Exotic Flowers in Boston

I was a wholesale florist for twenty + years and even though I’ve moved on to other career choices, the industry will always be a part of me.  It is a business like no other I’ve ever found that sinks below your skin and maybe even into your heart long after you say goodbye.  Many people wonder why this is and ask, “What makes being a florist so special in the first place?”  If you’ve worked in this field, you know it’s not because it’s easy.  In fact, that is one of the greatest misconceptions of the floral industry and no- not everyone can do it.  For whatever reason, the flower biz is often thought of as a “creatively whimsy” existence demanding very little education or know-how to get started.  A general opinion that “working with flowers must be such a joy!” or “being a florist must be like an eternal vacation!” is often a preconceived view.  Is there any truth to these statements?  Well… Not really….  

Becoming a florist is honestly one of the hardest professions to stick with for a prolonged period of time do to the mental and physical stresses put upon employees.  Realizing the image of designers and managers stopping to smell each and every blossom throughout their work day is a common misunderstanding, shedding light on the real conditions about what it’s like to work in the industry might prove interesting!  Here is a list of the top ten signs you’re meant to be a florist and I’ll bet you’ll be surprised by the reality of the business.  If you find yourself matching at least half of the qualifications, contact your local Boston florist immediately.  They will be lucky to have you!

10 Signs You’re Born to Be a Florist

1. You don’t mind waking up early-like REALLY early. (Retail 7am; wholesale as early as 2am).
2. You’re okay looking messy most of the time.  (Jeans, T’s and sweats are your go-to wardrobe.  New clothes just get ruined.)
3. Kissing most holidays and weekends goodbye is no big thing.  (Yes-you’ll work through most of them).
4. You can’t sit still.  (Most florists rarely sit down for more than 1 hour during a 12-14-work shift.  Nine-hour work days during busy seasons usually don’t exist.)
5. Lifting twenty to thirty pounds is what you consider a healthy workout. (Florists unload dozens of pounds of product within a week. Weaklings need not apply.)
6. Speed is your middle name. (You have to move and MOVE FAST in the flower business for unloading, setting up and design tasks).
7. You have a strong memory.  (You’re going to need to know hundreds of varieties of flora and fauna.  Triple that if you work in a garden center.)
8. You can multitask like nobody’s business.  (Doing five things at once is your expertise.  Small businesses rely heavily on their employee’s ability to work in several other positions than merely under their title in the shop.)
9. You can be nice when you don’t feel like being nice. (Florists have to be upbeat for customers.  No grumpy-gusses.)
10. You’re satisfied with an honest day’s pay instead of an exec’s salary. (You may not make a ton of $$ but you’ll feel good at what you’ve accomplished.)

It’s true… I was a florist for over twenty years in the Boston Wholesale Floral Industry- a job the where the word “difficult” might be an understatement for adequately describing the profession.  Rain or shine, sleet or snow, the crew gathered together in the middle of the night to unload tractor trailer trucks packed with thirty to forty pound boxes which we would have to haul off, open and distribute before the sun actually had risen.  It was grueling exercise, the kind of workout that would leave you aching for days in your back, legs and arms with little to no rest that would allow healing.  Nevertheless, there was something inside of me driving the covers off when the 3:30 am alarm clock rang, the sound of a relentless drill sergeant commanding the start of a new day in the Boston Flower Exchange.  Looking back, I could have left and got a job in an office like most twenty something’s do but instead I made the choice to stay.  Regardless of the empty threats to leave the business in search of “easier” means of work, I continued to show up exactly on the hour required by employees (well, most of the time anyways…) and do my share of lugging, carrying and schlepping while being left with a strange sense of fulfillment at the end of the day.  There could only be one explanation for this feeling that also came along with pain, exhaustion and bruises… I really loved being a florist.

Unbeknown too many people out there, being a floristis actually one of the hardest professions to survive within, and that includes both in terms of physical and financial wellness.  There are long, grueling hours, limited opportunities for pay increases and the toll of heavy weight lifting on the body after years and years of exposure.  Truly, you have to be one tough cookie to make it in the flower biz and as you can imagine- it’s not for everyone.  

You might be wondering, “If it’s so bad, why do it then?”  It’s an honest question with an honest answer-you’re a florist because you were born to become one.  Seriously, it’s the truth.  There are several personality traits that can lead a person into this profession which will determine if it’s the right fit for you.  If you’ve always had an interest in this field, you might want to go over the top 13 traits of a true florist.  Your destiny may be calling you…

The Top 13 Traits of a True Florist

1. You’re Hardworking No Matter What
2. You LOVE Anything That Grows
3. Not Having A Garden Is Sacrilegious
4. Working Saturdays Is No Big Deal
5. You’re Inherently Creative
6. You Like To Gamble
7. Weather Conditions Don’t Affect You
8. You See Yourself As An Artist
9. Your Work Means More To You Than A Paycheck
10. You Continue to Enjoy Learning Long After You’ve Finished School
11. You Like People But You Like Time Alone, Too
12. You Prefer To Move Than To Be Sitting Down All Day
13. You Use Your Hands More Than Any Other Part Of Your Body

When you think of famous people, actors, doctors, astronauts and inventors may be the first professions that come to mind.  These are the careers chosen to influence the world by making it better place through ingenuity, brilliance, healing, entertainment and discovery.  While these are obviously some of the most sought after positions, it’s imperative we take a look at those who have gifted society with beauty-perhaps a florist could fit well in this category?  Over the years, there are certain florists who have pushed their way up to the top due to their impressive visions of creative floral design.  Gifted with imagination, talent and the ability to implement inventive presentation by the use of blossoms, these famous designers have truly put their mark on the industry, revolutionizing our appreciation and pride within the floral industry.  Read their stories and learn how they rose to become the highest celebrated professionals in their realm.  

Simone Gooch - photo credit via http://www.dailyimprint.net

London

Simone Gooch has been said to be the top floral designer of London whose clients include Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.  Her style is categorized by a “minimalistic” approach and sways towards “less is more” attitude when designing pieces.  Gooch is often inspired by visiting wholesalers to see what catches her eye instead of always relying on ordering a particular type of flower.  Although London is known to encourage an “English feel” to their floral arranging, she prefers to be more architecturally animated instead of compact as the traditional style demands.

Klaus Wagner

Germany

Klaus Wagner is an important industry leader for his native country of Germany where he is the first German designer to be awarded the honor of “World Champion”.  He depends solely on inventing new materials to use in his arrangements, creating optimally extensive “works of art” instead of mere bouquets in vases.  Kraus is the owner of the flower shop, “Blooms” as well as a floral publishing house and agency.

Menno Kroon  

Holland

Menno Kroon comes from a country where floral designing is one of the most competitive professions you can be in, yet he still manages to rise to the top as one of the best.  Starting at a young age, Kroon was mesmerized by anything that grew, particularly seeds and their process to grow into something beautiful.  He nurtured his passion by studying under some of the most renowned florists in the Netherlands until he, too became a Dutch Master himself.  He is not only recognized for his beautiful talent with flowers but also for his interior and exterior designing skills.