Botanical Brouhaha Podcast

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 137), we're visiting with Wilfred de Wit, founder and CEO of iBuyFlowers where florists and event planners can shop online for wholesale flowers directly from 100+ farms in both the US and abroad. Will shares his background in the floral industry and the challenges he witnessed, leading to the inception of his company. The conversation covers the importance of transparency, ethical sourcing, and customer education. Will also talks about his hopes for the role AI will eventually play in personalizing orders for iBuyFlowers customers.  If you're looking for a company who believes in building strong relationships with their growers and customers, this episode will be insightful. Will's goal is to educate his customers about the benefits of ordering directly from growers, which can significantly improve the quality and longevity of their flowers. Special Offer for First Time iBuyFlowers Users: Get $100 off a first order over $200. To claim this offer, use Voucher Code: ibfmdpcbotanical100 You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 136), we're visiting with Rachael Lunghi, owner of Siren Floral Co based in Southern California. Siren Floral Co was born out of a wedding and event planning company Rachael founded initially. Her love of flowers led her to eventually focus on floristry full time. Since that time, Rachael has developed a style all her own that's easily recognized and sought after by clients. Leaning into her love of travel, she gradually carved out a destination weddings and events niche for Siren Floral Co. We're honored to bring this conversation to you! Join us as we chat with Rachael about: her experiences with destination weddings and travel logistics pricing strategies for floral services and transparency with clients balancing work and family life as a new mom her aesthetic and design philosophy lessons learned from past business experiences, including closing a retail shop advice for aspiring wedding planners and florists on contracts and goal setting the importance of building a supportive team and community This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more.   You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 135), we're revisiting Chloe Murray, CEO/Creative Director of MUD Urban Flowers in Glascow, Scotland and our second guest ever back in 2017 (Ep. 3) when the BB Podcast was just getting started. When we last visited, Chloe was only a couple of months into her new business and absolutely on fire! She was seeing quick growth and loving the process. Fast forward to 2025. Today, Chloe has guided MUD Urban Flowers through a pandemic, exponential growth, and significant life changes. And she's still passionate about her business model and the people she serves. And she's done it all without a phone number for her customers from day one! If you wish your flower business was more outside the box, Chloe will get you thinking about the possibilities.   This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BTCO Circle Retail 2025 April 1-May 27th, 2025 Simple.Soulful.Connection  Click here to learn more.   You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

Building Olivee Floral In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 134), we're visiting with Karla Smith-Brown, founder of Olivee Floral. Karla's inspiring journey evolved from a career in public relations to becoming a successful floral artist. Her story isn't just about flowers; it's about weaving passion, sustainability, and heritage with personal connections to make a powerful impact. Starting out, Karla offered pop-up events and hand-tied bouquets, gradually building her brand (named after her great grandmother, Medorah Olivee Wright). With a design aesthetic influenced by her Jamaican heritage, she developed a signature wild yet refined style. As Olivee Floral grew, Karla began to view flowers as a medium for art, not just for traditional events. Now, she works with brands like Vogue, Birkenstock, and Nike, often being sought out because of the strong professional relationships she's built and the unique design aesthetic she's developed. Join us as we chat with Karla about: the significance of using locally grown and sustainable flowers for funeral arrangements addressing the challenges and taboos surrounding discussions of funeral flowers in society innovative approaches to creating sustainable funeral flower designs without floral foam the role of florists in educating families about sustainable options and practices the potential for changing perceptions of funeral flowers to make them more approachable the impact of creative and sustainable practices on the floral industry and communities This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more.   You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

A Vision for Sustainable Funeral Flowers In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 133), we're visiting with Carole Patilla, co-founder of the Farewell Flowers Directory and owner of Tuckshop Flowers. She joined forces with Gill Hodgson, founder of Flowers from the Farm, to address a need in the floral industry that is often overlooked and avoided — sustainable funeral flowers. This conversation will be helpful for you if: 1) you're unsure how to execute your vision to create funeral flowers without traditional flower foam and single-use plastics or 2) you're struggling to educate clients (and funeral directors) about the importance of sustainable funeral flowers. Carole shares her experiences working with local funeral homes, highlighting how they have embraced innovative approaches to funerals that reflect the wishes of families for personalized services that prioritize sustainable practices. Practical Tips for Creating Sustainable Designs Carole shares her experiences creating foam free funeral arrangements that can adapt to different surfaces, such as curved caskets lids. She challenges the notion that certain practices are set in stone simply because they have always been done that way. She believes strongly that florists have the power to set their own rules and standards in business. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more.   You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 132), we're visiting with Layla Robinson, a creative force in the flower industry known for her specialization in dried flower arrangements and installations. This conversation is specifically for you if: 1) you're interested in dried flowers or 2) you're struggling to find your niche in the floral industry. Layla's journey into the flower industry began over 15 years ago with fresh flowers. Living in the UK, she was inspired by the "buy local" movement and saw an opportunity to start a business that could be managed alongside raising her children. However, the challenges of growing, harvesting, arranging, and marketing fresh flowers while managing small children soon became apparent. To extend her offerings throughout the year, especially during the cold Welsh winters, Layla began exploring dried flowers. She started foraging for materials like ivy, dried hydrangeas, and rose hips to create winter wreaths and arrangements. This exploration led her to appreciate the beauty and versatility of dried flowers, which allowed her to take her time with arrangements while her children played around her. The COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment for Layla. The cancellation of a wedding she had been planning for a year made her realize that the pressure of fresh flowers was no longer what she wanted. She decided to fully commit to dried flowers, a significant leap that brought her a sense of freedom and joy.   This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more.   You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

We're visiting with Jen Lagedrost Cavender, owner of Nectar & Bloom. After studying English and creative writing in college, Jen found herself teaching Literature and Creative Writing at a university. But, she felt something was missing and longed to reconnect with her creative side. Inspired by women business owners in the floral industry, she decided to explore flowers as a viable business model. Ultimately, Jen found fulfillment by aligning her work with her passions for flowers and writing. She created a business model that resonates with her values and allows her to express her creativity. She believes strongly in the importance of self-care and creating space for rest and introspection. And she's created various avenues to teach, encourage, and support floral designers and creative business owners in pursuing self-care in order create a sustainable career. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more.   You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

