La Difference

I'm kinda excited to write this blog today,  it's about a little something that affects me on a daily bases.  Not too big of a deal, but definitely worth a mention.

The difference between a florist and a floral designer.... it is worth describing.  I think I am interested in noting the difference because in my case I made the decision in my career to become one while leaving the other.

Florist

  are people who work with flowers and plants, generally at the retail level.

Floral Designer

one who engages in floral design or floral arts as the art of creating flower arrangements in vases, bowls, baskets or other containers, or making bouquets and compositions from cut flowers, foliage, herbs, ornamental grasses and other plant materials.

Source: Wikipedia

I do not think you necessarily have to do this, but it was a choice I made for one simple reason... I did not want to do retail.  I wanted to make sure that I was not bogged down by some business aspects that were not enjoyable.  Large rent, candles, chocolate, balloons, stuffed animals and most importantly wire services.  Not that any of that is a problem... just not my thing.  And yes, we all know there are exceptions to the rule, thank god!

After 2 years in the business I noticed my deep passion for floral design and to be able to build that there had to be a distinction in my future path.  A fork in the road.  Am I going to open a shop where I have to spend my Valentine's day/Christmas/Mother's day/ Thanksgiving.... with my amazing customers or with my amazing family.   It was a hard choice, as a florist for 5 years I began to love my customers and look forward to spending those precious moments with them.  But I felt more creative, more passionate about floral designing and the quality of work that I gave my customers than the business aspects of the retail shop.

So I became a floral designer.

....sometimes called le Studio

Let me start by showing you a relevant image, this image is of the view I have when sitting at my desk in my office.  I love it!

But not everyone I have interacted with, in the first year of owning my own business, has had positive things to say about this view.  Some have not taken me seriously and have not found interest in my work or even given me a moment to introduce myself! Yes it has happened.  All because this awesome view.  Okay it admittedly does not look this amazing all the time... some times the shades are forced closed due to 105 degree temperatures.  I feel wrong cranking the AC just to have a great view.  My favorite view, the sunny, stormy days when the palm trees look like they are dancing in the rain. 

What I am talking about is the shunning I have received by some in the local community about.... are you ready for it.... Yes it's true, I work from home! My lovely sweet little casa, my place of joy, comfort and productivity.  It's sounds too prefect to be wrong!

So today I read the most relevant article on this subject, we will call... pajama millionaires.

Go take a read and tell me you can't fall in love with your own local pajama millionaire! Continue supporting your local florist, as we support each other we grow with each other!!