How Much Money I Make Working as a Florist: Year 9 (Maxed Out)

This video covers my ninth year profit and loss working as a self-employed florist in 2016. This was my fourth year working full time and I really went for it. I booked 130 weddings and expanded other streams of income including single order deliveries, non-wedding events, corporate gigs and design classes.
I made just under $375,000 in revenue in 2016. However, all that work took a lot of spending. I am happy to report I paid almost $200,000 to local farmers for their flowers. I had higher payroll expenses which is also good news. Unfortunately, I needed to buy a new van after a crash which ate into profit.
There were many lessons learned as always. Most importantly business growth was not leading to more profit nor job satisfaction. To do all of the increased work I was spending money just as much. I also stepped away from designing and working with customers and farmers because I needed to be more of a manager. I was maxed out and needed to change.
If you don’t know me - my name is Ellen and my dream is to build a community of flower nerds who have an endless appetite for learning and experiencing all things flowers! Join me on this channel as we learn about sustainable floral design, life as a florist and how you can make a difference in the world through flowers.
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[@ellenfrostflowers]

If you want to check out all of the revenue streams I've tried, and get my hot take on how profitable, how stressful and how fun each is, check out my 9 Florist Revenue Streams Revealed! www.ellenfrost.com/how-to-make-money

[@davedowling7492]

$195,000 is an amazing amount of support to your local flower farmers. But as you point out, you, the florist needs to be profitable too so everyone can stay in business.

[@ellenfrostflowers]

Exactly right! I think for alot of my time in business I really put support of the farmers and support of our team above my own profitability. We were still making money, but not as much as we needed.

[@carriew29]

Another outstanding video in this series! It is so fascinating to see your business through the years and the challenges that you faced. I appreciate your honesty!

[@ellenfrostflowers]

Thanks for watching! I hope you found it helpful! I have a few more in this series to make!

[@katebarrett1924]

Great insights Ellen. Thank you for sharing your experience. I will be sharing this video with others !

[@ellenfrostflowers]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Are you a small business owner?

[@floweringevergreen3584]

Love this series! I would have needed a glass or two of wine after preparing that year's tax filings.

[@ellenfrostflowers]

I'm so glad you're enjoying this series! I've got one or two more still to make!

[@3kidmama]

Such amazing wisdom - thank you for sharing!

[@ellenfrostflowers]

Thanks you so much for watching! Is there any lesson that stuck out for you?

[@zaneymay]

Thank you for sharing all your knowledge.

[@ellenfrostflowers]

Thanks so much for following along!

[@memethomas5402]

More isnt always good. Nailed it!

[@ellenfrostflowers]

It's was a hard but necessary lesson to learn! thanks for watching.

[@memethomas5402]

@@ellenfrostflowers thank you for sharing so Much transparency, makes learning factual. 😊

[@glaizaroe]

Very helpful❤

[@ellenfrostflowers]

Thanks so much for watching! I'm glad you found it helpful!