10 Types of Florists You’ll Meet on the Job (and which ones are worth it) + Solid Hiring Advice
- Archer Okoroafor
- Nov 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Episode 4
PSA: If you're reading this post, I assume you have a thick stem. This piece is equal parts satire and lived experience; a cheeky generalization, not gospel. Some folks you meet will fit these archetypes to a T, others might be delightful hybrids. At the end of the day, always take time to get to know the person behind the petals.
1. The Accredited (But Untested) Designer
This florist looks great on paper. Has a framed diploma. Panics on Valentine’s Day.
Strengths: Excellent mechanics, textbook-perfect theory.
Weaknesses: Overwhelmed by real shop pace, allergic to “lesser” tasks (like cleaning buckets), and slow under pressure.
Hireability: Great for styled shoots or freelance projects. Not your emergency call for Mother’s Day chaos.
2. The Online-Certified Newbie
Took a “Become a Florist in 14 Days!” course and now has a logo, Instagram, and a superiority complex.
Strengths: Bright-eyed, eager to learn.
Weaknesses: Underestimates costs and time for real bouquets.
Hireability: Only if you have patience to train and a sense of humour for reality checks.
3. The Industry Relic
Still calls it “Oasis” and “Gerber Daisies,” and crushes 25 centerpieces before your first coffee. May or may not think TikTok is a disorder.
Strengths: Speed, stamina, and war stories.
Weaknesses: Outdated design style, sometimes critical of modern work or inability to deviate from their design set.
Hireability: Could be a godsend or thorny... proceed with care.
4. The Shop Hopper
Worked at every flower shop within 50km. Knows all delivery drivers by name.
Strengths: Learns systems fast.
Weaknesses: Drama, red flags, and loyalty questions.
Hireability: Only if chaos is part of your hiring plan... otherwise, swipe left.
5. The Unicorn 🦄
Does it all: design, clean, sell, manage clients, and probably deliver a baby in the back cooler if needed.
Strengths: Everything. Backbone of a great shop.
Weaknesses: Burnout risk. People pleasers who need boundaries.
Hireability: Yes! But don’t overload them. Train quietly for leadership if they want it.
Side Note: Even unicorns have limits. If they start souring, prune with love. Better a leaf than the whole plant.
6. The Landscaper
Knows plants inside and out but thinks a bouquet is just a friend group.
Strengths: Hard-working, great with plant care and sales.
Weaknesses: Design mechanics and product handling need guidance.
Hireability: Perfect for plant care, admin, or delivery. Just don’t expect intricate designs.
7. The International Designer
Portfolio looks gorgeous but it’s in Czech, and the shop they worked for no longer exists.
Strengths: Creative, skilled, innovative, strong work ethic.
Weaknesses: Language barriers, experience sometimes hard to verify.
Hireability: Don’t dismiss too fast. Could be your bridge to a new audience.
8. The Industry Returnee
Took a long break, now dipping a toe back in.
Strengths: Perspective, maturity, gratitude.
Weaknesses: May freeze about small bouquets or forget holiday chaos. Could be a negative Nelly.
Hireability: Possibly. Be honest about expectations and collaborate.
9. The Garden Designer
“Did my cousin’s backyard wedding and it was stunning” energy.
Strengths: Passionate, loves flowers.
Weaknesses: No design theory, poor product handling, avoids dirty work.
Hireability: Only if humble and ready to learn. Otherwise, nope.
10. The Passionate Pretender
Wants it more than anyone but just doesn’t have it.
Strengths: Heart, attitude, sunshine.
Weaknesses: Zero design eye, can’t take feedback.
Hireability: Nope. Maybe admin, event setup, or customer service. Otherwise heartbreak incoming.
Hiring Florists
💔 Tip: Letting them go can be the kindest thing for both of you. You can’t coach taste. Trust me.
How to Actually Hire
Sure, use Jobscan, Workable, or Skillsyncer to filter résumés.
But really:
🪴 Hire the person, not the paper.
References? Only if you know and trust the source. Otherwise, trust your eyes.
Trial them. Pay them. Watch them. Can they handle a Karen, a cooler meltdown, and a rushed birthday order simultaneously? That’s your hire.
Building a Balanced Design Team
You don’t want a team full of unicorns. Too much sparkle, not enough glue. A balanced bouquet needs focal flowers, filler, foliage, and form... same with your staff.
To the Designer Who Wants to Be More Hireable
Mop the floor. Greet walk-ins. Be teachable, fast, and kind. Track your wins with photos, reviews, customer interactions. You don’t need to be a unicorn, just be reliable.
You Can’t Train a Unicorn... But You Can Keep One
Reward the behaviour you want to see. Don’t reward with more work.
Try:
Paid time off
An unexpected early day
Favourite lunch on you
Final Thoughts
Hiring in floristry isn’t about building a fantasy team, it’s about building a functional one.
🌿 Protect your shop.
🌿 Protect your peace.
🌿 Know when to prune.
Need help finding the right flowers for your team bouquet?
Let’s chat:
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