Real Flower Business

Education and Business Training for Floral Designers.

  • About
    • Testimonials
      • Student Success Stories
      • Flower Math Testimonials
      • Art of Good Biz Testimonials
    • Bio
    • Coaching
    • Core Values
    • FAQ’s
    • Privacy Policy
  • Courses
    • Flower Math: The Florist’s Guide To Pricing & Profitability
    • Wedding Templates
      • Wedding Workflow
      • How To Write Proposals That Sell
      • Contracts For Florists
      • E-mail Templates For Florists
    • Business Plan Jumpstart
    • Website Bootcamp
    • Student Reviews
    • All Courses
  • Book A Call
  • Workshop
  • Blog
  • Login

By Alison Ellis

The #1 Thing Florists Want to Learn

Real feedback from real people…there ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby. Real florists told me what they really think…and I am ever so grateful.

I asked floralpreneurs why they did not sign up for the October session of my course, The Art Of Good Business, and I got some genuinely valuable feedback from over 100 florists over the course of a few days.

The survey results were interesting, heartening and share-worthy. Thanks so much to all those who offered your feedback.

Y’all said some really nice things about my courses and my “free stuff” and my Facebook group; your opinions and encouragement are greatly appreciated.

I’m going to share some of the survey results with you in two posts including Thing #1 and Thing #2 that florists told me they want to learn or improve….stay tuned on Monday morning for Part 2, “The #2 Thing Florists Want To Learn”.


Before I share the #1 thing florists told me they want to improve or learn, I want to share some of the heartfelt struggles florists shared with me:

“I can put awesome stuff in the vase and book nearly all wedding proposals I write, but I don’t have enough clients coming at me. I DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW TO HELP CLIENTS FIND ME.”

“I would like my brand to be truly my own…Not a template or just a series of pictures that look just like every other flower shop or wedding designer.”

“I don’t get a lot of inquiries! Also my quote process takes so long I dread it.”

“I’m overwhelmed by the sheer number of workshops being offered. Do I take a design course? A business course? A farming course (I’m a cut flower farmer and florist)? I sign up for these lists because I admire all of you, and it can be really difficult figuring out what to take and when.”


I know a lot of florists share these same sentiments, which is why I share these words from real florists with you today….you’re not alone.


The #1 Thing Florists Said They Want To Learn:

When I asked you what you’re most interested in learning or improving, the hands-down response was “Pricing and profitability”.  71% of florists said they’re most interested in learning more about pricing!

This does not surprise me. The very first course I created, Flower Math, The Florist’s Guide To Pricing & Profitability, shares everything I know about pricing & profitability. I designed this course for florists because I know that there are really talented designers out there who still don’t have a firm grasp on how to price their work.

Click here to read what’s included in Flower Math.


Transparency is what Flower Math is all about.


Nicole just signed up for Flower Math on Monday, and she wrote to me on Tuesday (Yes, just 1 day later!) to say this…

“…I’ve taken a handful of courses…I really felt like I needed to invest in everything marketed to me before I could be considered legitimate. I took [3 “other” online courses for florists]… Even after all of that, it all seemed muddy. I told myself I’d give Flower Math a try and then no more courses.

For the first time in nearly two years, I feel empowered ordering flowers. Flower Math made all the other courses I’ve taken completely irrelevant. It’s honest, practical and totally transparent. I can’t thank you enough. It feels amazing to have an actual plan about how I’m going to execute this wedding I just ordered and knowing exactly how much I will be making. With your examples, I sat down and wrote out actual recipes, which I’ve never done before (since learning from a few courses above that they’re not necessary).
Before I started my business, I did a six month stint at a studio…I somehow let my distaste from working there trick me into thinking there was some magical way I could price and not markup flowers and… still be profitable. I totally see now that the flower shop way is the way! But I can still design how I want to and create a healthy work environment for myself….
I listened to your recent podcast interview and you said something that really stuck with me. It was something along the lines of, just because someone is doing beautiful work and seems successful on Instagram doesn’t mean they are running a successful business in real life. You’re in this for the long-term. I loved that. It felt like permission for me to also stop caring what everyone else is doing and focus on growing my business for the long-term.
All the best,  Nicole”

Don’t listen to people who tell you that you “don’t need a recipe”. You most definitely do need a recipe to turn a profit in your floral design business. Recipes are an important part of your pricing and profits in your small business.


