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1. UNDERSTAND THE FLORIST BUSINESS
A florist business involves:
• Selling fresh flowers (roses, lilies, carnations, sunflowers, etc.)
• Making bouquets and floral arrangements
• Providing flowers for events (weddings, funerals, birthdays, corporate events)
• Optional add-ons: vases, wrapping paper, greeting cards, chocolates
You can operate as:
• A roadside / small shop florist
• A home-based florist
• An online florist (Instagram, WhatsApp, website)
2. MARKET RESEARCH
Before you start:
• Identify your target customers (events, offices, individuals, hotels, churches)
• Check competitors in your area and their prices
• Learn which flowers are most popular locally
• Understand peak seasons (Valentine’s, weddings, graduations, funerals)
3. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS IN KENYA
You will need:
• Business name registration (eCitizen)
• Single Business Permit from your county government
• KRA PIN (mandatory)
• If operating online only, permits are still recommended
4. LOCATION & SETUP
Good locations include:
• Near busy roads
• Close to hospitals, churches, event venues
• Town centers or shopping areas
Basic setup items:
• Table or small shop
• Buckets or flower vases
• Clean water supply
• Sharp scissors / floral knife
• Wrapping materials (papers, ribbons)
• Cooler or fridge (optional but helpful)
5. SOURCE OF FLOWERS
Flowers can be sourced from:
• Flower farms (Naivasha, Limuru, Thika)
• Wholesale flower markets
• Local growers
Tips:
• Buy early in the morning
• Start small to reduce wastage
• Build good relationships with suppliers
6. SKILLS REQUIRED
Basic skills you should learn:
• Flower arrangement
• Bouquet wrapping
• Customer service
• Pricing and simple record keeping
You can learn through:
• YouTube tutorials
• Short florist training courses
• Practicing daily with small orders
7. PRICING YOUR PRODUCTS
When pricing, consider:
• Cost of flowers
• Transport costs
• Packaging materials
• Your profit margin
Example:
• Cost of bouquet: KES 800
• Selling price: KES 1,200 – 1,500
Always price for profit, not just affordability.
8. MARKETING & SALES
Effective ways to market:
• Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
• WhatsApp Business catalog
• Word of mouth
• Partnering with event planners, hotels, and churches
Tips:
• Post clear photos
• Show prices
• Respond fast to inquiries
• Offer delivery services
9. DAILY OPERATIONS
• Change water daily to keep flowers fresh
• Remove damaged flowers immediately
• Track daily sales and expenses
• Reduce wastage by selling slow-moving flowers at a discount
10. CHALLENGES & HOW TO MANAGE THEM
Common challenges:
• Flower spoilage → Buy small quantities
• Low sales days → Focus on online marketing
• Transport issues → Use reliable riders
• Price fluctuations → Adjust prices seasonally
11. GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
As the business grows, you can:
• Add event decoration services
• Supply flowers to offices on subscription
• Open more outlets
• Start importing specialty flowers
• Train others and sell floral courses
12. KEY SUCCESS TIPS
• Start small, grow steadily
• Prioritize quality and freshness
• Treat customers well
• Keep proper records
• Reinvest profits
Idea 2: Florist Business Guide
ARTICLES
Entrepreneurship
1. UNDERSTAND THE FLORIST BUSINESS
A florist business involves:
• Selling fresh flowers (roses, lilies, carnations, sunflowers, etc.)
• Making bouquets and floral arrangements
• Providing flowers for events (weddings, funerals, birthdays, corporate events)
• Optional add-ons: vases, wrapping paper, greeting cards, chocolates
You can operate as:
• A roadside / small shop florist
• A home-based florist
• An online florist (Instagram, WhatsApp, website)
2. MARKET RESEARCH
Before you start:
• Identify your target customers (events, offices, individuals, hotels, churches)
• Check competitors in your area and their prices
• Learn which flowers are most popular locally
• Understand peak seasons (Valentine’s, weddings, graduations, funerals)
3. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS IN KENYA
You will need:
• Business name registration (eCitizen)
• Single Business Permit from your county government
• KRA PIN (mandatory)
• If operating online only, permits are still recommended
4. LOCATION & SETUP
Good locations include:
• Near busy roads
• Close to hospitals, churches, event venues
• Town centers or shopping areas
Basic setup items:
• Table or small shop
• Buckets or flower vases
• Clean water supply
• Sharp scissors / floral knife
• Wrapping materials (papers, ribbons)
• Cooler or fridge (optional but helpful)
5. SOURCE OF FLOWERS
Flowers can be sourced from:
• Flower farms (Naivasha, Limuru, Thika)
• Wholesale flower markets
• Local growers
Tips:
• Buy early in the morning
• Start small to reduce wastage
• Build good relationships with suppliers
6. SKILLS REQUIRED
Basic skills you should learn:
• Flower arrangement
• Bouquet wrapping
• Customer service
• Pricing and simple record keeping
You can learn through:
• YouTube tutorials
• Short florist training courses
• Practicing daily with small orders
7. PRICING YOUR PRODUCTS
When pricing, consider:
• Cost of flowers
• Transport costs
• Packaging materials
• Your profit margin
Example:
• Cost of bouquet: KES 800
• Selling price: KES 1,200 – 1,500
Always price for profit, not just affordability.
8. MARKETING & SALES
Effective ways to market:
• Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
• WhatsApp Business catalog
• Word of mouth
• Partnering with event planners, hotels, and churches
Tips:
• Post clear photos
• Show prices
• Respond fast to inquiries
• Offer delivery services
9. DAILY OPERATIONS
• Change water daily to keep flowers fresh
• Remove damaged flowers immediately
• Track daily sales and expenses
• Reduce wastage by selling slow-moving flowers at a discount
10. CHALLENGES & HOW TO MANAGE THEM
Common challenges:
• Flower spoilage → Buy small quantities
• Low sales days → Focus on online marketing
• Transport issues → Use reliable riders
• Price fluctuations → Adjust prices seasonally
11. GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
As the business grows, you can:
• Add event decoration services
• Supply flowers to offices on subscription
• Open more outlets
• Start importing specialty flowers
• Train others and sell floral courses
12. KEY SUCCESS TIPS
• Start small, grow steadily
• Prioritize quality and freshness
• Treat customers well
• Keep proper records
• Reinvest profits