Boom or bust?

Are jobs in this industry on the rise? Are there any sub-sectors that are growing?

Where are the jobs? Which places have the most floral designer opportunities?

9-18-06
No, jobs in this industry are declining.

how i am going to find a job as a floral designer in lawrenceville,duluth,lilburn,sneillvilleor any of these cities in ga.

I have been looking for a floral designer in Alpharetta for 6 months without really interviewing even one qualified to handle a shop on their own. There must me somebody out there looking for a job. Everyone I have talked to have all said it is very difficult to find qualifed designers that you can afford. The profit margins are shrinking so that the ones that are qualifed are priced out-of-range of small shops.

I have had a home-based garden wedding business for 4 years.This includes planning the event for the bride,-designing and ordering all the florals.No one im my area will hire me in thier shop.I would love to get more experience in shop work and I'm hungry for it.I also work full-time as a cariovascular tech. at a hospital.Which I hate--but it pays my wedding business debt.The shops in my area are small -- as is the hrly.rate.I could drive to a larger city 11/2 hrs.away for more money.I feel that the smaller shops could hire better designers and let go of the 5 other part time people that they pay 6.00/hr.work together as a great designing team.I've been waiting for a shop 15min.from my home to hire me and she says she CAN'T AFFORD TO!!!She has 4 part-time people.Needless to say,-I'm still looking for a floral job.I know the shop 11/2 hrs.away was larger and they start at 9.00/hr.I feel that if you know that the employee will give thier all to do what they love to do--,benefits or not--you should give them achance--and pay them a decent wage.Meanwhile--I'm still looking for that job.

Be a professional designer,do not settle for 9.00 an hour this is an insult and it says less for the person designing. A designer making 11.00 an hour should see the shop they are working at producing a little over 1,000.00 per day per designer so average out holidays weddings and events and the total amount of designers and you should see what your expected salary should be, if this shop is not producing this move on to a stronger one.

If the shop owner is pulling this revenue and they depend on your work ,ask them for a raise, you will get it.
Also paid vacations and bonus for weddings and holiday.
Desiners love this art and only want to design for a living but what good is it if the shops are not meeting your needs.

I agree that designers are "doing what they love" and I think shop owners take advantage of that! There are a lot of shops that aren't interested in pulling together a long-lasting team that can grow with the company -- there are a lot of people with no desire to design who are buying floral shops and hiring designers to run and work in them, but then treat them like disposable items (part-time, on call). From what I gather, it's the new way of having an investment -- having other people do it for you while you go off to do other things. I don't think a floral shop is successful, if the owner's heart isn't into the art! THAT is what makes the difference between an outstanding shop, and one that is merely turning over employees, flowers and losing customers while trying to cut corners. I agree with Bubba -- the floral industry is hanging on the brink of disaster!

cb said: I have been looking for a floral designer in Alpharetta for 6 months without really interviewing even one qualified to handle a shop on their own. There must me somebody out there looking for a job. Everyone I have talked to have all said it is very difficult to find qualifed designers that you can afford. The profit margins are shrinking so that the ones that are qualifed are priced out-of-range of small shops.

Hello, I have been a floral designer and manager in the flower business for over 20 years. I have worked in all types of environments from event production, upscale boutiques, to small, balloon-on-the-wall type, mom and pop shops. I am energetic, youthful, personable, professionally trained by FTD in customer service, marketing, merchandising, and shop management, and highly profit-minded. I could go on and on but this is not meant to be a pitch for a job.

It takes many years of hard (meaning physically rigorous) work and dedication to become a really good, versatile, knowlegeable designer. And, it takes some talent as well. I have YET in my career to be paid proportionately (or even close)to what I am capable of earning (and DO indeed earn) for a business.

There seems to be a mentality among owners that designers are a dime a dozen and that there is always someone cheaper. In truth, your desiner(s) can make or break your business. Your desiners are an asset to your business and NOT a liability (like your delivery driver, or your van for example) and should be paid as such. I have struggled with this situation for a long time. I have watched owner after owner lose thousands and thousands of dollars in business in an effort to keep costs down IN THE WRONG AREAS. They will pay poor quality designers (and processors too) while the waste of product, waste of time, missed sales, and missed opportunities to up-sell existing customers go completely ignored. In short, you get what you're NOT paying for.

