Confessions of a Florist: Discovering Our Floral Identity
- The Bali Florist
- Sep 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 3
What Does It Mean to Be a Florist (and Not Just a Tukang Bunga)?
In Indonesia, florists are often not valued in quite the same way as they are in the West. Many small shops along side streets in Denpasar, Bali, are seen as tukang bunga—literally “flower labourers”—rather than florists in the artistic sense of the word. It’s a bit like calling a chef a “rice stirrer.” Technically true… but missing the point.
So, what exactly is a florist? And why do we insist on the “artisan” part?
The Definition of Florist
Merriam-Webster defines a florist (noun) as:
A person who sells or grows for sale flowers and ornamental plants, and
A shop where flowers and ornamental plants are sold.
The word comes from the French floriste, from flore (“flora”) + -iste (“-ist”), first popping up around 1623. Back then, a florist was basically someone selling blooms at the market. A noble start, yes, but while the historical meaning focused on growing or selling, today’s definition has blossomed into something much more.
Fast Forward to the 21st Century
The role of a florist has evolved into something far richer:
A professional who designs, arranges, and sells flowers and plants for occasions from weddings to funerals to everyday gifting.
A retail business (flower shop or online store) providing bouquets, arrangements, plants, and complementary gifts.
Increasingly, a creative practice focused on sustainability, event styling, subscriptions, and digital convenience.
So while the old definition was mostly about selling flowers, the modern one is about designing experiences.
Our Take as Artisan Florists in Bali
Here at The Bali Florist, our work goes far beyond “just selling flowers.” We see ourselves as bespoke gift curators, weaving together blooms, budgets, and personal stories to create something deeply meaningful. Every bouquet is designed for a person, an occasion, a feeling. Yes, we love walk-ins. But truthfully, most of our business flows through our online platform. Still, don’t mistake “online order” for “cold transaction.” We build relationships, remember preferences, and celebrate alongside our repeat customers. Because sustainability in business isn’t just about eco-friendly practices—it’s also about nurturing trust and loyalty. (And honestly, nothing makes us happier than seeing the same names pop up again and again. That’s when we know we’re doing something right.)
About Pricing (Let’s Talk Blooms vs. Bargains)
When you step into our fully air-conditioned flagship store—or order from us online—you’ll notice something: our blooms aren’t the cheapest. We know. We don’t pretend otherwise.
Why? Because what you’re paying for is not just stems in a vase. It’s thought, creativity, and a genuine smile behind the counter (and sometimes a coffee next door at Café Bloom Bali). We choose quality flowers, many sourced sustainably, and we put love into every arrangement. So, if the only question is “How cheap?”—there are plenty of options elsewhere. But if you’re looking for flowers that carry meaning, story, and joy… then welcome, you’ve found your florist family.
Final Petal of Thought
Being a florist today is about more than moving flowers from bucket to bouquet. It’s about being an artisan, storyteller, and joy-giver. We honour blooms not only as products, but as experiences—ones that carry warmth from sender to recipient. And if you still want to call us tukang bunga? Well… we’ll accept it. Just know we’ll still be here, arranging beauty, brewing coffee, and occasionally sneaking in a dad joke or two with your roses.
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