In Flower Math, I don’t tell you what I think you should do. I show you, step by step, exactly how I do it. Whether you’re pricing a wedding or a daily delivery from your shop, you’ll learn how to make a profit on every order you make.

I created this course for floral designers who have a talent and love for flowers, but do not have anywhere to turn for mentorship to learn the business-side of the craft.

From industry standard mark-ups and how to apply them to recipes and wholesale ordering, plus 3 real weddings worth of sales, orders, recipes & real profits—I’m taking you behind the scenes to show you how I run my floral design business.

I know you will take these formulas, recipes, tips and advice and run with them.

Save $100 Off Flower Math here.


New!  Since so many of you answered that Pricing & Profitability is what you’re most interested in learning or improving I’m introducing a 2-payment plan for Flower Math….you can start today if you’re ready.

Flower Math is an investment in your business. You have to ask yourself as a business owner, “how many weddings do I have to sell to make back this investment?”

So, how much work would you have to book to make it worth it? How many gigs do you have to book to make $499?

I’ve had florists tells me they’ve made back the price of the course in 1 wedding.


Larissa of Bridal Beginnings shared on Facebook, “Flower Math saved my business.”

Invest in your business, invest in your profitability. Click to get Flower Math here today!


More feedback from real florists…

Some floralpreneurs said they were interested in The Art of Good Business, but it just wasn’t the right time:

“I genuinely LOVE your courses and rave about them to literally everyone and anyone. The short courses on proposals and contracts has been invaluable and I know I would get a lot out of the art of good business, I whole heartedly trust your voice and know your advise is well worth the fee. I spent up on advertising this year and am still trying to recoup some gains from that investment so it was more a timing issue for me this time round. I have already earmarked for next year instead of collaborations and paid adverts I am investing in your course, I just hope that you will run it again in the new year (after Valentines).”

“I’ve got a client management system in place that I am always tweaking. I was actually thinking that flower math might be a better option for me at this point. You are an awesome resource, Alison, and I’m grateful for all of your assistance in the group. Thank you for your videos as well.”

“I should ask my husband to buy me your course for Christmas!“

Because many floral designers said “timing” was an issue…

Many florists said that November, January and March were ideal times to dive into a course so I am offering 3 upcoming sessions of The Art of Good Business and you can find details here! Registration will be open in November, January and March. You can sign up any time that works for you during the registration months and then join me for livestreams in our private Facebook group once a month for the entire year! You can do this course at your own pace and get live support from me once a month for the entire year. I don’t want you to just buy the course, I want you to get results!}

 

Again, many thanks to those who took the time to share your input with me. I have more survey results to share with you….tune in Monday for the #2 Thing florists told me they want to learn more about!

Keep doing beautiful work!

With love from me to you,

Alison

Learn more about Flower Math here.

Want to book a one-on-one strategy session? Find the details here: Private lessons

October 28, 2017 — 4:23 am

By Alison Ellis

My first podcast interview

I am happy to share my first podcast interview on From The Ground Up Floral.

When Gina invited me on, I was an immediate yes….I love talking to florists about business so this was a fun opportunity for me.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to check it out! You can listen here: fromthegroundupfloral.media/podcast/2019/6/14/flower-math-with-alison-ellis

Here are some of the topics we talk about in our chat:

  • How I got started in the floral industry;
  • How do you make money as a home-based floral business?;
  • Industry standards on pricing;
  • Lessons from my best-worst boss;
  • A misconception I used to have about “ideal clients”;
  • The Art of Good Business (my online branding and biz building course);
  • Gina mentions that one of her favorite videos about the consequences of “adding one extra rose” (see below);
  • Should a newer designer charge less?;
  • Quoting on the spot;
  • Why grocery stores are losing out by not using Flower Math Fomulas!

