You’re correct: “What we think we want to do is often different from what our skills, talents and resources…”. There’s a 6-acre, wholesale flower farm operation near my home. There’s also a florist shop selling standard FTD styles by order. My total property is 1 acre with 1/4acre flowers. When I started growing rows of annuals, I thought I would be able to subsist on market bouquets but it has turned into 1 piece of my 2nd-year plan. My strength is art and design so I’ve pivoted toward advertising the uniqueness and artistry of my custom floral work. I’ve had some success with Facebook ads and also hit plenty of dead ends with hotels and individuals not valuing quality enough to pay for it (my prices are competitive). I’m still building a following in hopes of finding “my customers”. I will spend this year growing unusual flower varieties, building fantastic installations for style shoots and just telling everyone I’m a floral designer with a micro-flower farm. My best offers to date are workshops/art class and prom corsages. June, I’m hosting a private Art of Bloom event for my art league and in the fall, I plan to sell wreaths. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you. SpeckledHenFloral
Sounds like you are doing all the right things. In the first years, say yes to anything that seems to on balance look worth a look. Push on doors, and let them close around you. You'll move towards your niche. Classes are great but they are 'one offs' and ideal customers don't come back every week, but they do talk to other people. Word of mouth is #1 in my mind and that takes time, trust and reliability. Have you thought about offering Wedding Packages? I find these really great - I love making up the flowers and using my creative skills. I find them enjoyable and quick to do. Have a look on my website
and see if that is the kind of thing you could offer. It's a really good revenue stream for me and all those unusual flower varieties are just perfect for boutonnieres and bridal bouquets for weddings. Brides love it because it is more affordable than having a florist on site and they get to have input on flowers also for the celebration. Let me know how you get in this year! And tell me what time zone you are in - hopefully we can make a zoom time to work with you.
I love your wedding kit! The way you present it makes it a simple decision. I’d like to serve this wedding price-point since many full service wedding florists have a minimum of $3k-$6k and I’m not quite eager to give up my weekends driving to far-off venues. I’ll have an opportunity in June to get advertising photos for a package offering. Thanks!
I am in Pennsylvania-EDT/EST so if your call is the afternoon, I can join you.
I’m not sure that I will ever get to the point of selling flowers but if you have space I’d love to join the chat tomorrow… I would like to know more about when different flowers are ready to be cut in order to look their best for an ‘event’
I’ll be there Anna. I don’t have enough flowers for markets or subscriptions so am trying to build up a small but loyal clientele who will come to me for house flowers, gift bouquets etc but it’s proving hard to find these people. Any tips? Jx
I would like to ask- I have sorted my 1st contact for selling my flowers at a local wine bar each weekend. I’m just not sure how to present them? Thinking small fresh posies & some dried flower arrangements (as they can stay there all week) Talk to you next week x
Brilliant Deb! I sold my first flowers on a Market Stall (that I dropped off) so I can tell you how I presented those with bunches on my own stall. What to think about and make sure they stay in tip top condition. And most importantly, how to make sure your clients know where to find them!
Thanks Anna. Lovely to see you and hear all your great advice again. Just wanted to say that I love reading all your writings on Substack. Always very informative and you have such a beautiful way with words.
You’re correct: “What we think we want to do is often different from what our skills, talents and resources…”. There’s a 6-acre, wholesale flower farm operation near my home. There’s also a florist shop selling standard FTD styles by order. My total property is 1 acre with 1/4acre flowers. When I started growing rows of annuals, I thought I would be able to subsist on market bouquets but it has turned into 1 piece of my 2nd-year plan. My strength is art and design so I’ve pivoted toward advertising the uniqueness and artistry of my custom floral work. I’ve had some success with Facebook ads and also hit plenty of dead ends with hotels and individuals not valuing quality enough to pay for it (my prices are competitive). I’m still building a following in hopes of finding “my customers”. I will spend this year growing unusual flower varieties, building fantastic installations for style shoots and just telling everyone I’m a floral designer with a micro-flower farm. My best offers to date are workshops/art class and prom corsages. June, I’m hosting a private Art of Bloom event for my art league and in the fall, I plan to sell wreaths. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you. SpeckledHenFloral
Sounds like you are doing all the right things. In the first years, say yes to anything that seems to on balance look worth a look. Push on doors, and let them close around you. You'll move towards your niche. Classes are great but they are 'one offs' and ideal customers don't come back every week, but they do talk to other people. Word of mouth is #1 in my mind and that takes time, trust and reliability. Have you thought about offering Wedding Packages? I find these really great - I love making up the flowers and using my creative skills. I find them enjoyable and quick to do. Have a look on my website
https://www.annasflowerfarm.com/product-page/the-floral-kit-and-caboodle
and see if that is the kind of thing you could offer. It's a really good revenue stream for me and all those unusual flower varieties are just perfect for boutonnieres and bridal bouquets for weddings. Brides love it because it is more affordable than having a florist on site and they get to have input on flowers also for the celebration. Let me know how you get in this year! And tell me what time zone you are in - hopefully we can make a zoom time to work with you.
I love your wedding kit! The way you present it makes it a simple decision. I’d like to serve this wedding price-point since many full service wedding florists have a minimum of $3k-$6k and I’m not quite eager to give up my weekends driving to far-off venues. I’ll have an opportunity in June to get advertising photos for a package offering. Thanks!
I am in Pennsylvania-EDT/EST so if your call is the afternoon, I can join you.
I’m not sure that I will ever get to the point of selling flowers but if you have space I’d love to join the chat tomorrow… I would like to know more about when different flowers are ready to be cut in order to look their best for an ‘event’
Hi Beccy, it would be lovely to have you! And the next 'Floral Chat' is going to interest you...... I'ver emailed you the link xxx
I’ll be there Anna. I don’t have enough flowers for markets or subscriptions so am trying to build up a small but loyal clientele who will come to me for house flowers, gift bouquets etc but it’s proving hard to find these people. Any tips? Jx
It can be hard, and does take time Jenna but I have some tips to share and some actionable ideas. See you on Tuesday!
I would love to join you next Tuesday Anna.
I would like to ask- I have sorted my 1st contact for selling my flowers at a local wine bar each weekend. I’m just not sure how to present them? Thinking small fresh posies & some dried flower arrangements (as they can stay there all week) Talk to you next week x
Brilliant Deb! I sold my first flowers on a Market Stall (that I dropped off) so I can tell you how I presented those with bunches on my own stall. What to think about and make sure they stay in tip top condition. And most importantly, how to make sure your clients know where to find them!
Oh that's great thank you. Looking forward to joining your call
Link has been shared!
sorry Anna, unable to find the link
Hi Anna, very late notice, but would love to jump on chat, if possible.
emailing you now!
Thanks Anna. Lovely to see you and hear all your great advice again. Just wanted to say that I love reading all your writings on Substack. Always very informative and you have such a beautiful way with words.
Thank you so much Sonja! It was lovely to see you too online! Looking forward to our IRL date with the others - not long now!