Discover how a high school floral shop operates, empowers students, and transforms education into hands-on learning.
The Story of Tiger Lily
Every classroom has its unique flair, but the Tiger Lily Floral Shop takes hands-on learning to an entirely new level. Born out of a vision to merge creativity with real-world experience, this in-house floral shop is a cornerstone of our high school’s floral design program. Tiger Lily isn’t just a classroom project—it’s a fully functioning business where students take the lead in every aspect, from designing arrangements to managing customer orders.
The shop’s mission is simple yet impactful: to teach students valuable skills while providing the school and local community with beautiful, custom floral designs. Over the years, Tiger Lily has become a symbol of teamwork, innovation, and student empowerment.
How It Works: Operations and Logistics
Running a floral shop within a school setting requires careful planning and coordination. Here’s how Tiger Lily comes to life every day:
Order Management: Students handle a variety of requests, including teacher appreciation bouquets, holiday centerpieces, and birthday arrangements. They learn to communicate with clients, confirm order details, and meet deadlines with professionalism.
Inventory and Supplies: Managing supplies is a key responsibility. Students track inventory, ensure materials are available for upcoming projects, and plan for seasonal spikes in demand. This includes sourcing fresh flowers, maintaining floral foam, and organizing tools.
Production Workflow: Each day starts with students prepping flowers, conditioning them for longevity, and organizing tools and materials. Once arrangements are complete, they’re checked for quality before being delivered. Efficiency and attention to detail are always emphasized.
Special Services: Throughout the year, Tiger Lily offers unique services such as holiday promotions and affordable arrangements for school events. These special touches foster community engagement and showcase student talent.
Student Roles and Responsibilities
At Tiger Lily, every student has a defined role, ensuring the shop runs like a well-oiled machine:
Shop Manager: The leader of the team, responsible for overseeing operations, delegating tasks, and ensuring all orders meet quality standards. This role builds leadership and organizational skills.
Floral Designers: Students who create the arrangements, applying principles of design, color theory, and creativity. They gain hands-on experience with industry tools and techniques.
Marketing Coordinator: This student manages the shop’s online presence and promotional campaigns. From social media posts to flyers, they ensure Tiger Lily stays visible and connected to the community.
Inventory Specialists: These students track supplies, manage orders, and ensure the shop is always stocked. They develop skills in budgeting, forecasting, and logistics.
Delivery Coordinators: Responsible for ensuring timely delivery of arrangements, these students manage schedules and logistics. Customer service is a key focus of this role.
Learning Outcomes: Beyond the Classroom
The Tiger Lily Floral Shop offers far more than technical floral skills. It provides an immersive learning experience that equips students with essential life skills:
Technical Mastery: Students learn to create professional-grade floral arrangements while mastering industry tools and techniques.
Business Acumen: From pricing strategies to customer service, students gain firsthand experience in running a business.
Life Skills: Teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and accountability are inherent in every task. Students leave the program with confidence and a strong work ethic.
"By the end of the year, my students leave with more than floral design knowledge—they gain confidence, work ethic, and a sense of accomplishment," - Mrs. Champagne
Success Stories and Testimonials
Tiger Lily has been a launching pad for countless student success stories. Madison, Tiger Lily Shop Manager, shares, "Running the shop helped me realize I want to pursue a career in event planning. It was the perfect blend of creativity and leadership." Another student, John, reflects on how his time as an Inventory Specialist taught him the importance of organization and communication in a professional setting.
These stories, combined with the shop’s impact on the school and community, highlight the transformative power of experiential learning.
Call-to-Action: Join Us or Start Your Own
If you’re inspired by the Tiger Lily Floral Shop, we invite you to:
Reach out for advice on starting an in-class floral shop at your school.
Explore lesson plans and resources available on our Teachers Pay Teachers store to bring this model to your own classroom.
"Let’s empower students with skills that blossom beyond the classroom."
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