I am looking to hire a really qualified floral designer with at least 5 years experience in Greater Toronto.
You can send me your CV to yohannesmaz@yahoo.com

Liz in Santa Monica, California said: Hello, I have been a floral designer and manager in the flower business for over 20 years. I have worked in all types of environments from event production, upscale boutiques, to small, balloon-on-the-wall type, mom and pop shops. I am energetic, youthful, personable, professionally trained by FTD in customer service, marketing, merchandising, and shop management, and highly profit-minded. I could go on and on but this is not meant to be a pitch for a job.

It takes many years of hard (meaning physically rigorous) work and dedication to become a really good, versatile, knowlegeable designer. And, it takes some talent as well. I have YET in my career to be paid proportionately (or even close)to what I am capable of earning (and DO indeed earn) for a business.

There seems to be a mentality among owners that designers are a dime a dozen and that there is always someone cheaper. In truth, your desiner(s) can make or break your business. Your desiners are an asset to your business and NOT a liability (like your delivery driver, or your van for example) and should be paid as such. I have struggled with this situation for a long time. I have watched owner after owner lose thousands and thousands of dollars in business in an effort to keep costs down IN THE WRONG AREAS. They will pay poor quality designers (and processors too) while the waste of product, waste of time, missed sales, and missed opportunities to up-sell existing customers go completely ignored. In short, you get what you're NOT paying for.

Liz,

Are you still available? If so, contact me at jbell@floralartla.com. IF any other designers are looking for a good paying, leadership position with a cutting edge studio, please send an email to jbell@floralartla.com

Jonathan in Los Angeles, California said: Liz,
I am considering relocating. I own an upscale flower shop in Ma..I was voted "Best Of Boston", won The Readers Choice Awards, and City's Best.I'm hard working, aim to please, know all aspects of design and know and do all the dirty work. I'm determined and serious for the right move!
Are you still available? If so, contact me at jbell@floralartla.com. IF any other designers are looking for a good paying, leadership position with a cutting edge studio, please send an email to jbell@floralartla.com

I am considering relocating to be closer to family. I currently own an upscale flower shop specializing in design in the subburbs of Boston. I have been voted " Best Of Boston", Readers Choice Awards and have been amoung Bostons "A" List. I am interested in joining an upscale, upbeat, intensely serious and creative team. If you're interested please let me know. My last committment here is in June.
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Host said: Are jobs in this industry on the rise? Are there any sub-sectors that are growing?

Where are the jobs? Which places have the most floral designer opportunities?

HI, I am a very talented floral designer that specializes in up-scale and high design.I also am highly skilled in all aspects of design in this wonderful field that we work in.I have just moved here from Miami where I worked at a very busy florist which had about 35 employees , and 16 were full time designers. I am very accustom to working very long hours and my children are all grow and that really helps in this business.I live here in Cumming and I have been looking for a full time job in this field for about 3 months now.I am so happy to be out of Miami and I love living here in Atlanta.I know there is a lot going on here in the floral industry ,with the tradition of of large weddings,an you also take more care in decorating ones home especially for the holidays. and I can't leave out the special events and corporate parties. I have to say that the last thing that I was expecting was that I could not find a job.!!!! I do have a great letter of recommendation as well as photos. I would love to meet with anyone and show them that I would be a valued addition to there business . Thank you for your time. Donna Belld

Karen in Norwell, Massachusetts said: I am considering relocating to be closer to family. I currently own an upscale flower shop specializing in design in the subburbs of Boston. I have been voted " Best Of Boston", Readers Choice Awards and have been amoung Bostons "A" List. I am interested in joining an upscale, upbeat, intensely serious and creative team. If you're interested please let me know. My last committment here is in June.
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Are you still looking for a floral designer?? if so please contact me at meishka1328@yahoo.com. Thank you Nicole Helle

I am still looking for work in Atlanta. I am talented and highly skilled at all design work in the florist industry. But custom,up-scale,and creative designs are my specialty. I have a great letter of recommendation and photos of my work.Please If you need a great, and hard working designer or If you know anyone who might, please let me know. Thank You, Donna Bell

Lynn Delano AIFD said: 9-18-06
No, jobs in this industry are declining.

Petals A Florist is looking for an experienced designer to help
with their event planning services.

I think that this industry will always survive. There is nothing more beautiful than flowers. I found some incredible flowers arrangement in a [url=www.416-florist.com/]flower shop toronto[/url] and I am sure that you need to have good skills in order to do that.

