My 2024 ‘Ins’ and ‘Outs’ from a Wedding Floristry Business Owner

Hey Flower Lover,

I'm currently in that delicious lazy, hazy period between Christmas and New Years, (affectionately called Gooch week here in Australia 😂), writing this in between ocean swims, long lunches with friends, cold glasses of white wine and pottering around the house while I reflect on the year of 2023 and everything that has led me to this dreamy flower life.

My favourite trending Tiktok atm is the "Ins and Out's" for 2024, I always stop my scroll and see what other's are leaving behind in 2023 and what changes they're making for the future. So, let's dive into mine:

INS

Healthy Lunches on Wedding Days:

I'm done with eating gummy worms and a hot servo sandwich halfway up a ladder on wedding setups.
In 2024 we prioritise healthy snacks and actually stop for a lunch break.

Florists work SO hard and for long hours, our bodies need fuel!

This also goes to hiring enough help to ensure there is plenty of time to stop for a break and eat some food.

Effortless, Foam-Free Mechanics:

I'm here for the work smart, not hard motto.
Simplify your floral installations by embracing effortless, foam-free mechanics. No more complicated setups; focus on achieving stunning, lush impacts without the hassle. Less product, less stress, less cost.

Metalics in styling:

Metallic candle holders, mirror plinths, disco balls and other shiny elements are stealing the spotlight in styling and I am here for it! I've always loved the sparkle but this does not apply to spray painting flowers (not my vibe and not great for the environment).
Think high end, classy sparkles.

Cute Hats and Sun Protection:

We're working out in the sun for hours and hours and we need to take care of our skin! Blocking the sun's harsh rays with cute hats, quality sunscreen, and long-sleeved shirts is a priority. Health should never be sacrificed for the sake of a job, and we might as well look good while we do it

Supportive Flower Communities:

Building a business can be a lonely experience and we need like minded, crazy creatives on this wild journey!
Building a strong community where floral enthusiasts can connect, share, and learn from each other is the way forward. Joining forums like our Wildflower Academy community fosters a positive environment where questions are welcomed, wins are celebrated, and experiences are shared.
If you feel alone and are seeking some flower friends, you know where to find us.

Saying No:

It's time to master the art of saying no. Recognise when fear or obligation is driving decisions, and understand that saying no is a powerful tool for maintaining alignment with your goals and ideals.

Be discerning about where you invest your time and energy.

BTS and Raw Social Media Content:

Authenticity is the trend. While a curated feed is visually appealing, people crave a glimpse behind the scenes. Share raw, unfiltered content to connect with your audience on a more personal level. Let them see the artist behind the flowers and embrace the beauty of imperfection.

Minimum Spends and Blocking Out Rest Weeks:

Elevate your business and take care of your human by setting minimum spends and strategically blocking out weeks in your year for rest and business development.
This intentional approach allows for sustainable growth, attracting clients who value your expertise and respecting the need for breaks to avoid burnout.

I did this in 2023 and it's something I'll be taking with me into 2024!

OUTS

Clear Marquees in Summertime:

With the dangers of extreme heat in summertime, especially here in Australia, it's actually unsafe to be in a clear marquee in full sun in the heat of December. Not to mention it is physically impossible to keep your flowers alive.

Prioritise the safety of your team, your products, and even the event guests by engaging in open conversations about the risks associated with working in high temperatures.

Imposter Syndrome:

Imposter syndrome is something literally every person experiences, even the most successful entrepreneurs. It's a thing, let's recognise it but reframe it as an opportunity for growth. Rather than being frozen by fear and lack of confidence, embrace discomfort, experiment, fill in those knowledge gaps and collect data. By challenging ourselves and venturing into the unknown, we reshape our brains and gain confidence.

Offering Discounts Without Value Trade:

Discounts should have a purpose. Instead of offering reductions without reason, focus on value trades that benefit both parties. Embrace sales and trades but avoid devaluing your services with indiscriminate discounts.

Your time and skills are valuable, don't give them away.

Being Competitive and Comparing to Other Florists:

The floral industry is vast, and there's room for everyone. Shift the narrative from competition to collaboration. Building each other up and supporting fellow florists contributes to a thriving floral community and benefits everyone involved.

Lack of Planning:

Spontaneity has its charm, but it's time to embrace planning. Develop a clear direction, reverse engineer your goals and establish habits that lead to success.
Life is short, business is hard. Let's ensure we're not wasting our time and energy by setting solid plans in place.

Terrible Communication with Freelancers:

Respectful communication is crucial, especially when working with freelancers. Ensure that they have the necessary details, times, and locations well in advance, allowing them to plan their schedules and contribute effectively to your projects.

This month in our Membership we are goal setting and habit changing - Getting ourselves focussed and aligned for 2024. You can join us within the community and our live calls by signing up here 

See you in there!

Ash x