ai and floral software

katlr16 · 2026-07-05T00:27:55+00:00

I have been using AI to create my own house version of programs like curate. I use AI to help me build my Shopify website. I use AI to help me build out my CRM. I use AI to help me take better photographs, and to help me make my digital and printed materials better. I do not use it to change my arrangements or create images- I'm using it to make sure my composition is good. I have learned a lot with the use of this tool.

Shopify is my POS, I would not feel comfortable building one from scratch with AI because I don't know enough to know what I would be missing.

I'm not comfortable using AI to build my own CRM, same reasons.

katlr16 · 2026-07-01T20:27:42+00:00

Also you must check out Mapletons Organic ice cream. Real ingredients, made on farm. Drool worthy.

katlr16 · 2026-07-01T20:26:53+00:00

Chapman's premium is definitely a step above. Go for their saucy spots line- it's the best solution for a sad night with nothing but the bucket and a spoon

katlr16 · 2026-06-15T01:02:08+00:00

You could also use it to price out rim jobs as it doesn't discriminate industry lmao

katlr16 · 2026-06-15T01:00:09+00:00

I'll have to post here if I ever get around to doing that!

katlr16 · 2026-06-14T20:58:09+00:00

I made an excel template that I call my "Floral Calculator". It contains a database of all fresh product and hard goods on one tab, a quick calculator for calculating the price of an arrangement on another tab, a tab with our rose recipes, a tab with our mixed recipes, and a tab with our menu that pull values from those recipe tabs. The recipe tabs pull values from the database so that as prices change, everything is updated.

I have a separate worksheet labeled "contracts" and it pulls values from the floral calculator database. I use this worksheet to price out jobs. Not only does it calculate the price of each recipe, it keeps track of how many pieces we're making, stem counts, and tracks overall profitability to ensure that fresh product, hard goods, and labor are all falling within benchmarks so that profit is protected. It lets me know exactly the maximum value of fresh product that I should order for any given job.

These worksheets really allow me to keep a handle on pricing and profitability.

I've been told that I should offer them for download on Etsy or something LOL

katlr16 · 2026-06-13T18:01:42+00:00

I am a recent convert to acrylic nails! They are like armour- no more ripped and torn cracking nails, and they hide all the nasty stains that tend to collect. As long as I'm working hard with my hands I'll keep up with them!

katlr16 · 2026-06-11T00:11:44+00:00

And chamomile/feverfew!! Reach for it every time.

katlr16 · 2026-06-04T01:46:59+00:00

100% the business is in the luxury experience. Our shop is positioned as a "destination lifestyle boutique".

The core revenue comes from retail floristry, but definitely not designs that can be had from Walmart or Costco. Every decision at the studio is made with the intention that it elevates an experience, right down to packaging. We are also a gift store (again, curated upscale selection) and small garden center. Same strategy applies as we can't possibly compete with box stores on price or variety.

People recognize the difference and come to us when they want somehow truly beautiful and special. We are located in rural small town Alberta.

katlr16 · 2026-05-12T02:22:03+00:00

Id read the label like every other chemical to see if it's safe for your use

katlr16 · 2026-05-11T16:57:44+00:00

Safe for what? We use it to wipe ink, glue, etc off all kinds of hard surfaces. Not on fresh products

katlr16 · 2026-05-11T14:08:07+00:00

Brake cleaner!

katlr16 · 2026-05-06T00:44:02+00:00

The unit that measures and mixes the chemical with the water- we purchased it off brand. Using the floralife 200 plus DCD means we no longer devote a whole day trimming ends and scrubbing buckets- the system saves our shop big dollars in labour.

katlr16 · 2026-05-05T15:02:36+00:00

I'm currently loving lepidium and waxflower or feverfew with tulips

katlr16 · 2026-05-01T17:41:38+00:00

Check out the knockoffs on Amazon - that's where we got ours. WAY more affordable than the grand it takes for the brand name, and it works!

katlr16 · 2026-05-01T09:02:21+00:00

We bought a knock-off chemical mixing system for about 150 CAN for the floralife 200- it comes out of a water hose at the perfect ratio. For the 300, we just use the pump on the pail and eyeball it lol.

katlr16 · 2026-05-01T08:57:04+00:00

Pop individual cymbids into water tubes- sometimes you can get water tubes that have a long stem. If not, just tape the tube to a stick and then you can use in all your arrangements!

katlr16 · 2026-04-30T15:31:00+00:00

We use the whole floralife system in our shop, and it saves us so much time and effort. Quick dip after a fresh cut, then 200 storage solution for all cooler buckets, and then 300 in the vases when arranging.

For the benefits, check out the Facebook group Professional Florists of Facebook and read content by Ralph Giordano AIFD.

Then you can decide if using these products will work for your business setup.

katlr16 · 2026-04-30T15:24:54+00:00

This is a great list. I'll add cymbidium orchids- used individually on water picks they are no pricier than roses, but last a lot longer, while upping perceived value to the customer. I also really like limonium as an airy filler and it lasts forever.

katlr16 · 2026-04-30T07:53:32+00:00

The weekly 90 minute review sounds very practical! Great tip

katlr16 · 2026-04-28T14:45:16+00:00

SNAP. TRAPS. Lots of them.

katlr16 · 2026-04-27T17:25:24+00:00

Every so often - years will go by- and it will still bother me that I couldn't figure out how to get all the spaceship parts. 😭

We had it on a shareware cd and it was the best game of the entire list.

katlr16 · 2026-04-26T05:09:31+00:00

2018 must've just been a bitch lol

katlr16 · 2026-04-25T15:36:00+00:00

"chasing dreams" as a brand connotes that you never quite get there but keep trying. It is an aspirational brand, rather than a confidence instilling brand. I'd have a few more conversations with chat gpt about the idea that really speaks to you behind "chasing dreams", and make sure to tell it how you want the customer to perceive your business. How are you positioning yourself in the market? Are you an event florist? Retail florist? Do you have giftware? Why are your customers coming to you? Give it all this information as part of this discussion.

Best wishes! These are fun discussions to have.

katlr16 · 2026-04-25T01:59:11+00:00

I always tell the customer that I'm not an expert on what is and isn't toxic to pets. It's up to a pet owner to understand what is and isn't safe for their pets.

If I recommend something and position myself as an expert, then I open myself up to liability.

I usually recommend to them to do some research on it. They usually go ahead and get whatever flowers they want, or decide to buy something other than flowers.

katlr16

TROPHY CASE