Florist


Location: Flora Latte

Generic Description:
Floral designers, or florists, cut live, dried, or silk flowers and other greenery and arrange them into displays of various sizes and shapes. These workers design displays by selecting flowers, containers, and ribbons and arranging them into bouquets, corsages, centerpieces of tables, wreaths, etc. for weddings, funerals, holidays, and other special occasions. Some designs also use accessories such as balloons, candles, toys, candy, and gift baskets as part of their displays.

Job duties often vary by occasion. Most floral designers work in small independent floral shops that specialize in custom orders and also handle large orders for weddings, caterers, or interior designers. Floral designers must meet with customers to discuss the arrangement. They note the occasion, the customer's preferences, the price of the order, the time the floral display or plant is to be ready, and the place to which it is to be delivered. For special occasions, floral designers usually will help set up floral decorations. Floral designers also will prearrange a few displays to have available for walk-in customers or last-minute orders.

Self-employed floral designers must handle the various aspects of running their own businesses, such as selecting and purchasing flowers, hiring and supervising staff, and maintaining financial records. Self-employed designers also may run gift shops or wedding consultation businesses in addition to providing floral design services. Some conduct design workshops for amateur gardeners or others with an interest in floral design.



Tasks Performed on Site:
This placement has not yet been fully developed.  The first student in this position will assist EH Floral Studio and the NCWEP in developing this list.


Expected Outcomes:
Students placed at EH Floral Studio will be expected to have knowledge of the following attributes by the conclusion of their placement:
  • Demonstrate awareness of industry standards.
  • Demonstrate safe and proper handling of tools and equipment.
  • Create a corsage, table-top arrangement, funeral piece, nosegay, holiday design and a balloon bouquet.
  • Design a flower shop window display; decorate with potted plants, create baskets and planters.
  • Discuss how the floral industry affects society; define its terminology; explain the care of products.
  • Identify foliage, potted plants, flowers, and dried materials; describe the fresh flower life cycle.
  • Price inventory, take phone and wire orders, practice customer service skills.
  • Set up displays to increase sales; write a wedding estimate; price merchandise.
  • Discuss solutions for delivering special arrangements of flowers; know how to get directions.
  • Demonstrate appropriate telephone etiquette and courtesy to customers.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently or as a member of a team.
  • Listen attentively, follow directions and effectively relay directions to others.
  • Demonstrate appropriate work ethics and demeanor as demanded by the floral industry.

For more information about a career as a florist, click on the following link: http://www.mynextmove.org/vets/profile/summary/27-1023.00