How to find your unique florist brand and style
Starting a flower business is exciting but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. When you look at other florists online you might feel like you need to copy them to be successful. However the secret to a great brand is being yourself. Your brand is not just a logo. It is the feeling people get when they see your work. To find your signature style you need to go on a treasure hunt for things you love.
The digital mood board challenge
A great way to start is by using Google Images to explore your tastes. Think of this like a giant puzzle where you are looking for the pieces that fit your personality. Try searching for these specific categories to see what catches your eye.
Colour palettes Search for things like sunset tones or moody jewel colours. Notice if you prefer bright and happy shades or soft and dusty pastels.
Specific flowers Look up different varieties. Are you drawn to the messy wild look of poppies or the very tidy and grand look of roses.
Textures Flowers are not just about colour. Search for terms like velvety petals or dried grasses or shiny leaves. This adds depth to your work.
Design styles Try searching for words like minimalist or overgrown garden or modern geometric. This helps you see how flowers can be arranged in different shapes.
How to filter and save your ideas
When you are searching you will find thousands of pretty pictures. The trick is to not save everything. If you save every single photo you find you will end up with a messy brand that has no clear direction.
Create a folder on your computer or a private board online. Every time you see an image ask yourself if it truly feels like you. If you only sort of like it then leave it behind. Once you have about fifty images look at them all together. You will start to notice patterns. Maybe every photo has a lot of green leaves or perhaps every photo looks very wild and natural. These patterns are the clues to your authentic style.
The secret of the signature style
As a florist you want to attract customers who love what you love. This is why you must showcase the designs you want to sell. If you love making messy garden style bouquets but you only post pictures of tight round bunches you will keep getting orders for things you do not enjoy making.
Show the world your best and most favourite work. This tells your customers exactly what they can expect from you. It makes you an expert in your specific look.
It is okay to hide some work
New florists often worry that they have to show everything they make. This is a mistake. Sometimes a customer will ask for something that is not your signature style. For example they might want a very simple bunch of red roses even if your style is wild and colourful.
You should still do the job and make the customer happy but you do not have to put it on your social media. Your Instagram or website is your shop window. You only put the very best things in the window to show people what you are famous for. By only sharing your authentic style you build a brand that is strong and recognisable.
Overcoming the fear of being different
The biggest challenge for new florists is the fear that their style is too weird or different. In the world of branding being different is actually your superpower. If you look like everyone else people will only choose you based on who is cheapest. If you have a unique style that is authentic to you people will choose you because they cannot get that specific look anywhere else.