What Makes a Great Freelance Florist?
Are you a new flower kid on the block? Do you have some floral experience and want to earn extra income on weekends and holidays? Are you stepping away from full time flowering, but want to work with flowers in a way that suits your schedule and/or mental health? Whatever the reason, freelance floristry may be for you! As I’ve considered my own freelance experience, as well as working with other freelancers over the years, I wanted to shed light on an area of the industry that is both parts elusive and essential. So here they are – my observations and best practices that will have business owners inviting you back time & time again. See something that should be added to the list or a point you’d like me to elaborate on? Drop a line in the comments!
Waste Reduction
If you work in food or floral, the whole name of the game is perishability. With perishable goods comes the delicate dance of extending the life of your product to avoid unnecessary waste. When you understand the origins of waste, you can seek to mitigate it. So, what does this look like? As a freelancer, you’re typically not in the position of ordering product for an event or holiday (that bit of math, record keeping and good fortune rests with the business owner). Still – once that product arrives your goal is to provide the flowers and foliage with optimal care from the processing stage until final sale and delivery.
Keep It Tidy
You don’t go to someone’s home and leave litter and debris in your wake. You shouldn’t do that while freelancing either. Floristry is inherently messy work. And for me, that’s part of the fun of it! Keeping your work zone tidy throughout the day is not only organizationally helpful, it communicates to the business owner that you respect their space and care how the business is perceived by walk-in customers. In the event you’re freelancing for a longer stretch and there is occasional down time – there is ALWAYS something to clean in a flower shop.
Centerpieces designed while freelancing for Sweetwater Floral in Petoskey, MI.
Be Smart with Supplies & Materials
Part of waste reduction is being mindful of how much bindwire you actually need to tie that bouquet versus how much you think you need. Same goes for ribbon, foam (if you’re still using it), enclosure cards, vase tape and anything else you use to design an arrangement. Showing intention and thoughtfulness here communicates professionalism, is better for the planet and your client’s bottom line. Trust me, they will notice and appreciate this.
Do Your Design Homework
It doesn’t matter if you can design from here to Timbuktu, if you haven’t studied the type of work your freelance client is putting out into the world. Take some time to study what kind of arrangements will be expected of you (ie. organic, modern, compact, etc.). In this case, mimicry is the highest form of flattery. And of course, if you receive a design brief that is stylistically different from the standard or out of your wheelhouse - be open about that, ask questions & practice. There is always room to grow and learn in floristry!
Pictured: Cristi Zarvas, owner of Fresh Cut Design (far left) with Carla Fazio Montt (middle) and Luisa Prieto Montt (right) of Canasto de Flores — Santiago, Chile’s premiere flower shop. Fresh Cut Design traveled to Zapallar, Chile with Canasto de Flores to provide extra onsite support for a beautiful seaside wedding installation.
Get the Green Light Before Posting
For better or for worse, social media has permeated all aspects of our lives. Behind shop and studio walls is no different. In fact, it’s become quite an unspoken expectation of the modern day florist to offer a glimpse into our worlds. That said, it’s important to remember that while freelancing, the work you produce is being sold under the name and reputation of the business that hired you. And while most business owners are happy to receive free publicity – if you feel inclined to post something you’ve worked on, it is best practice to simply ask permission of the owner. Additionally, posting should always be done after your shift and visibly credit the business. Openly communicating your intentions can help avoid awkward or uncomfortable situations. Once you have permission – be mindful with your captures and use discretion when snapping anything with customer or confidential information that may linger in the background.
Confidentiality
If your goal is to continually be invited back by freelance clients, the best thing to do is abide by a strict code of confidentiality. It’s great to talk shop, discuss industry happenings, and even share design techniques and conservation methods. However, It’s never okay to discuss customer information, specific budgets, or other confidential information you may overhear while freelancing. Setting and respecting this boundary builds trust which is foundationally necessary for being the first person a business owner calls when they require assistance with a big event or holiday.
Do Without Being Asked
All in all, what I think sets great freelancers apart is the ability, experience and professionalism to anticipate needs in a fast moving environment AND to serve high quality designs and customer service that are in alignment with the business you are freelancing for. By delivering this level of service, you can feel confident you’ll be invited back and referred to other florists as a reliable resource and designer.
Team Sweetwater with owner Kalin Sheik (left), Fresh Cut Design (center) and installation king Charles Sieradski.
The Fresh Cut Commitment
When you contract Fresh Cut Design for your big holidays, projects and events, you are choosing a personable, well-experienced floral professional, who will care about the the quality of the work and customer service like you do. Fresh Cut Design is committed to reducing waste & working towards a more sustainable floral industry. Send your dates to reserve your spot on the calendar! Willing to travel domestically and internationally.
XO - Cristi, Stem Slayer