You are right flowers are beautiful!! also, it does take talent to arrange them. i will never give up on my passion for flower designing. Thank you for your reply!! Nicole

cb in Atlanta, GA said: I have been looking for a floral designer in Alpharetta for 6 months without really interviewing even one qualified to handle a shop on their own. There must me somebody out there looking for a job. Everyone I have talked to have all said it is very difficult to find qualifed designers that you can afford. The profit margins are shrinking so that the ones that are qualifed are priced out-of-range of small shops.

I am totally qualified to handle your shop, I'm sure. I've done so for more than 11 years with much success. I'm a great designer, planner and organiser.

cb in Atlanta, GA said: I have been looking for a floral designer in Alpharetta for 6 months without really interviewing even one qualified to handle a shop on their own. There must me somebody out there looking for a job. Everyone I have talked to have all said it is very difficult to find qualifed designers that you can afford. The profit margins are shrinking so that the ones that are qualifed are priced out-of-range of small shops.

Ever find that designer you were looking for ?

Sue in Ellicott City, Maryland said: I agree that designers are "doing what they love" and I think shop owners take advantage of that! There are a lot of shops that aren't interested in pulling together a long-lasting team that can grow with the company -- there are a lot of people with no desire to design who are buying floral shops and hiring designers to run and work in them, but then treat them like disposable items (part-time, on call). From what I gather, it's the new way of having an investment -- having other people do it for you while you go off to do other things. I don't think a floral shop is successful, if the owner's heart isn't into the art! THAT is what makes the difference between an outstanding shop, and one that is merely turning over employees, flowers and losing customers while trying to cut corners. I agree with Bubba -- the floral industry is hanging on the brink of disaster!

Wow, I totally agree! I'm in Chattanooga, TN and that is the problem I have been having.. Had an offer for $9.00 per hour for a job with a florist here, and she acted like that was a compliment for her to offer me that! I refused the job, and boy was she offended!
She has owned the business for a year and has never been a designer herself....I would rather accept a job not in my field for more money not knowing what I was doing than get paid 9.00 per hour for what I've done the majority of my life.

I agree with Liz" couldnt have said it better myself.
After 28 years I can honestly say that there is not one single shop that I have worked it that has the same owners. New owners come in a take a big paycheck - drain the shop of inventory - run off long time loyal employees & customers. I have seen that repeated in more than 7 shops in the last four years. My home shop is on the 3rd owner in 5 years....needless to say I do not work there anymore.

Yohannes in Toronto, Ontario said: I am looking to hire a really qualified floral designer with at least 5 years experience in Greater Toronto.
You can send me your CV to yohannesmaz@yahoo.com

Yohannes,
I may know a very good experienced Designer for you if you are still looking but it would be nice to know who you are and what you are looking for specifically.

I do not want to be negitive about a business that I love but it has been really tough finding work after working in a shop for over 20 years an watching a new owner just run it into the ground. I know that times are tough right now but flowers are such a bright spot in the world and I agree that the pay in this industry is going down and designers are looked at as easily replaced but I just filled in for a shop over Mothers Day for less that I made befor and I know that everyone in the store appreciated my experience and talent and were happy that I was there. Staying cool and calm and fast and always being a team player when needed. Just hope I find a steady job soon

Wow, glad I read all of these. I have been battling if I want to spend 2-3,000 to go to Floral School but this answers my question. I think it depends on where you are in life. Is it a second income where the pay is not a deciding factor but you get to enjoy what you are doing? That is the best case scenareo and most people aren't always that lucky. I say all the underpaid designers should get enough confidence to venture out on their own and freelance, build websites, take some small business and marketing courses and then see how easy it is for the shops who have taken advantage of their employeees for so many years survive. What goes around comes around.

Hi!
My name is Jennifer and I have been in the industry for about 6 years. My passion is Floral Design, and I have been reluctant to apply for any jobs latley as I have had some unfortunate events in my employment history that were beyond my control; including being dissmissed simply based on the fact that i am young.It's completely discouraging to say the least;but I'm dying to get back into it. I live in Hamilton On, and I'm willing to make the drive for the right pay, and the right place of course. If ANYONE out there can help me, please let me know.

I would like to know what the pay scale for shops across the country are paying designers for at least 6 years of experience but than again there is a fine line on "experience". Please give me an idea what a person like this makes an hour in your area. Thank you.

Liz from CA. I don't believe for one minute that a designer is a "dime a dozen". It is like finding a needle in a very large haystack. We have paid designers good and for that we get more headaches.

Payscale in Chattanooga for 6 years - 8.00 - 9.00 per hour. Very insulting even to myself of 17 years experience.