We're visiting with Cameron Hardesty, owner of Poppy, a wedding floral business based in the Washington, DC area that has seen rapid growth and success. A transformative experience volunteering at the White House ignited Cameron's passion. We walk through her transition from a career in corporate communications to becoming the founder of a company that empowers nearly 900 freelance floral designers, offering them flexibility and opportunities to showcase their creativity. If you've ever wondered what it takes to move a business idea from concept to execution and then scale it quickly, you'll find this conversation enlightening. Cameron shares insights into the fundraising journey, including participation in the Techstars Accelerator program and raising $1.65 million+ in seed funding. She's keen on sharing the knowledge and experiences she's gained over the years in hopes of supporting and encouraging others.   This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more.   You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

In today's episode, we're visiting with flower farmer Grant Winkelmann, owner of Winkelmann Flowers, in Lindale, Texas. Grant shares not only how he's built a farm producing sought-after blooms, but he also shares what it took to pull off his family's recent relocation to a new farm. Grant discusses the challenges of moving, including the logistical hurdles and the emotional impact of leaving behind a supportive community. He shares insights into his farming techniques, the importance of his partnership with his wife Carrington, who runs a floral design business called The Farmer & I, and their collaborative efforts in the flower industry. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more.   You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

Sullivan Owen's journey into the floral industry is as unique as her designs. With a background in retail merchandising, Sullivan transitioned into floristry in 2009 while planning her own wedding. Her distinct style and dedication quickly earned her recognition, leading to a successful career in luxury weddings. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes, prompting Sullivan to explore new creative outlets, including gardening and ceramics. In this episode, we catch up with Sullivan just in time for the inaugural release of her new vase collection which leads to a fascinating conversation about the behind-the-scenes process of developing a product and bringing it to market. This episode will definitely get you thinking about that dream you've held close and wondered if it's feasible! This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School   You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

In this BB Podcast episode, Amy (Botanical Brouhaha) chats with Natalie & Meg (co-owners of Native Poppy) about the importance of creating a brand that sticks – meaning it continues to draw in ideal customers year after year. Drawing on Amy's recent experiences trying to find new service providers after relocating her business and life out-of-state, the conversation focuses on the lessons she's learned that can be applied to the other small businesses in the floral profession.  Amy, Natalie, and Meg share what they believe has helped them build brands that have flourished at Native Poppy and Botanical Brouhaha. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

In Part 2 of this two-part podcast episode, co-hosts Amy and Natalie visit with Sarah Daken and Tom Precht of Grateful Gardeners and Floraponics, who transitioned from careers in law and neuroscience to flower farming. Tom discusses their innovative aquaponics system and the challenges they've faced in securing funding. The couple emphasizes their commitment to sustainable practices and the systemic barriers in agriculture. They advocate for policy changes and support other farmers on topics like grant navigation. Their story highlights the difficulties and triumphs of pursuing a passion-driven, environmentally conscious business.   This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

In Part 1 of this two-part podcast episode, co-hosts Amy and Natalie visit with Sarah Daken and Tom Precht of Grateful Gardeners and Floraponics, who transitioned from careers in law and neuroscience to flower farming. Sarah shares her journey from legal burnout to finding joy in growing flowers with her husband, Tom. Tom discusses their innovative aquaponics system and the challenges they've faced in securing funding. The couple emphasizes their commitment to sustainable practices and the systemic barriers in agriculture. They advocate for policy changes and support other farmers on topics like grant navigation. Their story highlights the difficulties and triumphs of pursuing a passion-driven, environmentally conscious business.   This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

In this episode of the Botanical Brouhaha podcast, Amy and Natalie talk with Anna Stouffer, owner of Urban Petals in Greer, South Carolina about her transition from a working in a law firm to becoming a successful floral designer. Anna shares her journey, starting with wedding floristry and eventually adding a retail component to her business. She discusses the challenges of managing both aspects, the support from the floral community, and the impact of motherhood on her business. Anna shares how creating a calming store environment and balancing her work with her personal life are of utmost importance to her as a business owner. The episode highlights the importance of authenticity and compassion in building a successful floral business. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

In this podcast episode, Emily Patrick, owner of Carolina Flowers, shares her journey from journalism to flower farming. She discusses the challenges and successes of starting and running her flower farm, including her approach to business, design, and financial management. Hosts Natalie and Amy engage Emily in a lively conversation about the evolution of Carolina Flowers, sustainable practices, and industry trends. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring flower farmers and floral business owners.   This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

In this episode, we visit with Imelda Ramos, owner of Cali Wholesale. Imelda shares her journey as the founder of a woman-owned company from starting as a small wholesale flower business to expanding her business and her footprint at the flower market. She discusses the importance of team training, effective communication with customers, and the challenges of sourcing flowers. Imelda also highlights the significance of managing expectations in the floral industry. Despite the demanding nature of her work, Imelda's passion for flowers and dedication to her business are evident, offering inspiration and insights into the complexities of running a wholesale flower business. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School   You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.       

