Green Florist

A green florist is one who specializes in plants and floral arrangements that have not been treated with harmful pesticides or other substances. They also use green delivery methods, including hybrid cars, walking or biking to locations and recycled materials whenever possible. A green florist may also offer different types of gift baskets for the ecologically-aware person as well.

What skills or education do I need?

A good florist is a part flower and plant expert, an artist, a sculptor and a mechanical engineer. A green florist is also an ecologist. A good florist can take an assortment of buds, blossoms and bulbs and turn them into a breathtaking array of color and life. Making an arrangement larger does not necessarily increase the effect of the piece. At times, larger arrangements tend to develop problems making them very difficult with which to work.

Regarding education, there are schools of floral design if you would like to learn the specific techniques for the classic arrangements. A few classes in business management would also be an advantage.

What is the start up costs?

The costs involved at the beginning of being a green florist are: the building itself, the first inventory, office equipment, supplies and miscellaneous items, employees and the delivery vehicles. If you are going to advertise yourself as a green florist, every aspect of your business must be kept as green as possible.

What are the risks?

Choosing a location is very important, especially in tough economic times. There are some extravagances on which people will splurge, even in tough economic times, but it seems that flowers is one for which people will not pay.

Who is the competition?

Your competitors would include other florists, whether they are green or not. If you are competing with a non-green florist and are losing customers because of price or other reasons, make sure that you increase your marketing and advertising as a green florist.

What is the market size or market potential?

Florists in small towns and cities generally get periodic work, like for weddings, funerals, graduations and other occasions. In larger cities, they tend to have slightly more work on a more regular basis. The larger the market is, the larger the potential can be.

Some final thoughts: Do not withhold creativity or beauty just to stay green. There can be no trade offs in this market. People buy flowers because they are beautiful and because they traditionally send a special message.

Green Entrepreneurship Resources
• *75 Green Businesses You Can Start to Make Money and Make A Difference
• *Finding the Sweet Spot: The Natural Entrepreneur's Guide to Responsible, Sustainable, Joyful Work
• *101 Ways to Turn Your Business Green: The Business Guide to Eco-Friendly Profits
• *Start Your Own Green Business (Start Your Own...)
• *Global Warming Is Good for Business: How Savvy Entrepreneurs, Large Corporations, and Others are Making Money While Saving the Planet
• *The Plot to Save the Planet: How Visionary Entrepreneurs and Corporate Titans Are Creating Real Solutions to Global Warming
• *Starting Green: An Ecopreneur's Guide to Starting a Green Business from Business Plans to Profits