It's too bad that employers pay that for experienced designers. To find a good, experienced designer here is very .

rare

I, also, have been researching floral design school and am hesitant to spend the money. I have a management job that I hate, although it pays quite nicely, and I am looking for a new career that will allow me a creative outlet. I am concerned, however, at what I am reading about the hourly rate floral designers are going for these days. $9.00/hour?!?! That's crazy. It sounds as if there are very few designers who own their own business....is this true? Are most shop owners not designers?

Hi Amber,

My Honest opinion about your situation is stay with the good paying job. Be fortunate as there are not many out there now,and you won't find it right off in this industry.

Keeping your good $$ job can be crucial when you jump into design because it doesn't bring home the bacon when you are a starting designer.

I would recommend starting with online classes and educate yourself with the varieties of flowers, their lines, life longevity,colors. Learn greenery names, different mosses, etc. etc. as these and more details are very important in design.

Online classes will inform & educate you of details and questions you would never think of.

Once you do all this you can try to gain a classroom setting, and when you go in you'll have better knowledge with prior study & study of your elements in design.

Check into your local floral wholesales. They usually have design shows keeping florists up to date on "what's new and upcoming". They design in front of you usually and bid off the arrangements.
Lot's of good knowledge there.

You might consider going to a florist and offering your services one day a week, let them know of your interests and your willingness to learn the industry. This will give you that opportunity to go into the wholesales through them as you have to have a tax id & business license to obtain entry,purchase products, and be invited to special functions.

In a high production florist you will learn a lot in one day, believe me. Hands on and visually seeing it in action is the best experience you can get. I have been in the Florist industry for 17 years, and all of it was through 5 different Florists. 3 went out of business. I learned my bulk from 2 really good Florists still in bus. today. I am working towards gaining my AIFD certification within the next 2 years.

Good luck and pursue your dreams.

You guys can register at www.ubloom.com to keep up with latest trends in the retail floral industry. They have a good forum there with access to great florists.

If you have a floral business and want to educate your self or need help try registering at www.flowerchat.com There is a members voting process so answer all members questions to be accepted. If you have a home based floral business tread lightly because there is a underlying resentment towards that segment. It is truly worth it. Tell them Thom (TGDragonfly) referred you.

Hi Thom,
I tried to register at Ubloom several times but it would not go through do you know if they are haveing problel at this web site?

Hi,I have 20 years in the field, and am in atlanta, ga Duluth. I find my self with all this experience looking for a job also. have been unemployed now for 2 months. You would think a city this large would have an opening. If any one knows of any one looking for a good designer please let me know. Rachel from Duluth

mary in Marietta, GA said: how i am going to find a job as a floral designer in lawrenceville,duluth,lilburn,sneillvilleor any of these cities in ga.

did u find work?

Patyrick C. Hopper AIFD in Atlanta, Georgia said: Petals A Florist is looking for an experienced designer to help
with their event planning services.

I am an unemployed designer and live in the atlanta area, looking now for several months, are u hireing ill take what ever at this point Rachel in Duluth 20 yrs exp

cb in Atlanta, GA said: I have been looking for a floral designer in Alpharetta for 6 months without really interviewing even one qualified to handle a shop on their own. There must me somebody out there looking for a job. Everyone I have talked to have all said it is very difficult to find qualifed designers that you can afford. The profit margins are shrinking so that the ones that are qualifed are priced out-of-range of small shops.

I have helped run a flower shop in Paradise 5 mins away from where i live. I have the keys to open and close the store. I help in placing orders, and am very expereinced in arrangements. I can do casket sprays, and modern arrangemnts as well. I have also been reccomended to do wedding flowers as well. I am looking for a new environment now, and cant find a job anywhere. Being a floral designer is hard when nobody is looking to hire.

We have our headaches trying to find good designers and finally have found a good staff. Anybody ever think about relocating to Prescott, AZ? Never know when someone may bail out and need a reliable, dependable employee. I have seen what people are being paid and that is said. Not like that here at our shop. Hope all who are qualified get what they are looking for in pay where you are. It is tough but the right florist looking for the right designer will and should pay what they are worth or close to it.

I know several qualified designers in Prescott AZ that would rather not design than work at the only shop hiring here. One designer friend works at a craft store now and she is much happier that when she and I worked in the same shop last year. When I designed for this same Prescott shop the owner deducted a days wages from me then started cutting my work days, she treated others worse. I opened my own shop, rather than not design. It is out of my home, for now, but I'm am building a good name in the community and earning $20+ an hour, with few overheads. I love being my own boss and best of all there is no gossip, drama or games.
If you can design, open your own shop!

