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Employment Prospects

Employers

Approximately 53,700 floral designers are employed in the United States. Small, independently owned flower shops are common employers of florists. Large, national chains, such as Teleflora and FTD, supply additional jobs. Flower departments, now a staple in larger grocery stores, employ about 14 percent of floral designers. Approximately 52 percent of florists work in florist shops, and 18 percent of floral designers are self-employed.

Starting Out

Some floral designers get their start by working as assistant designers. Others, especially if they have a degree or certificate, may be hired as floral designers. Experienced designers may concentrate in a certain area, such as weddings, and become wedding specialists.

Entrepreneurs need to apply for a tax identification number before they officially open for business. This number is necessary to establish accounts with wholesalers and greenhouses, as well as for tax purposes. It would be wise to consult with business, accounting, and legal experts regarding income tax issues, promotion and advertising, and other matters dealing with operating your own business.

Professionals in floral design maintain a portfolio of their best designs. A portfolio is useful when applying for membership in floral associations, applying for enrollment in postsecondary training programs, and when wooing potential clients.

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