For Floral designers/shop owners?

I am currently taking a long distance floral design course through the Floral Design Institute. Once I complete the program and become certified how much is that a factor in hiring someone? I haven't worked at a shop, at this point, I am just book smart. So what can I realistically expect to encounter??

For Floral designers/shop owners?
I helped a friend of mine start his own fower shop, he started out as a flower delivery driver and basically taught himself deisgn. It's more of an art than science, some people are naturally good designers (lilke my friend), others aren't (like me). Experiement with your designs, get customer feedback, and go with what they like.



Also remember this. Flowers are just naturally pretty. It's very hard to make a flower arrangment that is ugly. Put any combination of flowers in a vase, give it to a girl, and she is thrilled. It's very hard to mess up flower arrangements (unless you have really picky customers).



Having a certificate is great for a potential employer, but you need to "learn" your customers. Be willing to follow direction, even if it is contradictory to your book lessons, and above all BE CREATIVE!! I think you will do just fine.
Reply:Some places are looking for people with experience, others will want someone they can train.



I started in a flower shop when I was 17 and worked there for 4 years. I learned EVERYTHING from the flowers to running the business. You also need to take a look at the area you are in, if there is not a lot of wealth then you'll be doing a lot of generic stuff. If you're in an area like NYC or LA then you'll be getting lots of different tastes and you'll be able to fully express your creativity.