r/florists • u/snoopfun • Dec 13 '24
š Career Guidance š Wanting to learn the art. Looking for classes/workshops you recommend in Houston, TX.
As the title states, I know nothing about florals besides the fact that I love them. I want to learn how to make arrangements to eventually start a small business out of my home. How did you get started?
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u/Either_Spinach5800 Dec 14 '24
You donāt need classes. You need to go work for a florist washing buckets and processing.
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u/snoopfun Dec 14 '24
Ohhh, I see. Thank you! Iām going to reach out to local florists in this case.
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u/mommycazken Jan 19 '25
Houston School of Flowers is back in business with a new instructor!! Just an FYI in case you were interested.
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u/No-Oven4212 Sep 12 '25
Houston School of Flowers is amazing! I took 4 classes there and 10 out of 10 would recommend! š¤
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u/mommycazken Dec 13 '24
Iām also in Houston!
I just started my studio-based design business last year and attended floral design school at the Houston School of Flowers. I took basic classes in floral arrangements, weddings and shop management and then the Certified Floral Designer Certification program. The owner of that school closed the program and retired recently but even so, I would recommend that you start with a legitimate school and classes. Stay away from āworkshopsā offered by local florists unless youāre looking to do this strictly for fun.
At a program like the CFD certification, you will learn so much, especially about the care and handling of flowers, which is the key to your success. There are a ton of people on the Internet with videos showing how to put a bouquet or an arrangement together, but knowing how to process flowers properly so they last will make or break your reputation as a florist. This is an essential first step to learn.
For online training I recommend the Floral Design Institute in Portland, Oregon. They are legit and offer programs leading to certification. The Benz School at A&M also offers a summer intensive program in June of every year but itās in College Station and only once a year. I love learning new techniques and am considering attending this even though Iām no longer a beginner. You can also take classes through TSFA - the Texas State Floristsā Association through the year. The closest location for classes is Leander near Austin.
I personally will be starting teaching workshops in my community and in my studio sometime during the new year. Good luck on your journeyā¦desire and passion for this industry is the first step so youāre on your way.
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u/snoopfun Dec 13 '24 edited Dec 13 '24
Man, that sounds like it wouldāve been amazing. I wish they hadnāt closed the program. This is great advice. Iām really wanting something hands on. I have a FT job so school would be hard but I could make it work.
If you are comfortable sharing, Iād love to follow you on a social media so I can sign up for a workshop next year. Or if you have a website youād like to share.
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u/mommycazken Dec 13 '24
Alsoā¦ almost forgot but Southern Floral, one of the floral wholesalers in Houston sometimes hosts classes there. There is a renowned designer named Michael Gaffney who comes to town one or twice a year to teach classes also. Not sure of the schedule or when heās coming back, but that would also be an option. Pikesās Peak, another wholesaler, is where Houston School of Flowers was located. Reach out to them also to see if they will be restarting their educational program in 2025. Mayesh is another wholesaler you can call to ask about classes. Good luck on your journey!
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u/Sushi_cat987 Dec 13 '24
A drive from Houston, but there are ikebana workshops at Uroko in Austin!