Some Days, Floral Business Can Be a Bed of Roses

Kathy Lyon’s start in floral design began shortly after she began dating Jim Lyon, who owned a flower shop, Artistic Florists in Costa Mesa.

“I was working in a bank, but I helped Jim out at the shop,” she said. Lyon made it her full-time occupation, she said, because she enjoys making people happy. “I get calls all the time from customers” complimenting her on her designs, she said.

Lyon also said she appreciates the generally relaxing atmosphere of the shop. Unfortunately, the nature of the floral business is such that it produces extremely busy days followed by incredibly quiet ones.

Around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, the Lyons expect to work through the night. Fridays can also be grueling when they have several weekend weddings for which to prepare. Since the flowers must be fresh, a florist cannot put its arrangements together ahead of time.

Hit with surprises quite often, the couple have learned to be flexible with their schedules. Customers often want orders made up and delivered immediately, such as when babies are born or companies get surprise visits from clients.

Despite the inherent difficulties, the Lyons said it is a pleasant, well-paying business. Floral designers can make up to $20 per hour. Many designers, once they have established a reputation, eventually set up their own shops.

So-called “garage designers,” who usually only design for events such as weddings, are a source of real competition to retail florists, according to the Lyons.

OCCUPATION: FLORAL DESIGNER

* What’s involved: Floral designers take orders for flowers, select flowers for customers and makes the arrangements.

* Qualifications: Most floral designers start by working in another capacity at a flower shop and work their way up. Some have taken courses in flower arranging. They must be able to demonstrate creativity in designing while working at a speedy pace.

* Outlook: By 1988, the number of floral designers in the county is projected to increase by 11.1% to 400.

* Salary range: Floral designers earn $10 to $20 per hour working in a floral shop.

* Pros: Most designers enjoy the creative aspect of their work and working with flowers.

* Cons: The hours are long during holiday periods. Also, customers are often in a hurry, so the designers have to be quick to satisfy their needs.

* Advancement: Many designers establish their own floral shops or start an independent businesses arranging flowers for special events.

* Quote: “It is a fun business to be in, but a designer has to be someone who can organize her day and then be flexible enough to reorganize it as orders come in. Customers call and want their order that day.”

--Kathy Lyon *

Researched by HOPE HAMASHIGE / For The Times