Drumfire Intro

[Drumfire]

I am in the process of establishing a new Florist and Gift shop locally and would like to join this forum to benefit from current members advice and ideas.
I can't share too much about the business at this stage as it's early days but will give updates as I go.
I am currently being made redundant and want to move into something creative and be my own boss.
I don't have any formal floristry experience but will be hiring a florist for the shop and have started doing courses myself so that I can progress my learning.
I have lots of business experience so hopefully can help members out with any ideas on that side of things, or just some ideas in general maybe.

 

[RWK]

There are some introductory questions that we like to have answered as well. They help us members decide how to cast our votes for membership.

 

[Drumfire]

Happy to answer any questions anyone may have if I'm able to - by that I mean that my business is just starting so I found it difficult to answer some of the prompts on the registration.

What would everyone like to know ?

 

[RWK]

Are you currently in business now?

Have you begun to develop a web/internet presence?

What was your career prior to deciding to open a retail florist venture?

More importantly....What led you to think the career of a retail florist was the right choice for you?

Will you be a full-service florist handling everyday requests for everything from birthdays to funerals, hospital arrangements to weddings, etc.....or will you be serving primarily a niche.....such as weddings only?

What experiences from your prior careers can you bring to the floral industry that may cause us to see something of our business in a unique light or give us insight into a facet of the business we have not explored yet?

 

[Victoria]

How strong is your knowledge of the floral industry? For example do you have any design experience or are you hoping to use this site as a teaching source?

Thanks for your time.

V

 

[Drumfire]

Here goes :-

I went to Art College in Edinburgh for 4 years, studying various aspects of art and design, however then went on to study a postgraduate in English and Medieval History at St Andrews. After this, I'm afraid I fell into the trap of an office job rather than persuing my creative talents, and 13 years later I'm now trying to re-address the balance.

As a result I have 13 years business experience, latterly as a Business Improvement and Performance Consultant, so I'd like to think I could add lots of value with general business issues that members may be facing.

However, I have never lost my primary passion for the creative arts, following photography, painting and floristry as an amateur, doing various courses, though nothing certified as yet - that's my next step.

My business is going to be within general floristry (private commissions, corporate and event), but also with a large and varied gift department - I think that for my locality and market, it's important to have diversity - the idea is to have somewhere that people know they can find that special something, be it flowers, gifts or a combination - my strapline is 'Bunch - Flowers, Occasions and Celebrations'.

The business does exist currently but I'm right in the middle of arranging premises and my website, so can let you know about those shortly - due to personal circumstances, I never thought this would be an option at this point in my life, but it's come along very quickly.

That's really why I'm looking to join you guys. I understand that many of the members are very experienced and established florists, and I truly believe that assistance and input from you as mentors throughout this process would help me massively.

I hope this provides a little more background, and please let me know if I can tell you anything else.

Look forward to hearing from you all,

:flowers:

 

[Victoria]

Thank you so much for your candor. We ask these questions because it's important to maintain the professional integrity of the site. I think you'll pass muster quite nicely. So I say welcome.

While you are learning the ropes of your new venture please keep us in the loop. There are others here who are new to the industry as well... and the great purpose of this community is to share information.

V

 

[Drumfire]

Thanks Guys, it's nice to feel welcome !

I'll definitely keep you all posted as I progress and will be asking lots of questions I'm sure. If anyone has any general business questions that I might be able to help with then just let me know, other than that I'll chip in when I can, and will be doing loads of reading of posts as much as possible!

Cheers all !

:squish: