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Point of View: November/December 2010
Wise Beyond Her Years |
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Written by Amanda Ryder
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For this month’s Point of View column, we spoke with Mandy Boyd of Trillium Floral Designs in Kanata, Ont. Boyd has worked at the shop for 10 years and presents a unique perspective as a 24-year-old florist who has, at times, been discriminated against by customers because of her age. We asked her to share her experiences as a young floral designer in the industry through this Q&A session.
CF: What is it like to be young in the industry?
MB: It can be intimidating to be a young professional in the industry, especially at large events like networking meetings, award shows, and trade shows, since I’m usually the youngest one. I always dress in a professional manner, but still feel like I’m not “one of them.” It could just be a psychological feeling because I am aware that I am significantly younger, or it could be the way I’m treated by others. If I’m joined by my older co-workers, people will often approach them first and introduce themselves to me last. I feel many people suffer from “adultism,” which is defined as favouring adults, and believing that younger people are weaker, incapable and less intelligent. Unfortunately, this is a behaviour most people do not realize they display and will be an ongoing issue.
CF: How do customers react to your age and how do you deal with their reactions?
MB: When customers notice my age, some will talk down to me as if I don’t know what I’m doing because I look inexperienced. They’ll often ask me if I’ve taken some type of floral course, which to me, suggests they need assurance that I have a school diploma in order to do my job. I simply reply that I did not go to school for floral design, but that my co-workers taught me and I’ve been working at the shop for 10 years.
It also has been difficult over the past couple of years to consult with brides. Because I didn’t look qualified, it was hard for them to have confidence in me to provide them with stunning flowers for their day. Since I became engaged a year ago, I mention my wedding when consulting with brides and it seems they relate to me so much more. I guess since I’m planning my own wedding, it gives me the qualifications to help them with their own. It does make sense that they would relate more to another bride; it’s just unfortunate that I have to be planning a wedding in order for them to have full confidence in me.
CF: What tips do you have for florists when it comes to training and working with younger employees?
MB: While training younger florists, I would suggest paying attention to the needs of customers based on their age; for example, recommending a more traditional arrangement for an elderly person, or a more modern arrangement for a younger one. Once the florist knows his or her audience, the customer will have more confidence in them so that they can satisfy their floral needs, and therefore will be less likely to judge them based on age. If a florist senses they are being judged, they should stand their ground and prove to the customer that they can help them. In order to do this, however, they must exude confidence in themselves first for the customer to trust them,which is important at any age.
From a co-workers’ and owners’ perspectives, they should back up their younger employees in front of customers. If someone compliments an arrangement the younger florist created, they should point out who created it. If a customer shows preference to an older employee over a younger one, the older employee should point out that the younger one can help them with their order instead of allowing the customer to assume the younger florist is inexperienced.
CF: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
MB: I’m often inspired by my co-workers through their unique ideas and designs. Floral, home décor and wedding magazines will always continue to be a big inspiration to me with the colours, flowers and crazy ideas they have. Floral design shows also give me inspiration when it comes to different ways of approaching floral design and trends.
CF: How do you work with co-workers to exchange trends and design tips?
MB: I learn from my co-workers by observing their interactions with customers and their unique ways of designing. All of them have their own style and ways of approaching design, and through learning from them I’ve created my own design style.
When it comes to new trends I see in blogs or magazines, I’ll show them to my co-workers for inspiration. Because I frequently read wedding magazines, I come across the latest wedding trends, which I share with them.
Point of View appears regularly in CF and offers our readers the opportunity to hear the perspective of other industry members. If you would like to suggest a topic or be part of the Point of View column, please contact Sue at
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