Flourishing flower profession

Marleen Westland works at Flowermoments by Anggrek in Amsterdam.

A florist never stops learning, as Marleen Westland knows all too well. Flowers and trends change, and Marleen grows along with these. “Working each day with flowers you learn more and more what works and what sells. You discover which combinations reflect your own style and how you can adapt this to the wishes of the customer. For example, I personally really like refined flowers, but I can also make beautiful bouquets that incorporate big eye-catchers.”

Marleen believes you can continue to develop also without taking courses. “Ask questions at work, try out new techniques and never stop marvelling at what flowers can do. That way, you learn something new every day. Each day, we have different flowers in our large flower stall. This challenges me to keep on being creative and try something new every time.”

Her advice to starting florists? “Choose a workplace where you feel comfortable. You will be able to grow there, develop yourself and, above all, enjoy this wonderful profession.”