When I started The Hidden Garden back in 1999, I had a vision: create breathtaking floral designs and bring beauty into people's lives every single day. What I didn't realize? There is so much more to this business than flowers.
Twenty-six years later, I've seen it all — the magic, the chaos, the late nights, the impossible last-minute requests, the team members who changed everything, and the clients who made it all worth it. And I've learned some hard lessons along the way that I wish someone had handed me on day one.
If you're thinking about starting your own floral business — or you're already knee-deep in blooms and wondering why no one warned you — these seven things might just save you time, money, and a few too many sleepless nights. 
1. Perishables Are No Joke
Flowers aren't just pretty — they're delicate, time-sensitive, and unforgiving. You need to deeply understand how long each variety lasts, what conditions they need, how to care for them properly, and how to price them in a way that actually accounts for loss.
Running out of the right blooms right before a wedding? Disaster. Over-ordering and watching $500 worth of peonies wilt in the cooler? Also disaster.
Learning the balance — and building that knowledge into your ordering systems — is everything. It took me years to get this dialed in, and it's still one of the most important skills in this business.
2. Staffing Will Be Your Greatest Challenge (and Your Greatest Asset)
Your team will make or break you. Full stop.
In my early years, I made some not-so-great hires — brought people on too soon, held on too long, and sometimes just trusted the wrong gut feeling. Honestly? It's still something I navigate. Hiring in this industry is hard. You need people who are skilled and have the right pace, the right attitude, and real pride in their work.
But when you find those people? They are everything. The right team turns a good floral business into a great one. Invest in finding them, training them, and keeping them.
3. Find a Mentor Before You Think You Need One
No one builds a business alone — and the ones who try usually learn the hardest lessons the hardest way.
I wish I had found a mentor sooner. Someone who had already navigated the pricing struggles, the difficult clients, the cash flow crunches, and the creative burnout. Whether it's a business coach, a mastermind group, or an industry veteran who's willing to be honest with you — find someone who's been where you're going. It will change the trajectory of your business faster than almost anything else.
4. Systems and Processes Will Save Your Sanity
For years, everything lived in my head. Orders, timelines, pricing structures, vendor contacts — it was all just my way, running on instinct and muscle memory. And for a while, that worked.
Until it didn't.
I was constantly putting out fires, dropping details, and running at a pace that wasn't sustainable. If I had invested in systems earlier — real systems, not just sticky notes and good intentions — I would have saved myself years of stress and probably a lot of money too. Get organized early. Build your processes before you desperately need them.
5. Not Every Client Is Your Client
This one took me longer than I'd like to admit.
In the beginning, I said yes to everything. Weddings, events, corporate accounts, small parties, last-minute orders — if someone wanted flowers, I was there. But not every client is the right client. Some drain your energy, undervalue your work, or simply aren't a fit for the kind of business you're building.
Learning to say no — gracefully and confidently — is one of the most powerful things you can do for your business. The right clients are out there. Saying no to the wrong ones makes room for them.
6. Boundaries Aren't Optional — They're Survival
Floral design isn't just a business. It's a passion. And passion has a way of making you feel like you should always say yes, always stay later, always do more.
But passion doesn't run on empty. 
I learned the hard way that if you don't set limits, this industry will take everything you're willing to give — and then ask for a little more. Late nights, impossible demands, last-minute disasters — they will always be part of the job. But without boundaries around your time, your energy, and your standards, you will burn out. And a burned-out florist can't serve anyone well.
Protect yourself. It's not selfish — it's smart business.
7. This Industry is About Relationships
Yes, the flowers are important. The design matters. The execution has to be flawless. But after 26 years, I can tell you with absolute certainty: relationships are the foundation of everything.
Your relationships with your vendors, your clients, your planners, your hotel contacts, your team — that's what builds a business that lasts. That's what brings people back. That's what gets you the referral, the repeat booking, the phone call that turns into a six-figure account.
Treat people well. Follow up. Show up. Send the flowers. Write the note. Be the person they trust.
Simple as that. 
Looking Back — and Looking Forward
If I had known all of this 26 years ago, I would have saved myself a lot of trial and error. But here's the thing — I wouldn't trade the lessons. They made me a better designer, a stronger leader, and a smarter business owner.
I'm sharing them now so you don't have to learn them the hard way.
And if you're looking for someone to walk alongside you in this industry — a mentor who's actually been in the trenches — well... let's talk. 
Hit reply or tap the button below. I check my inbox every morning (coffee firmly in hand) and I genuinely love swapping stories, talking shop, and helping other florists build something beautiful.
You don't have to figure this out alone.
