>
When people ask the age-old question, “What do you do?” and I tell them I run a flower shop, they usually respond with one of the following reactions: “Oh! I’ve always wanted to work in a flower shop,” or “Your life must be just like a romantic comedy working around those beautiful flowers all day long…”
In the short time I’ve been running this crazy business, things often feel much more comedic than romantic.
Keep reading for a few of the {light-hearted} lessons I’ve learned as a blossoming florist…
- In large quantities, baby’s breath (or gypsophila, as the pros call it) smells like cat pee.
- Dignity is overrated. You realize this after the fourth time you slip on a rose petal or spilled water and fall right on your behind in front of your staff and/or customers.
- While we’re on the subject of things that are overrated, add: three square meals a day to the list. But have no fear; the gourmet cupcakes from the bakery next door will sustain you through the 14-hour days with sporadic lunch breaks.
- As much as you want to wear your cute new platforms to work, just don’t. (See #2)
- “Running on Dunkin” is not just a catchy ad campaign slogan… it’s a way of life.
- Every rose does, indeed, have its thorn. Some are more like daggers, and their only mission in life is to lodge themselves deeply into your dainty little fingertips.
- Manicures are no longer a luxury; they’re a necessity. You’ll need a good coat of polish at all times to cover your now chronically dirty nails and ravaged cuticles. (Thank heaven for this hand lotion).
- Splinters are an inconvenient and unavoidable workplace hazard. When your husband offers to remove them with needles, just politely decline. They’ll work their way out on their own – but not before driving you batty for a few days first.
- There is no greater temptation than the fresh flower truck that pulls up to your back door every day filled to the brim with the most gorgeous blooming beauties. You must develop tunnel vision and chant the following mantra, “I will only buy what I need. I will only buy what I need…”
- Bridezillas do exist.
- It’s amazing what you can get away with when you’re married to the boss. [Insert puppy eyes and sweet kisses here]
- Being a successful florist requires: one part ruthless power-girl CEO, one part creative ingénue, and one part therapist to your staff and customers.
And just when you’re beyond exhausted and feel like you can’t poke even one more posie, someone comes into your shop and says, “I’m on my lunch break, and I just had to stop in and see some fresh flowers to brighten my crummy day.”
And you remember that your day job is pretty romantic, after all.
What do you think?