So, you're thinking about jumping into the floral industry and wondering where to start, huh? It's a world full of color, creativity, and, let's be honest, a bit of dirt under the nails. But hey, that's part of the charm! Let's break it down into simpler, more actionable steps and cut through the jargon. No fluff, just the stuff you need to know to start your journey into floristry. 

Before we dive in, don't miss out on these free floristry resources:
✅ Not sure where to begin? Try our Floral Career Quiz!
✅ Curious about how the florists price their flowers? Our Profitable Floral Proposal download is a must-have.

1. Just Start Doing It- Dive into Floristry

Okay, this is for the go-getters. Buy some flowers, practice making arrangements at home, and maybe set up a simple website or social media page to show off your work and get some sales. It's a hands-on approach that gets your feet wet right away.

Why this works:

• You'll start building brand awareness right off the bat. 
• You're building your portfolio and networking from day one.
• Total control over your creative direction.

But keep in mind:

• Your initial designs might not win awards. That's okay, you're learning!
• You'll make mistakes, especially with pricing and process. It's part of the process.
• Each customer is a learning opportunity, which means consistency might be a challenge at first.

Ready to give it a go? Check out our guide on writing floral proposals to get a head start.

2. Learn on the Job (Under Experienced Florists)

Consider finding a job or internship with an established florist. It's a chance to learn the ins and outs of the business from someone who's been there, done that, all while getting paid.

Why this works:

• You're learning from someone else's mistakes, not just your own.
• Exposure to different styles and business models.
• Steady income while you're learning.
• You'll be better prepared to start your own business down the line.

But keep in mind:

• It might take a while to find the right opportunity.
• You'll need to be patient and open to learning.
• Your income might be lower than if you started on your own, but the experience is invaluable. 

3. Invest in Floral Education (to Grow Faster!)

Look for online courses and in-person workshops offered by florists whose style you admire. This could be anything from online tutorials to in-person classes. They can offer a deep dive into both the art and business sides of floristry.

Why this works:

• Learn from the best in the business.
• Sharpen your design skills and business acumen.
• Networking opportunities with fellow students and instructors.
• Flexibility to start your business at any time, armed with knowledge.

But keep in mind:

• It'll cost you money, but save you time- a resource you can't ever get back. For just $1.63/day you can access over 250 classes inside Flowering Minds!
• You can simultaneously continue working while learning in your free time- a huge perk.
• Best when combined with freelancing or working under other florists- practical experience can't be replaced!
• Not all education is created equal. Ensure the educator has proven results through testimonials and plenty of time actually working in the field. 

So, what's your most important move next?

🌸 Practice, Practice, Practice
The more you work with flowers, the better you'll get. But real artistry comes from more than just arranging — it’s about understanding color theory, balance, composition, and visual storytelling.
Inside Flowering Minds, you'll learn how to design with intention and elevate your work beyond basic blooms — turning your creativity into floral art that stands out.

📸 Build a Portfolio
Your portfolio is what builds trust with future clients — and it needs more than just pretty photos.
Inside Flowering Minds, you’ll learn how to curate your work strategically, lay it out on your website to drive inquiries, and hone your photography and lighting so your designs look as high-end as they are.

🤝 Network Intentionally
You don’t have to go it alone. The right connections can fast-track your growth.
Flowering Minds is a built-in community of florists at every level — ready to support, share resources, and cheer you on every step of the way.

📊 Learn the Business
Without solid business strategies, you’ll keep wondering why no clients are finding you.
Inside Flowering Minds, you’ll learn how to build brand awareness, optimize your website for conversions, communicate clearly with clients, improve your SEO, and market your business with confidence and clarity.

✨ Stay Inspired
A lot of florists fall into the comparison trap — which leads to stale work and burnout.
Inside Flowering Minds, you’ll learn how to embrace your unique creative strengths and amplify them using business strategies that bring both joy and results.

Which path do I recommend?

It's my personal recommendation that you combine freelancing for florists PLUS online floral education for the true edge in the industry. By only working you will spend much more time figuring out what works and what doesn't as you slowly learn from the florists in charge. If you only invest in online education, you learn the best techniques and strategies, FAST, but without real life application of problem solving. This means you will be less prepared when surprises arise that you couldn't have expected without real life experience!

Choosing your path into floristry is a personal decision based on your current situation, goals, and resources. Whether you dive in headfirst, learn from a mentor, or hit the books, the most important thing is to start somewhere. Be patient with yourself, stay curious, and don't be afraid to get a little dirt under your nails.

You are invited to join Flowering Minds to start accessing expert insights on business growth, foam-free design, impactful marketing and beyond. I hope to see you inside! 

Lys x