I still design from time to time. For either friends or past customers. Do quite a few homes for Christmas. I still have my passion for design but I need to know I have a future career.

I've seen the industry drop everywhere and it scared me to know we are becoming obsolete. I've tried to apply for other jobs outside of florists and most want a degree of some sort. That is scary guys -

Sad that I spent all my 17 + years excelling and growing in my design skills as well as pay ~ and in turn these past couple of years felt like I ended up back at the beginning.

SO I am going for my associates in Graphic Design. Preparing now for fall possibly spring.
Waiting to get financial aid.

Right now I DJ 4 days a week and host karaoke. (Kind of a jack of all trades in the wedding business.)

Look at this (past Flower shop hours worked 55-60 - Pay same as what I work now ~ Actually a little less! - I DJ 4 days a week a total of 19 hours a week.)

My point here is I am working on laying a foundation for a career.
Once set later I plan on bringing back in the floral designing. It doesn't feed me now and won't in my future. But it will be nice play money in the future and I'll get to enjoy it again.

Oh to enjoy it again I look forward to.

We have had real nightmares with staff until recently. We had one "designer" who would take an entire day to do one bridal bouquet. She couldn't comprehend that she was losing us money. She continally overfilled orders by a lot! When I counselled her on our pricing formula, she accused me of "rebuking" her. She then filled 2 orders that were supposed to be 75.00 each to about double that. When I explained what she had done, she begged me not to fire her, and encouraged me to deduct the loss from her pay. Thinking that might be the only solution to get her to price things correctly, I did. Then her husband called my huband and chewed him out. We had no choice but to let her go, so she then opened her own shop out of her home, naming it almost exactly the same name as our REAL shop, in an effort to confuse internet consumers. The real kicker is, these people call themselves Christians, but definately don't "walk the walk". The happy ending for us is that we have 3 fantastic designers now. Their quality, work ethic, honesty and moral compass is what we as owners appreciate and treasure. If only we could have found them to begin with! Now, if God would just do something about this economy!

hi, my name is Anne. iam from Toronto. currently working at a flower shop but they are closing down soon. so iam looking for a job in the florist industry.

sales@mylittle-workshop.com

maria <marialedtif@hotmail.com> in Saint John's, Newfoundland said: I have helped run a flower shop in Paradise 5 mins away from where i live. I have the keys to open and close the store. I help in placing orders, and am very expereinced in arrangements. I can do casket sprays, and modern arrangemnts as well. I have also been reccomended to do wedding flowers as well. I am looking for a new environment now, and cant find a job anywhere. Being a floral designer is hard when nobody is looking to hire.

I am presently working for a very good name design shop, but the hours just are not there.looking for job with a little more security, very good at what I do, good people and management skills

julie in Atlanta, Georgia said: I am presently working for a very good name design shop, but the hours just are not there.looking for job with a little more security, very good at what I do, good people and management skills

Hi Julie .Good luck. I am a designer now for 20years. Lost my job(full time over a year ago) I have managed and worked so many places and have seen so many shops close. I am curently looking and calling no one is hireing even V-day slots are full. It is discouraging this field is, my problem is that i am self supportave and 54 yrs old. Am i too old to go and learn a new skill? Or take a retail job at a dept store. Be happy where u are and tuff it out, find something elce to suplement. Keep in touch. Rachel

Hi Rachel. NO your not to old to learn a new skill. or to work in a dept. store. I am 43 and not working either. can't find anything that pays well if I can find work at all. Now I am looking into different kinds of designing. I love to be creative and I love plants and flowers...... I am looking into landscape designing but not really wanting to spend 2 years in school. plus my kid are going to going to college soon. Not quite sure what i'm going to do at this point.

I agree that true talent should be appreciated and rewarded. We pay our designers 12.00 an hour and wish it could be more. Many times we go without pay or reduced pay in order to keep the talented staff we have. As far as the future of the floral industry, I can honestly say I don't think it will be around for that much longer, at least not like we know it. All we can do is keep our standards up, rise above the "flower broker" industry that is so prevelant now, and educate the customer about the differences between our flowers and the grocery store flowers.

Where are you looking for work?

I am looking to hire a florist in long island ny if anyone knows someone looking for employment please let me know.. jt1321@optonline.net

atlanta ga