Alison Ellis, founder of realflowerbusiness.com and creator of Flower Math, is a floral designer and educator who teaches florists around the world how to increase their income and have more freedom in your business.

With over 25 years experience, she’s helped thousands of florists via her online business courses, private & group coaching, and free video trainings.

Alison’s videos and articles are featured in leading industry publications including Florists’ Review Magazine, FlirtyFleurs.com, BotanicalBrouhaha.com, and Mornings With Mayesh. In addition, she’s taught at The Chapel Designer’s Conference at Hope Flower Farm, The Floral Reserve in Providence, RI, and The Floral Field Trip in Warren, VT.

Show Notes

1. Sometimes we need a push to get to the next level in our business. As difficult as it may seem at the time, learning to embrace the push when it happens will help you achieve your next level goals.

2. Make sure to look at your pricing and see if you’re charging a design fee. It’s often overlooked.

3. Protect yourself by charging more for time consuming designs and/or problem flowers . For example: Super Delicate flowers like poppies or time consuming designs like wearable flowers can easily chisel away at profit if not properly for accounted for in your budget.

4. Make sure you know your overhead when deciding on a appropriate markup.

5. When prequalifying, be sure you’re not putting up walls or barriers between you and potential customers.

6. I liked what Alison said about evaluating your website. Make sure it’s not just about you, but also about your customer in the first paragraph.

From Alison:

“The #1 issue florists tell me they struggle with is pricing, but the #2 issue is probably how to avoid spending too much time on a wedding client before you're under deposit. I've been sharing all of my very best booking tips focusing on the 3 Keys To Booking Great Clients over in my Patreon group and you can grab a free tutorial from that members only training HERE with 3 Quick & Easy Mood Board Tips to help you streamline your proposal process. This 9 minute video will show you 3 ways to make a mood board, 2 real mood boards that I made for clients, 1 real wedding I designed based on a mood board, AND I show you a quote I sent without a mood board! Check it out. It's free!”

Floralpreneur® (n.):

A floral designer with initiative and business savvy.

“I teach florists how to make more money and book better clients! I believe every florist should turn a profit and recognize the value of your time & expertise. I'm committed to a culture in floristry where our standards are on the rise and our clients experience tremendous value in the beauty we create.” Alison Ellis