've had who haggle for a bargain is crazy! Sometimes you start to feel like you are overcharging and your work isn't worth it. Well, I'm here to remind you (And myself), that your prices are FINE! Let's not forget how much time and energy goes into creating these bunches of art pieces, how many hours you spend on your website and Instagram, how the prices of flowers are slowly increasing every bloody day. You are FINE. Know your worth as an artist. You can't win them all. Lost that wedding you really wanted because of your pricing? It's so much better than taking a huge pay cut and a lose on your incredible work! Stay strong and remember how hard you work!

I really hope this blog post has shed a little light into this crazy flower world and also offered a little to support to my fellow florists who are struggling with any of the above. Sometimes you just need a reminder that you are doing okay. You got this!

Love,

Ditsy X