In this podcast episode, Sylvia Bustamante Gubbins, the founder of Madrid Flower School, shares her inspiring story of starting a new career in floral design at 48 and following the dream to open a flower school. As Sylvia continues to grow Madrid Flower School, she's introducing new educational opportunities for floral designers to study the art and business of floristry. With the recent addition of Madrid Blooms Congress, we thought it was time to visit with Sylvia again! She shares how she's creating a 5-star experience for you to study floristry in the beautiful city of Madrid, Spain.   This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: CIRCLE RETAIL Simple Soulful Connection Limited seats still available!  Click here to learn more.   Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

In episode 120, we have the pleasure of reconnecting with the incredible Francoise Weeks, whose hands weave magic with woodland designs. She's back with a treasure trove of wisdom in her new book, Wonder of the Woodlands: The Art of Seeing and Creating with Nature. It's a visual feast over 200 pages long, and trust us, it's a must-have for your collection. Francoise's zest for life is contagious. We're fortunate that she not only inspires us through her floral artistry, but also with her determination to overcome fear in order to live a life worth celebrating. In this conversation, she shares her secrets to staying active and maintaining a positive mindset, proving that age is just a number when it comes to living a full and vibrant life. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more.   Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

In this episode, Natalie & Meg, co-owners of Native Poppy, take us behind the scenes of their retail shops in San Diego, where they've created an immersive experience for their customers. In an effort to explain the price gap between flowers bought at locally-owned flower shops vs. large grocery store chains, they speak about the unique characteristics of their shops including the extensive training their team undergoes to become skilled floral artists and the seasonal art installations that transform their spaces into magical environments. This level of detail and dedication comes with significant costs, which Natalie and Meg are transparent about, especially considering the high expenses of operating in a city like San Diego. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more. Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

In this episode of the Botanical Brouhaha podcast, Amy McGee and Natalie Gill, the co-hosts, interview Marsha Parker, a seasoned teacher with a passion for history and culture. Marsha shares her experiences teaching around the world and her personal battle with cancer as a 3x survivor. She discusses how these experiences influenced her floral business, Refined Gatherings, which specializes in creating floral experiences for cancer survivors and others facing health challenges. The conversation explores Marsha's transition from teaching to floral design, her dedication to creating meaningful experiences, and her commitment to integrating beauty and healing into her work. The episode highlights Marsha's resilience, her fight for peace over fear, and her desire to impact lives positively through her craft. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust. Doors open March 4-6, 2024.  Click here to learn more.   Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

In this podcast episode, flower farmer and author Lennie Larkin of B-Side Farm discusses her experiences in the flower farming industry, her book Flower Farming for Profit,  and her educational initiatives for other farmers. She talks about her transition from other careers to farming, the financial aspects of the business, and the importance of strategic planning and efficiency. Larkin also reflects on the personal challenges of relocating her farm and starting over in a new community. The episode includes a conversation about the value of data and business education in farming, as well as Larkin's vision for her website as a resource hub for flower farmers. If are a flower farmer or dream of being one someday, this conversation is packed with helpful information and resource recommendations.   This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more.   Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

In this podcast episode, Amy and Natalie visit with flower shop owner Stacy K Ercan of Stacy K Floral in Rochester, New York. She shares about her shop expansion and business model which includes a collaborative space with a coffee counter, retail offerings, and a subscription service. Stacey K also talks about how her background working with tents, events, and trade show exhibits helps her have an edge when bidding on events in her community. She discusses employee motivation, financial strategies, and the importance of diversifying revenue streams. And finally, she reveals some of her successful marketing strategies. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: THE FLOWER FREELANCE INTENSIVE MARCH 18-22, 2024 A 5-day course for aspiring & experienced freelancers and floral design team members. Click here to learn more!   Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

In this episode of the BB podcast, Amy and Natalie talk with Lucy Hunter about her 20+ year career in landscape design and her newest book The Flower Hunter: Creating a floral love story inspired by the landscape. Lucy shares openly about her past burnout, her shift towards flower design, and her return to the landscapes that inspire her creativity. This conversation delves into the impact of age on creative confidence and the pressures of social media. Lucy shares how routines inspire her new ideas, while also detailing the logistics of a long-term landscape project that laid the foundation for her successful career. The episode reflects Lucy's belief that creatives need to carve their own path in the creative world. Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

In this podcast episode, Amy & Natalie conclude Season 7 with a Q&A session centered around listeners' questions. Natalie shares insights on pricing strategies, staff payment, and the benefits of an a la carte menu in the floral industry. She also discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood and business. And, finally, Amy and Natalie emphasize the importance of networking, reviews, and open discussions about industry topics. A special thanks to Madrid Flower School for collaborating with Botanical Brouhaha in 2023 to bring Season 7 to fruition. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School Leave us a voice or text message at https://podinbox.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

Floral designer Carrington Winkelmann, owner of The Farmer & I in the Texas Hill Country, shares her journey from college days dreaming to starting her own flower business with her flower farming husband, Grant. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running a business, including managing inventory, managing client expectations, and pricing her services. Carrington shares her dream for the future, which includes housing all parts of her business with her husband on one piece of land where they could also offer agritourism experiences. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and purpose for her business, and shares how the slowdown during the pandemic allowed her to rediscover her love for flowers and the purpose they serve in connecting people. Leave us a voice or text message at https://podinbox.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

In this podcast episode, a seasoned rooftop flower farmer (yes, you heard that right - she farms on rooftops) shares extensive experience in agriculture. Joanna Letz, owner of Bluma Flower Farm, discusses the transition from traditional farming to rooftop farming, the unique challenges it presents, and the logistics involved. She also talks about her business, which includes a variety of offers such as retail, direct-to-consumer sales, weddings, events, and teaching. Joanna emphasizes the importance of taking risks for personal and professional growth, even in the face of skepticism. Despite the financial challenges faced by farmers, she remains motivated to evolve her business to fulfill her desires. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School Leave us a voice or text message at https://podinbox.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.       

In BB Podcast Episode 111, Abby Daigle, owner of Stems Floral Design & Event Styling in Austin, Texas shares her journey from growing up in the events industry at the venue owned by her family to starting her own floral business. She discusses her love for weddings, the services her company offers, and her business model, which includes a showroom for full-service wedding clients and important relationships with industry vendors. She also talks about her team structure, hiring process, and industry role models. And, Abby shares an interesting perspective on centerpiece mockups which she finds to be a powerful tool for building trust and excitement with her clients. Leave us a voice or text message at https://podinbox.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

In this podcast episode, we visit with Rachel Nafis, owner of Psalter Farm Flowers, an urban flower farm in San Diego. Rachel shares a behind the scenes look at her unique business model. She grows flowers in her neighbors' yards and then supplies San Diego shops and florists with her local grown flowers. Rachel discusses the challenges and rewards of farming in an urban setting, the importance of community and connections, and the ecological impact of her work. She also talks about her transition from nursing to farming and the joy she finds in sharing her love for gardening with others. The episode highlights Rachel's dedication and the positive impact her business is having on the neighborhood. This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School Leave us a voice or text message at https://podinbox.com/botanicalbrouhaha. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.     

In Episode 109, Botanical Brouhaha Podcast co-hosts Amy and Natalie welcome guest Graeme Corbett of Bloom & Burn back to the show. They discuss Graeme's shift towards working mostly with British-grown flowers and he reflects on his decision to scale back the number of weddings he accepts while incorporating more teaching into his business model. They touch on what led to Graeme's decision to move to the Kent countryside with his partner and how he's adapted to a slower pace of life. They also talk about the impact difficult life experiences can have on business operations. Graeme shares how taking time for self-reflection helped him redirect his focus and gain significant traction in his business. The episode wraps up with details of Graeme's workshops and classes, his aspirations of publishing a book, and the role of social media in his work. Bloom & Burn Instagram Bloom & Burn Website Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha) and Natalie Gill (Native Poppy) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Joel McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee      

In the first episode of Season 7, Amy and Natalie (Native Poppy founder) share what led to the strong bond between them which ultimately led to Natalie becoming the co-host of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast. Setting the stage for their new podcast format, Amy and Natalie dive into their hopes for the podcast including a shared desire for more laughter and deeply honest conversations around topics that impact flower business owners. They introduce their guest, Rachel Bridgwood, co-owner of Sweet Root Village, who will facilitate Circle Weddings Fall 2023 with her business partner Lauren Anderson. Rachel discusses the challenges and successes of running a floral business and the importance of community and support. The episode concludes with Amy and Natalie inviting listeners to join the Sweet Root Village co-founders in Circle Weddings.   Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha) and Natalie Gill (Native Poppy) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Joel McGee Music Written and Performed by: Landon McGee This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School

After taking a few months off to rest and reflect, the podcast is back! And we have a new co-host you're going to love! The first episode of Season 7 will drop on September 6th and we couldn't be more excited to hit the ground running. We've missed our chats!

Overcoming the fear of starting and financing a new business idea Learning the basics of business startup Testing the popup concept The importance of packaging at a popup Bringing the skill of fashion buying to a flower shop The power of asking questions Building a team Becoming a mother while running a business LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 107: Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising  Gansevoort Market Tori Burch Foundation Fleishman is in Trouble FOLLOW POPUPFLORIST: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: MADRID FLOWER SCHOOL   Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English. Host: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha + Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

TODAY'S GUEST: YASAMIN SALAVATIAN  TOPIC: BRAND COMMUNICATION IN TRUE YOU FASHION If you're struggling to find the words to convey who you are and what you do, today's episode is for you! We can't wait for you to meet Yasamin Salavatian, Yasi for short. She describes her expertise like this: "I partner with you to bring words to your vision, leading you to differentiate your brand from the sea of…well, let's face it - drab. As a Storytelling Strategist (and your Partner-in-Communication), my role willfully challenges traditional marketing rhetoric, (re)defining your messaging and positioning to fit you like a glove." The result? You end up with a dynamic, cross-collateral, custom-made brand communication strategy that grows with you as you evolve with your business. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Hannah Lowery (Ep. 99) | Edges Wild Studio | Read the Case Study Amy Balsters | The Floral Coach Tiffany Weinbender | Ida Mayes Floral Design House | Read the Case Study Rachel Bridgwood & Lauren Anderson (Ep. 69) | Sweet Root Village Emily Ventura Designs Upwell Strategies Summer Suleiman | Read the Case Study Bijou Creative Erika Parker Boudoir Photography | Read the Case Study Jilliane Yawney | Read the Case Study FOLLOW YASI: Website Instagram Pinterest Linkedin Looking for a little more guidance from Yasi? Here it is! 5 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand from Scratch This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more. Host: Amy McGee (Founder: Botanical Brouhaha + Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee  

Today we're visiting with Amy Dunlap, owner of Stemz, Inc. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Amy never could seem to avoid the draw of flower shop jobs in high school and college. After studying horticulture in college and getting a Masters degree in Agricultural Education and Communication, she opened a home-based floral design business to service weddings and events and eventually bought a building to house her business. Following her intuition, Amy decided to close her shop in 2018. But she didn't sit idle for long before pursuing a new floral endeavor - creating Stemz, a platform to help strengthen the local cut flower supply chain by cultivating connectivity between US farms & floral creatives.   Join us as we talk with Amy about: Taking the first steps toward bringing a large and complicated vision to life The advantages of having co-founders who represent different facets of the floral profession Understanding the importance of distribution in making local flowers accessible to florists The challenge of building supply consistency when selling local flowers to florists Adding Stemz staff members who can build relationships with designers and learn their needs The importance of loving the problem your business is trying to solve Building a business slowly so you can adapt the model based on the results you're getting Editing your services to avoid distractions that keep you from growing and staying true to your message LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 105: Slow Flowers Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) Chapel Designers Holly Chapple Bloom Trust Co Grand Floridian Hotel / Walt Disney World FOLLOW STEMZ: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK MEET THE STEMZ TEAM: Amy Dunlap (Stemz Founder) / Amy Lynne Originals Claire Parrish (Stemz CFO) / Heritage Harvest Farms India LoFaso (Stemz Business Development) Lindsay Potter (Stemz Operations) / Piper + Fig TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: EveryStem EveryStem florist software has the power to change the way you price and order flowers for a profit. Here's what floral designers are saying about their EveryStem experience: “The rewards have been incredible. 2021 was our most profitable year of our 14 years in business because of EveryStem.” Ashley Fox, Ashley Fox Designs “I love using this software program- I have really reduced my tendency to overbuy and have improved my profit margins by at least 10% since starting it. I tell everyone who asks for a better way to do recipes and pricing that it is worth it!”  Kira Barker, All in the Details Flowers Host: Amy McGee (Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee  

Today we're visiting with Tina Sharpe, owner of Living Fresh Home Goods & Flower Shop in St. Jacobs, Ontario. Tina has woven together a business model uniquely built on her life experiences - first managing garden centers and greenhouses, then studying floral and interior design, and ultimately finding the love of her life, moving her business to the charming Village of St. Jacobs, and restructuring to a 4-day work week alongside her husband which leaves time for travel and rest.   If you find yourself wondering how business challenges, setbacks, and redirections can strengthen your flower business and lead to the life you really want to live, Tina's story will encourage you to keep moving forward while holding on to the things that are important to you. Join us as we talk with Tina about: The challenges and evolution of sourcing flowers in her area Learning to find balance by recognizing her personal capacity Moving her business to an area that fits her personal and professional values Changing her tagline to reflect the progression of Living Fresh Changing her processes to meet her personal goals Relieving herself of dread by listening and acting on her gut The importance of finding community with other flower professionals LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 105: Chapel Designers Erin Benzakein | Floret The Local Flower Collective Shopify FOLLOW LIVING FRESH: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: MADRID FLOWER SCHOOL Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English. Host: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha + Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

Today we're visiting with Brittany Sarhage, owner of Rudy's Flower Truck in St. Louis, Missouri. Brittany embodies the courage and tenacity most of us wish we had. She started a flower truck business with no prior experience in the industry and has continued to steadily grow the business while caring for both her customers and her city. Join us as we talk with Brittany about: How she came to own 2 flower trucks with no prior floristry experience Why she wanted to start her business in St. Louis Learning while building a business The advantages and challenges of owning the trucks she chose for her business (and why the advantages outweigh the challenges) The value of finding other mobile business owners to get insights into the mobile business model One thing she'd change if she could do it over What it takes to make a flower truck profitable Where she gained the confidence to own and run a flower business LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 104: International Institute US Small Business Administration (SBA) The Wandering Sidecar Bar Company Natalie Gill | Native Poppy Mayesh FOLLOW RUDY'S FLOWER TRUCK: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: EveryStem EveryStem florist software has the power to change the way you price and order flowers for a profit. Here's what floral designers are saying about their EveryStem experience: “The rewards have been incredible. 2021 was our most profitable year of our 14 years in business because of EveryStem.” Ashley Fox, Ashley Fox Designs “I love using this software program- I have really reduced my tendency to overbuy and have improved my profit margins by at least 10% since starting it. I tell everyone who asks for a better way to do recipes and pricing that it is worth it!”  Kira Barker, All in the Details Flowers Host: Amy McGee (Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

Today we're visiting with Felicia Alvarez, owner of Menagerie Farm & Flower in the Sacramento Valley of California. Felicia returned to the prune farm she grew up on to raise her own children there —and decided to add a rose farm and nursery to the property. She's a committed advocate for fellow flower farmers. Join us as we talk with Felicia about: Breaking into rose farming Staffing for the ebb and flow of flower farming Scheduling and hiring for efficiency Learning the logistics and challenges of shipping a perishable product Advocating for American flower farms Growing a business while growing a family Navigating the pandemic as a flower farmer & nursery owner The importance of labeling flower shipments with the country of origin LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 103: FloraFresh Inc Gather Flora California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA FOLLOW & LEARN FROM MENAGERIE FARM & FLOWER:   WEBSITE INSTAGRAM THE MENAGERIE ACADEMY WORKSHOPS & EVENTS FACEBOOK PINTEREST TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: MADRID FLOWER SCHOOL Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English. Host: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha + Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

TODAY'S GUEST: Hitomi Gilliam AIFD TODAY'S TOPIC: FREESIA Summit Today I've invited our friend Hitomi Gilliam back to the podcast to talk about the FREESIA Challenge & upcoming FREESIA Summit she co-founded with Gregor Lersch and Colin Gilliam. Since the summit is right around the corner, I've asked Hitomi to give us the scoop because it's an incredibly affordable educational opportunity with a top-notch lineup of educators and designers! What is the freesia summit? It's 3 days of virtual presentations from industry leaders on how they practice and approach sustainability in floristry. Freesia Summit Speakers Hitomi Gilliam AIFD Gregor Lersch Susan McLeary Shane Connolly Holly Chapple Colin Gilliam Debra Prinzing / Slow Flowers Leopoldo Gomez Max Van de Sluis Per Benjamin Felicia Kang Lawrence Kwong Dr. James DelPrince PhD AIFD Dr. Coleman Etheredge PhD CFD Elizabeth Englebretsen Johanne Martel AIFD FREESIA: Florists Recognizing Environmental & Eco Sustainable Ideas & Applications click here for schedule details + pricing Follow the FREESIA Challenge & Summit on Instagram: @wearefreesia

Today we're visiting with Brooke Snodgrass, owner of Seventh Stem in Portland, Oregon. Brooke entered the flower world while working for a flower farmer as a side hustle to her career in finance. An avid gardener, she grows varieties that make her happy while using her private garden as inspiration for her designs. Join us as we talk with Brooke about: Finding her footing in the floral profession while working for a flower farmer at the Portland Flower Market Navigating illness as a wedding florist The role her garden plays in her floral design The importance of building both business and personal relationships as a business owner How her business changed after experiencing a health crisis How she's learning to make time outside of the business to grow and challenge herself How she sources flowers and creates movement in her bouquets LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 102: Portland Flower Market Sinclair & Moore Honey Dijon rose Agrostemma Annual Baby's Breath Basket Flower Thai Silk Poppy Smokey Eyes Larkspur Grace Rose Farm | BB Podcast Ep. 54 FOLLOW SEVENTH STEM: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: LET'S PROPOSE Let's Propose! creates stunning, profitable client proposals for you so you can stay focused on designing flowers to wow your clients. SPECIAL OFFER FOR BB PODCAST LISTENERS: Use Discount Code BB50 to get 50% off a Let's Propose! membership. Click here to see what's included in the membership. Host: Amy McGee (Bloom Trust Co.) + Maggie Bailey (Bramble & Bee) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

From YOUR HOST, AMY MCGEE: While I could go on and on about Hitomi Gilliam & Gregor Lersch — the things they've accomplished, the books they've written, and the competitions they've won — I'll leave the details of their stories to them. I want you to hear it in their words. What I really want to tell you about first is how I met them and how they've each impacted my life not only as a floral professional, but also how they've touched my life personally. It's no accident that I met both Hitomi and Gregor at Hope Flower Farm in Virginia during Chapel Designers workshops hosted by Holly and Evan Chapple. One afternoon while Holly, Hitomi, and I stood in the kitchen of the Manor House at Hope, I was sharing with them about the responsibility I was feeling to address some needs I was seeing in my local community back in Texas. Hitomi and Holly quickly brainstormed as we cooked and cleaned — and had a solution before we were done. They would come to Texas and teach a workshop with all the ticket sales going to meet the needs I'd mentioned. I couldn't believe it, but it happened that fall just as they said it would. During another workshop at Hope, I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Gregor Lersch while I was on the workshop team. I'd never seen anyone work like he did. Still haven't! From early in the morning until everyone else had left the workshop barn, Gregor sat on a stool working on intricate mechanics for the following day's class. And when I say mechanics, I mean stunning frameworks that would be used as pieces of art long after the flowers he carefully placed on them had faded and he'd returned home to Germany. Sitting around the breakfast table with Hitomi and Gregor each morning of those workshops was like opening a treasure trove of stories about the history of our profession. They talked about the people they'd met, the places they'd been, and the things they'd seen. Gregor's quick wit kept me on the edge of my seat and the way Hitomi talked about floristry with a deep love made me want to be a better. I like to refer to mornings as ‘Story Time' with Gregor and Hitomi. So, I'm deeply honored and grateful for their voices on today's episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast. Hitomi and Gregor have a deep love for the ‘green professions', as they say, and their desire to see us continue moving forward as we adapt to the very best sustainable practices is obvious when you spend any time with them at all. But, I can honestly say that as knowledgeable, accomplished, and renowned as they are, the way they've impacted me most is with their love of humanity. It's that genuine acceptance and concern for all people that makes them so effective at conveying all the ways our work is important for not only bringing beauty to life's important moments, but also for bringing healing where there's brokenness. So, for all of that, I want to thank Holly Chapple for doing what she does best — connecting people. Today's episode is a little different in that you won't hear us interviewing Hitomi and Gregor. Instead, we asked them to talk directly to you and share their stories, insights, and hopes for floristry. I hope you love it! LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 101: Klaus Wagner Daniel Ost Interflora World Cup AIFD Per Benjamin FREESIA Challenge Europa Cup Bart Hassam FOLLOW:   Hitomi Gilliam: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM   Gregor Lersch:  WEBSITE INSTAGRAM TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: MADRID FLOWER SCHOOL Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English. Host: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha + Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

Today we're visiting with Melissa Sullivan, owner of Le Bloomerie in Los Gatos, California. Melissa jumped into the floral profession with enthusiasm after a career in healthcare. She believes in dreaming big and tuning out any negativity as she pursues her dreams. Join us as we talk about: Her thoughts on creating, paying for, and collaborating with other vendors for editorial work The role editorial work plays in the Le Bloomerie business model Why she believes it's imperative that floral artists not get caught up in "the comings and goings of small circles" if they want to realize big dreams Finding ways to include family in her business model Dreaming big and surrounding herself with good people Building her own mechanics Why she feels she has to limit the number of weddings she accepts each month Why she loves buying from local flower farms “Have a worldwide view. Try not to get caught up in the comings and goings in the small circles. The world is big and your work has yet to be discovered in Europe, Africa, Asia. Dream big and then even bigger.” - Melissa Sullivan | Le Bloomerie Links mentioned in episode 100: Francoise Weeks | BB Podcast Guest Ep. 10 Alicia Schwede | Flirty Fleurs | BB Podcast Guest Ep. 45 David Austin roses Tulipina | BB Podcast Guest Ep. 4 All For Love | London Home Depot Bows and Arrows Mayesh Madame Wedding Design San Francisco Flower Market Beaulieu Garden FOLLOW LE BLOOMERIE: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK PINTEREST TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Let's Propose Let's Propose! creates stunning, profitable client proposals for you so you can stay focused on designing flowers to wow your clients. SPECIAL OFFER FOR BB PODCAST LISTENERS: Use Discount Code BB50 to get 50% off a Let's Propose! membership. Click here to see what's included in the membership and schedule a consultation call Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha) and Maggie Bailey (Bramble & Bee) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music & Voiceovers: Landon McGee

At Botanical Brouhaha, we've spent over a decade sharing our belief in the power of flowers to change lives and impact communities. Today's bonus episode of the BB Podcast not only supports that notion, but also serves as a call to action for us to continue using our artistic medium for the healing of our communities. After reading The Power of Dignity: How Transforming Justice Can Heal Our Communities by Judge Victoria Pratt, we knew we needed to share not only the book with you, but the author as well! And although she's not a florist, we believe she holds some powerful tools we can use to successfully flower with purpose in our communities and beyond. So, it's a pleasure to introduce you to The Honorable Victoria Pratt who served as the chief judge of the Newark Municipal Court, has been a professor at the Newark School of Criminal Law, and has taught at the Rutgers School of Law. Her TED talk clip has been viewed over 30 million times on Facebook. Judge Pratt's reforms transformed her courtroom by introducing creative tools like essay writing and social services partnerships. And, ultimately, she helped defendants begin to trust the justice system again because of the dignity she showed them throughout the court proceedings. In this episode, Judge Pratt shares: the 4 Principles of Procedural Justice Voice Neutrality Understanding Respect how she was able to transform her courtroom into a space for problem-solving and a resource for healing the power of community gardens on healing neighborhoods the impact of court fines on the success of restorative justice how business owners can use their leadership skills to impact their teams and communities the power of youth courts in using positive peer pressure and accountability for young people Mentioned in this episode: The Process is the Punishment: Handling Cases in a Lower Criminal Court Dr. Norma Bowe | Kean University | Changing the Landscape for Peace One Garden at a Time Tom Tyler | Why People Obey The Law Red Hook Community Justice Center | Brooklyn Newark Community Solutions Center for Court Innovation LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF JUDGE VICTORIA PRATT: GET THE BOOK WEBSITE INSTAGRAM TED TALK TWITTER MEDIA Host: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha + Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

Today we're visiting with Hannah Lowery, owner of Edges Wild Studio in Houston, Texas. Hannah has been honing her craft and finding words to describe her unique style for several years and we love the direction she's headed! Join us as we talk about: finding her first loves at the intersection of humanities and earth science learning 3 dimensional art creation while working at Anthropologie her career meander (she won't call it a career path) what Folk Art Floristry means to her attracting like-minded clients by weaving all her interests into her work working with a professional to define who she is and what she does as an artist the potential for a sense of community that comes from creating within her realm of interests her hack for foraging in the city creating a 'proof of concept' to show clients the need for artists to have leisure time to experiment in a flow state knowing when it was time to raise her prices and minimums finding the courage to be true to herself as an artist LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 99: Yasamin Salavatian | Brand Storyteller + Copywriter Sweet Root Village Amy Balsters | The Floral Coach Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life Mary Lennox Shaider Divina Putnam & Putnam Ponderosa & Thyme M.K. Sadler Brian David Gilbert Simone Giertz Studio Mondine FOLLOW EDGES WILD STUDIO: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: MADRID FLOWER SKILL Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English. Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha) and Maggie Bailey (Bramble & Bee) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music & Voiceovers: Landon McGee

Today we're visiting with Jenny Rausch and Katie Allen, owners of Anthousai in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It's no secret that many business partnerships simply don't work out. But, Jenny and Katie have built a friendship as they've built a flower business and they have some great insights into the reasons they believe their partnership has worked. Join us as we talk about: How they learned floral design before they could afford in-person instruction Their desire to normalize the side hustle and encourage designers who are just getting started Why they added a flower shop to their existing wedding/event floral business The logisitics of opening a retail space Why Jenny thinks forming her partnership with Katie was crucial to the success of Anthousai Sharing knowledge with confidence Managing social anxiety while running a public-facing business LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 98: Amy Merrick Ashley Bayer | Tinge Sarah Winward If I Made Ikebana Bailey's Botanicals Natalie Gill | Native Poppy Enneagram Quickbooks Jenn Sanchez FOLLOW ANTHOUSAI: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM SHOP INSTAGRAM PINTEREST TODAY'S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: EveryStem EveryStem florist software has the power to change the way you price and order flowers for a profit. Here's what some Botanical Brouhaha guests are saying about their EveryStem experience: “The rewards have been incredible. 2021 was our most profitable year of our 14 years in business because of EveryStem.” –Ashley Fox, Ashley Fox Designs “Best tool I've used in my biz! Especially this year with the pricing fluctuations – met my margins on every wedding thanks to EveryStem.” –Alison Ellis, Real Flower Business A special offer for BB Podcast Listeners:  Grab our free guide on how to price for a profit in your business and we'll send you a code for a free month of EveryStem Florist Software. Pay $24.99 for your first month and you'll receive your second month free! Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (Bloom Trust Co.) & Maggie Bailey (Bramble & Bee) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

TODAY'S GUEST: Joseph Massie author of The Flower School: The Principles and Pleasures of Good Flowers the youngest person ever to win 5 consecutive RHS gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Founder and Creative Director at Joseph Massie Flowers Founder of The Flower Class Host of the Flowers After Hours Podcast TODAY'S TOPIC: Becoming a Published Author   You're in for a treat! In this episode, Joseph shares behind-the-scenes details of the making of his new book, The Flower School. From writing a book proposal and finding an agent, to working with a publisher, choosing content, and designing a book cover, Joseph is candid about the process. And, if you know anything about Joseph, you know he brings a bit of humor to every conversation. Joseph says he wrote this first book with his 16 year old self in mind — remembering when he was starting out and needed a comprehensive floristry guide that he could actually afford. He's hoping it'll serve you well! A Message from Joseph: "My life to date has been a chequer board of experiences. On one hand there are my doggedly pursued goals, hard fought and hard won, and on the other, the bright, glittering opportunities which I've been deeply lucky to have fall into my life. How else can I explain how my very first job would spark something within me and lead on to  enjoy the most enriching of careers? The journey I've taken I cannot wholly take credit for - it's certainly not all down to me - although I could be painted as a far more dynamic maverick if I were to lead you to that conclusion. It is my hope that this book falls into the latter category for you, as something bright and glittering, which will fall into a space on your lap, your book shelf or your coffee table, and lead you to find some wonderful, beautiful things. I hope it will light up something within you, and help you cultivate creativity, and beauty, and joy and more. This book, my first, is much more for you than it is for me. Use it well; make everything beautiful. I really, really hope you love it." Mentioned in This Episode: Emily Sweet Associates Paula Pryke Agrawool Elizabeth Gilbert TED talks The Flower School takes you by the hand and expertly guides you step-by-step through design principles and twenty-five floral projects to empower you to create your own gorgeous floral arrangements for your home, gatherings, celebrations and for pleasure. Host: Amy McGee (Founder: Botanical Brouhaha + Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

Today we're visiting with floral designer Ginny Early, owner of Enemies of the Average in Gainesville, Georgia.  Join us as we talk with Ginny about: Flowering for weddings, museums, and editorial shoots Using the painful experiences she's walked through as a catalyst to support other women in feeling valued Building a business that reflects her talents, values, and interests The challenges that landed her in the luxury wedding market Her advice for new flower business owners Working with interns vs. apprentices The experiences that have solidified her resolve to flower with purpose LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 97: Amy Osaba Design Susan McLeary Shanna Skidmore | The Blueprint Model Lauren, Leah, & Callie Palmer | The Wild Mother FOLLOW GINNY EARLY FLORAL DESIGN: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM PINTEREST Today's Episode is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English. Host: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha + Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

