Cómo convertirse en un diseñador floral en Hawaii
Are you passionate about flowers and plants? And creative? If so, you may be interested in a career in floral design. While in this profession you will encounter people at various stages of their lives, with different expectations and needs. Attention to detail and excellent listening and communication skills are vital to working in floral design. It is also important to know what different flowers symbolize, which ones are appropriate for certain occasions, their shelf life as well as care. As you can imagine, there are many opportunities to showcase floral arrangements in the Hawaiian Islands. If you are interested in becoming a floral designer in the state, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements and educational and certification options available to you.
Requirements to become a floral designer in Hawaii
There are no national education or certification requirements to work as a floral designer. There are also no state requirements for floral design in Hawaii. You can work as a floral designer with a high school diploma or GED and no certification. However, working as an intern, completing workshops or a training program, and earning a national certification will set you apart from other potential employees and may even help you earn more. If you want to work independently and own your own floral design business, having formal education and certification can help you build a larger client base.
Hawaii Courses for Floral Designers
Most employers prefer to hire floral designers who have experience and knowledge in this career field. Taking classes in floral design or completing a formal educational training program will demonstrate that you have both. Here are some options in the state:
- The Garden Club of Honolulu. The Garden Club of Honolulu regularly offers floral design classes that are fun and affordable. They have also offered a series of floral design classes at the University of Hawaii in the past. Materials are included and most class fees are under $50. Workshops cover: Thanksgiving Holiday Centerpieces, Holiday Wreaths, Holiday Topiaries. Most workshops are only a couple of hours long.
- Penn Foster Career School. Penn Foster Career School offers a Certificate of Completion in Floral Design that can be taken online. The program consists of eight courses and seven practical exercises during which students can apply what they have learned. The program can be completed in less than six months and costs $639. Tuition can be paid in full or in monthly installments.
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National Certification for Floral Designers in Hawaii
Having a national certification can help you find work if you have less than six months of experience. It can also help you attract more clients if you are self-employed.
To become a Certified Floral Designer (CFD), you will need to follow the guidelines set forth by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). You must complete a floral design education program at a school that is either an AIFD Partner Education Center or offered through an approved state floral association. After completing the program, you can take the online Professional Floral Design Assessment (PFDE). If there is no AIFD- or State Floral Association-approved program in your area, you can take the PFDE and the practical design assessment. You must score 80 or higher to pass the PFDE and become certified. Certification will earn you a certificate, a pin, and a listing in AIFD’s print and online directories. To maintain your CFD status, you must take 25 continuing education credits every three years and pay a renewal fee.
Career prospects and salary expectations
In 2016, Hawaii employed 170 floral designers. According to The Projections Managing Partnership (PMP), that number is not projected to change by 2026. That means no additional jobs are expected to be created in Hawaii in this sector over the next few years. However, several states have predicted a decline in the number of floral designers, so this is still good news for Hawaii.
Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Hawaiian floral designers earned $15.57 per hour and $32,380 per year in 2017. Keep in mind that pay may be lower or higher depending on your level of education and experience, as well as where in the state you live and work. The top earners in the state earned an average of $44,870 per year in 2017. Floral designers in Honolulu earn an average of $32,700 per year.
Working as a floral designer in Hawaii
Although a nationwide decline in the floral design industry is expected in the coming years, that shouldn’t deter you. The decline is due to many consumers now using online florists. Educate yourself and keep your knowledge up to date to stand out from others. A certification will help you stand out. It’s also helpful to create a portfolio to showcase your work and help expand your clientele.
Most floral designers in Hawaii are located in Honolulu. You can find work in flower shops, greenhouses, and grocery stores. Serve your customers’ needs and demonstrate floral design knowledge and creativity. This will help you become a sought-after floral designer.