How to Become A Florist

Dreaming of one day becoming a florist? We asked our co-founder, head florist and cat fanatic Nadina about how she first fell in love with floristry and her tips for those wanting to explore this beautiful career path.

FA: When did you first fall in love with flowers?

Nadina: I think I have always loved flowers as growing up Mum had a really magnificent garden full of flowers.

FA: What is your earliest memory of flowers?

Nadina: Making daisy chains, I always loved making them.

FA: What steps are involved in becoming a florist? Is this how you went about it or did you fall into it in a non-traditional way? 

Nadina: A lot of florists start with floral courses as it is difficult to gain employment without qualifications. The next step is to then try and gain experience through a traineeship or work experience.  Although floral courses are a great start, it’s experience that matters.  I was lucky enough to be taught on the job so I gained a lot of knowledge and experience at the same time.

FA: What are the highlights of your job?

Nadina: Making people happy and being surrounded by flowers all the time -what more could I ask for?

FA: What are the challenges you’ve faced as part of being a florist?

Nadina: For weddings/special events, it can be tricky getting in the exact flowers and colours needed at the exact right time.

FA: What are some aspects of the job that no one warned you about?

Nadina: Long hours and often very early starts, but it’s definitely worth it!

FA: What advice would you give someone who wants to become a florist?

Nadina: Gain as much experience as you can and keep a positive attitude.

FA: Is Flowers Across Melbourne your first floristry business?

Nadina: I had a floral retail shop in Hawthorn for 7 years but our online Flowers Across Melbourne became too busy so I sold the retail shop to concentrate on it.

FA: If you weren’t a florist, would career path would you have taken?

Nadina: I would have worked as an archaeologist as I have a degree in archaeology, but I could never leave floristry as I absolutely love it!

FA: What are your favourite flowers?

Nadina: Almost all of them!