Behind the beautiful bouquets and Instagram-perfect arrangements lies a world of early mornings, physical labour, and business pressures that few outside the floral industry ever see. While many imagine floristry as a gentle, creative pursuit, the reality involves much more than simply arranging pretty flowers.
The Dawn Patrol: A Florist's Day Begins
Most florists start their day while the rest of the world is still sleeping. Early morning market visits are essential to secure the freshest blooms, often beginning as early as 4am. This isn't a leisurely flower selection process - it's a competitive race against other florists to get the best quality stock before it disappears.
More Than Petals: The Physical Reality
Floristry is surprisingly physically demanding work. Long hours spent on your feet, lifting heavy buckets of water, and constant cleaning take their toll. Many florists deal with:
- Back problems from leaning over workstations
- Hand injuries from thorns and sharp tools
- Skin irritation from handling certain plants and chemicals
The Business Behind the Beauty
Running a successful florist shop requires sharp business acumen. Managing perishable inventory means dealing with significant waste when flowers don't sell. Pricing strategies must account for seasonal availability, import costs, and the time-intensive nature of creating complex arrangements.
Customer Relations: Handling High Emotions
Florists often work with customers during emotionally charged moments - weddings, funerals, anniversaries, and apologies. This requires exceptional empathy and communication skills, alongside the technical ability to translate emotional needs into floral designs.
Why They Do It: The Rewards
Despite the challenges, florists consistently report high job satisfaction. The ability to:
- Work creatively every day
- Bring joy to people's lives
- Connect with nature
- See immediate results from their work
makes the physical demands and early mornings worthwhile for those passionate about floral design.
Is Floristry For You?
If you're considering a career in floristry, be prepared for the reality behind the romance. It requires artistic talent, physical stamina, business savvy, and the emotional intelligence to handle sensitive customer situations. For the right person, however, it remains one of the most creatively fulfilling professions available.
