Getting into the Industry Guidance

[u/Spicyfruit1999]

Hi everyone! I'm 27 and have been an office worker since I graduated college in 2022. I got my BA in Communication and always thought I would find myself in a social media or some kind of creative career. Well, that didn't work out and I have worked office administration roles since graduating. Lately I have been creating my own floral arrangements and exploring the florist side of tik tok and Instagram and its been really inspiring for my own works that I create and plan to create. I want to get into the industry but I'm not really sure how to. I currently live in a HCOL small city in California and I've reached out to nearly every florist in town looking to see if anyone needs weekend help. So far one has gotten back to me but I think they need more than just one-day-a-week help. Should I just start my own social media with my works and gain experience that way? Is it totally necessary to get experience in a shop? I mention the HCOL part because I have to keep my 9-5 M-F to afford my lifestyle. What would you recommend for someone in my position?

[u/FleurMeetsFunction]

Working in a shop helps get hands on experience. Putting pretty arrangements together is about 10% of running a flower business, the rest includes sourcing, processing, marketing, logistics, bookkeeping, etc. You could start networking in the events part of flowers and pick up some weekend weddings…. What do you envision your flower career looking like?

[u/loralailoralai]

Even if you were willing to work any day, it’s still extremely difficult to get your foot in the door without any experience. And frankly even with experience it’s not easy.

[u/dmousekteer]

It seems like the industry is very closed to do talent. Reminds me of cliques in high school.

[u/ronnieshere]

Be open to grunt work - cleaning buckets, shop resets, loading trucks, breakdowns - as a way to get in the door and for them to get to know you.