You can find the podcast on iTunes and subscribe to future episodes as well! I hope you’ll make some time to listen.


Here’s the video mentioned in our interview:

Thanks to Gina for inviting me to your podcast!

Floralpreneurs sometimes ask me if I’ll ever do a podcast and while I’d never say never, you can currently find me on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest!

xo. -Alison

 


Read more about The Art Of Good Business HERE.

 

September 24, 2017 — 11:56 pm

By Alison Ellis

Website Tips For Florists

Website Tips For Florists

I’ll be honest, when I started my business I had no clue how much time I’d spend working on my website.

Your website is one of your sharpest sales tools…

And it’s always a work in progress…

And it isn’t just about looking pretty.

Which comes first, a better website or better clients?

(Well, that’s not easy to answer, but a great website certainly can’t hurt!)

An excellent website is a must-have; this is not optional! Your website is your storefront and it represents your brand.

Your brand is how the world sees you….SO…what does your website say about your brand? (Not sure? Grab my free pdf HERE!)


When you scroll through your website, answer the following questions:

“Does your website…”

  • Lead your client through the pages you most want them to see?
  • Explain the booking/ordering process?
  • Represent your brand in its best light? (Is your website as professional as you are?)
  • Help you prescreen clients for style and budget?
  • Fully express what you do and what you sell? (You must be willing to sell on your site!)

If you didn’t answer a resounding “yes” to all of the above, it’s time to build your website and your brand!

Grab my FREE pdf “Website Tips For Florists” with my 6 Quick Fixes plus 3 More Tips to take your website even further!

Get your free pdf here!


And if you’re finally ready to level-up and create an awesome website that attracts your ideal clients and helps you book better gigs, CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE BOOTCAMP HERE!

You can do this work yourself with whatever website platform you already use!

It’s easy to get started.


 

Not sure if my course is right for you? I’m happy to answer any questions you may have before, during or after taking a course. You can easily reach me via e-mail right here: floralartvt@gmail.com

September 19, 2017 — 4:37 pm

By Alison Ellis

Build A Better Website

Hello floralpreneurs! Do you run a one woman (or one man!) show when it comes to your website design, marketing, and overall business strategizing (i.e. what you do to attract ideal clients!)? If the answers is “yes”, I’ve got something for you!

Join me Monday, Sept. 18th in my FREE PopUp Group on Facebook with Website Tips For Florists. I’ll be live at Noon (EDT) on 9/18, but you can catch a replay in the group thru Sept. 30th.

Click HERE to join the free group!

Your website is your online storefront. It’s how the world sees you! And I know that honing your message to attract your ideal clients isn’t easy!

I’ve done a lot of work around this in my own floral design business and in my LIVE online course, The Art Of Good Business, I share with you exactly how I “do the work” to build a brand that attracts my ideal clients over and over again.

Ideal clients are a gift. I never take them for granted. Each and every time the “right client” finds me I am thrilled and reassured that the hard work I do is worth the effort! 

If you’re ready to make room for quality over quantity in your business (i.e. the RIGHT clients vs just “any” clients) I hope you’ll join me in my free PopUp group and then, make a leap to join me for The Art Of Good Business. (Door close Sept. 30th)

Not sure if my course is right for you? Get in touch! floralartvt@gmail.com 

We can even hop on the phone for a chat.

xo. -A

September 14, 2017 — 2:36 pm

By Alison Ellis

10 Tips For Home-Studio Florists

Hello, Floralpreneur®! Today I have prepared a brand new free pdf to share with you with 10 Tips for Home-Studio Florists. Grab your copy now (it’s free)!

It’s Easy.

