I read that you are a retired florist and that is something I have always wanted to do. Nothing real big, just a nice job in a small local shop. I even dropped by one day and asked one of our florists if I could be trained and maybe end up working for her but I got no response. I have only seen florist correspondence courses by mail. I would like to ask you how you became a florist and what you might advise me that I should do to become one?? How does one do that?
(I didn't PM you about this as I thought someone else in here may be interested too in any advice you might be able to give.)
Red Glitter I am so flattered you asked me your question. Floral work is one of the most rewarding and tiring jobs you will ever have. I was in it for 22 years and three bosses, so I really picked up a lot of knowledge. My schooling was a nite course at a junior college just for my own benefit. Floristy is a talent you either have or don't have. I started in 1982 as a fill in doing extra work during Easter and Mother's day. They were impressed enough with my work and ambition that I was hired on as part time. Part time was great for me as I had a family at home .
If you have natural talent I would suggest you find a junior college that offers classes in floral design. You will love it and it usually is not to expensive. They will teach you the basics. Like the proper colors, shapes, proper containers for the design you want. How to design a floral piece that looks like a real floral piece. Also a lot of florist look for extra help during Valentines Day. The nighmare of all holidays. You may start out as a gofer but if you show talent, believe me they will notice. You have to have stamina and be able to handle a boss or bosses who can become very short tempered during a really stressful holiday. My one boss was very short tempered and he and i clashed many times in 13 years. I let him away with murder to a certain extent then I would blow up and quit. This happened three times and he would have his wife call me to come back to work.
I always went back. The last time I quit on good terms as I had another floral job closer to home. He understood but was not to happy about it as he refused me my bonus for Easter and Mother's day. He wanted me to stay thru Memorial day which I couldn't because of my new job. If you have any more questions feel free to ask. I love to talk flowers. Good luck and I hope this helps you out.
Red, interesting to see that you would like to work with flowers - 'cos that's what I do, and it's probably the most rewarding job I've had.
I don't know about courses etc in the US but I learnt here by doing a day release course at a nearby college. I don't think correspondance courses would be an easy option because you don't have a tutor there to get you feed back on your work, it would be good for the theory though.
Some of the girls on my course were doing work experience in shops - for no pay, but floristry isn't well paid anyway, I run my own business and I'm not even well paid!!
It is quite a physical job at times, lots of lifting and carrying of buckets, cleaning shop etc, lots of standing up. At times you can spend all day doing bouquets without a break - Mother's Day for instance I spent 10 hours stood up and no time for lunch - graze all day!
There are loads of design books, and I buy lots for new ideas. I am not an artistic person at all much more into books and numbers but there are a lot of things you do that have a certain formula to them which you then adapt to the fowers/occasion.
If you really want to do it try looking at designs on websites, see if you can break them down and have a go at making them for yourself.
If you want any advice let me know, although the designs we have here are different to yours - especially for funeral work. And I love showing off how clever I am (hee hee):wah:
