In this solo episode, Debra digs into a big question so many florists wrestle with: when is it actually the right time to expand your flower business? Whether you’re dreaming of moving from a home studio into a shopfront, taking on a bigger lease, or hiring your first staff member, she walks through the real numbers, the hidden costs, and the systems you need in place before you take the leap.

You’ll hear why “feeling busy” isn’t enough of a reason to grow, how to check if demand for your floristry business is truly sustainable, and the simple maths you can use to work out your break-even point, contribution margin, and how many orders you actually need to cover a new lease or an employee. Debra also touches on Australian award rates, super, workers comp, and why documenting your systems is non-negotiable if you want to bring someone into the business and not go quietly mad.

She wraps up with a reminder that expansion should make your flower business better, stronger, and more profitable—not just bigger—and points you back to earlier episodes on pricing and new revenue ideas if your numbers aren’t quite where they need to be yet.

• How to tell if it’s really time to expand your floristry business (and when it’s not)

• Why consistent profitability and a cash buffer matter more than “being busy”

• Checking if demand for your flower business is truly sustainable (and why turning away low profit work can be a good thing)

• The real cost of a shop lease: rent, fit-out, power, insurance, signage, legal fees, and hidden “outgoings”

• A simple rule of thumb for working out how much extra turnover you need to cover new rent or wages

• What to consider before hiring: award wages, super, workers comp, leave loading, allowances, paid leave and public holidays in Australia

• Why documented systems and processes are essential before you bring staff into your flower shop or studio

• How to calculate your contribution margin and monthly break-even point (and what that means in actual bouquets and orders)

• Using these numbers to decide if you’re ready to grow—or if you need to strengthen your current florist business model first

• Episode 10 – Pricing 101: Setting up the right costing model for your floristry business

• Episode 11 – Five revenue ideas for your florist shop: Extra ways to boost income before you expand