Becoming a Parisian Fleuriste

On my most recent weekend trip to Paris in the beginning of February, I met a long-time social media friend and fellow florist, Adrienne Ryser. She told me all about how she purchased L’Arrosoir, a stunning 100-year-old flower shop in the 11th arrondissement in Paris, after growing up in the U.S. and moving to Paris only a few years ago!

I’m always eager to share stories about other women following their dreams, especially a floral designer in Paris.  

We’ll let her tell you the rest…

How did you get in the flower industry? Did you ever think you’d own your own shop?

I feel as if I literally grew up in the flowers. My mom was a florist and both of my parents studied horticulture in school. My mom and dad met working as plant and flower distributors for a Southern California company. I spent my childhood in greenhouses, flower shops, and in the nature of San Diego.  My parents knew the name of every plant, flower, and tree we could come across in daily life and it really stuck with me. When I moved to Paris, I gravitated towards the many flower shops around the city because they reminded me of home. My favorite flower shop was called L'Arrosoir and located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris.

The original L’Arrosoir, Parisian fleuriste since 1930

During college I worked at a flower shop in West Hollywood called The Empty Vase. This is when my eyes opened to the potential of a dream life owning a flower shop. I couldn't believe it was even possible to consider it a job. To me, it was just plain fun to be surrounded by beauty all day, picking flowers with Anne Hathaway for her garden party. It was hard work though, at The Empty Vase, with long stressful hours, working weekends, and it was freezing all day among the flowers because you have to keep the temperature low... But I loved it. I hoped one day that I would be able to create my own space and gain incredible clients.

Did you ever see yourself living in France or another country?

I never saw myself living in France. I met my fiancé by chance on a summer euro trip in college. We met on the terrace of his grandpa's apartment in Villefranche. We did long distance for two years until I took a leap of faith and moved to Paris after college graduation. Paris was never on my radar.  I spoke zero French when I moved here.

How hard was it to take on an existing flower shop, never mind one in France!

Taking on an existing flower shop in the middle of a global pandemic in France, in FRENCH, was incredibly hard! I could not have done it without my fiancé who helped me every step of the way. I worked at the shop for two years before buying the business, so I had a good knowledge of the clientele and daily shop routine. The hardest part for me was understanding the process in a different language. I had to do the entire process of acquiring a business in French. In France, they do everything way differently and it all takes such a long time.

Do you speak French? How do you communicate with your staff/clients?

I like to say that I speak fluent “flower French.” I took French lessons my first year living in Paris, but I picked up most of my French at L’Arrosoir. I speak my own version of French at the flower shop and my staff and clients just understand me.

What’s the best lesson you have learned running your own shop?

I have only had L'Arrosoir for a little over one year, so I know there are many lessons left to be learned. Something I have to remind myself is that Rome wasn't built in a day. Things take time and nothing happens overnight. It is also very important to celebrate every little victory because I used to only dream of having a flower shop in Paris, and to not forget how far I have come in a short time.

What do you think is the biggest difference between a French flower shop and an American one?

The biggest difference between a French flower shop and an American one is that Americans only order flowers on special occasions and French buy flowers for daily life. In Paris, we don't have giant stores like Target where we can go buy everything we need in one go. Parisians also typically live in apartments with no elevator and a small fridge, so they do their shopping daily - the butcher, the cheese shop, boulangerie for fresh bread, and last stop are fresh flowers.

Because you’re surrounded by flowers daily, do you have a favorite flower or season?

I pick a new flower daily because it depends on what is beautiful that day! I discover new flowers every single time I go to the Rungis to buy my flowers, which is the biggest wholesale market in Europe, just 30 minutes outside Paris. I love passion flowers because they remind me of my mom, and delphiniums because of my grandma. I grew up in California where we didn't have seasons so now every season excites me. I love them all equally and find something beautiful and unique that comes from each season. Mimosa is an amazing burst of sunshine that I never even knew existed until I survived my first winter in France.

Being a shopkeeper can be exhausting, challenging and a lot of hard work. What keeps you inspired?

I feel so lucky every single day to be surrounded by so much beauty and love in Paris. I am inspired to do MORE - more projects, more growth, and more flowers! Meeting amazing people like Sandra from Les Fleurs keeps me inspired because I see how far she has come, and what an amazing business she was able to grow out of love for flowers!

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So, if you find yourself wandering the streets in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, be sure to stop by L'Arrosoir to see the beautiful florals and a part of Parisian fleuriste history! Until then, you can follow Adrienne on Instagram @ larrosoirparis

I hope that her story inspires you! Please feel free to share your comments with us below.

xoxo,
Sandra