Florist Tips
Every week we post a helpful tip on the @jaltheacreative Instagram account. This blog contains every tip from the previous three months (with a little more detail added, of course)! From processing to marketing, using these tips will help you run a successful home business and take some of the stress away.
FLORIST TIP: Preparing New Content
Creating new content can be overwhelming but these tips will help take some of the stress away!
Don’t procrastinate: planning a schedule is a good start to getting new content generated
Know your audience: this will help determine what type of content you should be creating
Define goals: knowing your goal will help you stay on track for what content needs to be planned
Organize: having ideas organized will help determine what you still need to focus on
How I prepare new content:
I schedule at least 1 month of content (but try to schedule 3 months out)
I keep a running list of ideas and things to talk about
My goal is to connect with florists who need help bridging love of design with running a business
FLORIST TIP: Processing Flowers - Cut at an Angle
Always cut your stems at an angle.
This increases the surface area which allows your flowers to absorb more water and extends the life of your flowers.
The exception to this is when you’re finishing a wedding bouquet. For a more polished look, cut the stems flat and all at the same length.
FLORIST TIP: Planning Transport
Planning transport is a very important detail sometimes overlooked.
Transporting flowers, especially larger arrangements, can be tricky.
Make sure there's enough space in your vehicle and that everything is secure.
Sand bags and crates with non-slip shelf liners can be helpful.
You don’t want your beautiful arrangement to fall over when you make that sharp turn!
FLORIST TIP: Remove Lily Stamens
When processing lilies make sure you remove the stamens.
They will stain EVERYTHING from clothing to skin (and especially wedding dresses)!
It’s best to pick them before they turn fuzzy. They’ll be light brown in the early stages and all you have to do is gently pull them from the flower and they’ll pop right off.
If you do get lily pollen on something, use a chenille stem to gently LIFT the pollen—DON’T rub it in!
FLORIST TIP: Refresh Water
One of the best tips for extending the life of a floral arrangement is to refresh the water.
Fresh, clean water will help your flowers last longer.
As stems sit in water the flowers are highly susceptible to bacteria. Make sure you rinse the vase out and recut the blooms as well.
And if you ever notice the water getting cloudy you need to change it immediately! Cloudy water is a sign of bacteria.
FLORIST TIP: Valentine’s Day Post Mortem
Record your thoughts, what went well, where you had issues, what the weather was like, what you want to do different next year.
It’s good to write these down in a place where it’s easy to find next year!
Sign up for our MOTHER’S DAY SYSTEMS PREP WEBINAR to help prepare for a successful Mother’s Day!
FLORIST TIP: Be Consistent
Being consistent builds trust and improves efficiency when running a business.
This applies to your customer service, your designs, your pricing, your employees...pretty much all parts of your business!
FLORIST TIP: Creating a Strong Team
Having a strong team is what makes a business thrive. Finding the right people to work for you is extremely important.
The ‘right’ people will compliment your skills & shore up your weaknesses as well as mesh into a cohesive whole with the other members of your team.
Your business relies on the effort and abilities of your team.
Help them find their motivation to do their best and your business will flourish!
And your team is not just the people who work directly under you. It’s your accountant, your bookkeeper, your mechanic, your cooler repair person, your freelance help, and your family!
FLORIST TIP: Creating your Home Workspace
Creating a separate work space is ideal when running a home business.
It’s important to differentiate your studio and office space from your personal space.
This will help you mentally disconnect from work after you’re done for the day.
FLORIST TIP: Develop a Business Plan
Creating a floral business plan is crucial.
A business plan will help you track long-term objectives and identify how you achieve them.
It outlines the identity of your business and your financial goals.
And it’s not just about the money; time and effort are on the line!
FLORIST TIP: Incorporate Unexpected Elements
Using non-traditional elements is a great way to add an interesting touch to your arrangements.
Unique vases, fruit, contrasting colors. Get creative!
FLORIST TIP: Create Mood Boards
Creating mood boards is a great way to keep your design organized.
A mood board also helps to confirm you’re on the same page as your clients.
Include colors and some general flowers within your budget and a few photos of arrangement styles.
This will make events easier to plan & keep you and your clients on the same page.