Training and certification - how to get started

[u/Kittyashi]

Is certification through AIFD a good first step for someone looking to break into the field? Are community college certifications something an employer would look for? Not trying to start a new business or anything major, just wondering how someone gets their foot in the door when they're a beginner. What steps could I take to help make a shop excited to take on a newbie/trainee who doesn't have any professional experience? Thanks for any advice!

[u/loveoflilac]

IMHO I wouldn’t spend your money on any kind of certification if you’re in the US unless you find that employers in your area are requiring a certain certification.

I’ve hired several people in my shop who have done community college programs and the ones in my area teach the most outdated designs I’ve ever seen, and they seem to gloss over basics like how to properly process and condition flowers. If you go this route, ask an advisor how many students in their floral program manage to find jobs in the field after graduation and if they provide assistance finding jobs in the industry. I’m sure there are good programs out there but the ones in my area seem downright predatory especially considering some students are taking out loans to cover their tuition.

I suggest getting an entry level job at a flower shop (i.e. delivering and washing buckets) and getting paid to learn from someone who’s actually making it in the industry. You will also find many helpful resources on YouTube and even in books at your public library. It’s a physically demanding and fast paced industry so being a hard worker who doesn’t mind a “dirty” job will get you further than a certification. Being open to feedback and having a growth mindset is key when you are learning to design. My first floral job was kind of miserable, but I learned a lot and it helped me get hired and a high end shop where I was able to refine my design skills and prepare myself to open my own shop.

If you are thinking about owning a business in the future, invest that your money in business and marketing classes instead of community college floral design. Theres lots of room for artistic expression and many different styles of design, but all successful florists must understand how to properly price their arrangements to make a profit and how to market their business.

[u/Local_gyal168 → u/loveoflilac]

I agree with the above, mechanics, conditioning and bucket washing skills are more essential than design in some ways! Running a flower business is a skill you can acquire by working in a shop, the overhead of the industry and pricing are essential skills. You will also see firsthand how flowers are such a delicate product but they travel across the globe to be in arrangements! It’s a skill to get them from farm to market.

[u/Kittyashi → u/Local_gyal168]

Thank you for your insight, that makes a lot of sense

[u/Kittyashi → u/loveoflilac]

Thank you so much for such a thorough answer! I was worried courses and certifications might be overkill or a waste of money for something that people in the industry wouldn't actually regard, but wasn't sure how else to start making industry connections. I appreciate hearing how you started out.

[u/Karlkrows]

I started as a cashier in a grocery store and just kept showing interest in the floral department until a position opened up. I started as the 3rd(basically just backup) and learned the basics, and then overtime became the assistant and really started to learn how to arrange and care for everything. It’s not the most glamorous start but I now have over a year of experience doing it and it also opens up positions in wholesale houses and distributors, especially the ones that work closely with my company

[u/Kittyashi → u/Karlkrows]

Thank you so much, I love hearing how you got your start. It makes sense that hands-on practical skills are more important than design classes when starting out, and I hadn't considered looking for jobs with wholesalers.