1. Click to sign up here: Get 10 Tips For Home-Studio Florists

2. Confirm your subscription. (check your spam or promotions folder in case it lands there by mistake.)

3. Open the e-mail from me with your free pdf.

 

As a home-studio florist since 2002, I’ve learned a thing or two… First and foremost this: EVERY YEAR IS A LEARNING YEAR!

That is the truest advice for any business owner; no matter how long you’ve been in business there will always be something new to discover, overcome, “deal with”, or figure out.

No two businesses are exactly alike.

Own what makes you unique!

Share your talents with the world.

“Perfect” isn’t always an option and in fact, it’s rarely an option.

Don’t let “less than perfect” stop you or slow you down.”

If you know a floralpreneur® who’d enjoy these tips, please share them!

Keep doing beautiful work! ​​​​​​​

 

With love from me to you,

Alison Ellis

Learn more about me HERE!

September 12, 2017 — 2:44 am

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • …
  • 30
  • Next Page »

Welcome, Floralpreneur®.  I’m Alison Ellis, creator of Flower Math, published author, and founder of Real Flower Business. My online business courses and private coaching help floral designers increase profits, book great clients & build a better brand.  Learn More →

Follow me on social:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

FOR WEDDING FLORISTS:

Get Flower Math

Complete Course Collection

Read my book: Falling Into Flowers

Wedding Templates for Florists

 

FREE RESOURCES:

Free eBook: Everything I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Business

10 Tips for Home-Studio Florists

10 Things I Did To Grow My Biz

Wedding Bouquet Tips

AS SEEN ON:

*The Flower Podcast

*Slow Flowers Podcast

*Mornings With Mayesh

*Botanical Brouhaha

*Florists’ Review

*FlirtyFleurs.com

*From The Ground Up Floral-podcast

Topics

advertising Alison Ellis American Grown Flowers blogging Botanical Brouhaha branding Business Plan For Florists contracts Customer Service Delivery Fees design tips e-mail E-mail Templates for Florists FlirtyFleurs floraculture Floral Artistry floral business floral design floral foam floral industry floralpreneur Floral Speaker Floral Wholesalers Floral Workshop florist pricing floristry florists Flower Blog Flower Boss 2 Flower Math Freelance Florists Giving Back Home-Based Florists Ideal Customers Marketing Mornings With Mayesh real flower business Slow Flowers Testimonials The Art Of Good Business The Flower Podcast websites wedding florist wedding proposals Wedding Workflow

Categories

  • Alison's Favorite Things (4)
  • Book for Wedding Florists (3)
  • Boutonnieres & Corsages (2)
  • Building A Brand (135)
  • Business Plan (44)
  • Coaching (15)
  • Contracts (7)
  • Courses (52)
  • Customer Feedback (10)
  • Customer Service (50)
  • Delivery & Set-up (4)
  • E-mail Etiquette (11)
  • Floral Design (151)
  • Floral Industry (224)
  • Floral Workshop (27)
  • Floralpreneur® Workshop (4)
  • Flower Blog (189)
  • Flower Business (209)
  • Flower Math (50)
  • Frequently Asked Questions (26)
  • Giving Back (1)
  • Home-Studio Florists (92)
  • Ideal Customers (53)
  • Inclusivity (5)
  • Marketing (87)
  • Online Business Education for Florists (194)
  • Photography tips for Florists (1)
  • Pricing (50)
  • Pricing Tips For Florists (33)
  • Proposals (26)
  • Recipes (6)
  • Social Media (3)
  • Uncategorized (4)
  • Websites (36)
  • Wedding Workflow (4)
  • Workshops for Florists (17)

Blogroll

Be Sage Consulting

Botanical Brouhaha

Hitomi Gilliam

Flirty Fleurs

Francoise Weeks

Marie Forleo

Passionflower Sue

The Business Of Being Creative

The Flower Podcast

The Full Bouquet

Think Splendid

Slow Flowers

Seth Godin

  • About
  • Courses
  • Book A Call
  • Workshop
  • Blog
  • Login

Copyright © 2026 Fresh Event Design, LLC · Website Designed by Zach Hoag