Today we're visiting with floral designer Sophie Felts, owner of Sophie Felts Floral Design which services the Washington DC area.  Join us as we talk with Sophie about: Building a flower business from the ground up with a business degree and a passion for flowers Starting and running a business with small children The framework she used to create a great team structure How she defines 'freelancers' and the role they play in her business The annual Freelancer Workshop she founded Building a business model that allows the business owner some weekends off while the company is still producing events Building strong productive relationships with wedding planners Honoring the responsibility she feels to support the community in which she lives & runs her business Building a positive and supportive team culture Dealing with staffing shortages, turnover, job benefits as a small business The importance of having consistent team meetings Treating company values as a living document and updating it regularly Giving back to her community through a Flower Drive Adding a professional video to her website to connect with potential clients LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 96: Ariella Chezar | Ariella Chezar Design Erin Benzakein | Floret Kelly Perry | Team Flower Sue Prutting | White Magnolia Amy Balsters | The Floral Coach Greater Washington Community Foundation Veronica Rogers FOLLOW SOPHIE FELTS FLORAL DESIGN: WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK PINTEREST   Today's Episode is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English. Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha) and Maggie Bailey (Bramble & Bee) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music & Voiceovers: Landon McGee

Today we're catching up with our very first BB Podcast guest ever! Join us for a conversation with Susan McLeary aka Passionflower Sue — author, educator, wearable florals innovator, and self-appointed corsage ambassador.  A few of the things we're chatting about in this episode: the process of writing a book her curiosity around figuring out sticking points in the floral industry and how to improve or solve them the ebb and flow of business dreams she's realized and business changes that have happened in the 5 years since we last chatted on the BB Podcast choosing what feels most aligned with who you are rather than leaning into traditional success markers how she stays inspired finding, testing, and introducing unique items to the profession as floral mechanics why she deliberately rejects the idea of holding onto ideas seeing shortages of product as a catalyst for experimentation LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 95: Francoise Weeks Hitomi Gilliam AIFD Erin Benzakein | Floret Julie Tobi Carlota Flower Lab Madrid Flower School Azuma Makoto Maurice Harris | Bloom & Plume The Wild Mother | SendFlowersTo project Oasis cold glue AIFD Conference 2022 FOLLOW + LEARN FROM SUE MCLEARY HERE: Website Instagram Today's Episode is brought to you by: EveryStem EveryStem was created because software has the power to change the way you price and order flowers for a profit. A SPECIAL OFFER FOR BB PODCAST LISTENERS:  Grab our free checklist of The Top 10 Profit Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Business and we'll send you a code for a free month of EveryStem florist software. Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha) and Maggie Bailey (Bramble & Bee) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music & Voiceovers: Landon McGee  

Today we're visiting with floral designer Pili Fuentes, owner of Las Floristas in Mexico City, Mexico.  Pili is also the founder 0f Flower House Mexico and co-founder of the European Association for Flower Growers. Join us as we talk with Pili about: Transitioning from kindergarten teacher to floral designer The learning opportunities she's found in freelancing Her interest in biodynamic farming The importance and urgency of caring for our soil Why she decided to create the European Association for Flower Growers Her passion for learning from others and sharing information The health issue that inspired her to found Flower House Mexico LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 94: Ariella Chezar | Ariella Chezar Design Kiana Underwood | Tulipina Max Gill | Max Gill Design Flower School New York Siloh Floral Artistry European Association for Flower Growers Mariana Guajardo | Bambu Flores Horta de la Viola Chris Trump Natural Farming | @soilsteward Casa de la Amistad Flower House Mexico Studio Mondine Nicole Land | Soil & Stem Little State Flower Company Jason Murakawa | Small Masterpiece Jose Villa | photographer Corbin Gurkin | photographer Xochimilco Tea Lane Farm Nicolette Camille Floral Lisa Waud | The Flower House Detroit Jill Rizzo | Wild Season Florals Pistil & Stamen Sylvia Bustamante | Madrid Flower School Villa Verde Farm Proyecto Público Prim Lucy Munoz FOLLOW PILI'S ENDEAVORS: Las Floristas Flower House Mexico (next event coming November 2022) European Association for Flower Growers | EAFG Conference   Today's Episode is brought to you by: Madrid Flower School Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English. Hosts: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music & Voiceovers: Landon McGee

TODAY'S GUESTS: Lauren & Leah Palmer | The Wild Mother TOPIC: Send Flowers to MMIW In May 2022, the Palmer sisters, owners of The Wild Mother, will embark on their annual Send Flowers To project. This year the project will surround MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) Awareness Day, on May 5th. Send Flowers To MMIW is a requiem and response to this crisis through a floral outpouring which will be installed at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City from May 7th to May 9th. Thought leaders, organizers, political activists, and those doing preventative work are joining this Send Flowers To MMIW project to illuminate, educate, honor victims and memorialize the lost. The Wild Mother is devoting their annual Send Flowers To project to the MMIW crisis in hopes of providing a place for victims' families to connect with the larger community in their grief. In addition, they hope to bring healing to the healers—those working with "boots on the ground" of this crisis. Lastly, they will provide touch points between a broad community (non Native) and policy makers, urging them to address the crisis that effects so many of their neighbors. MPORTANT LINKS:  LEARN: Click here to learn more about the MMIW+ crisis (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Femmes, and Two-Spirit Relatives). DONATE: Click here to visit the GoFundMe page. SPONSOR: Your organization's support is imperative. Become a sponsor by sending your pledge to sendflowersto@thewildmother.com. VOLUNTEER: Join the team of volunteers. Fill out this form to express your interest in participating in the movement. Host: Amy McGee (Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

Today we're visiting with John Gibbons, owner of Lakes & Rivers Flower Farm in Liverpool, England. Join us as we talk with John about: transitioning from makeup artist to flower farmer how his time at Dior inspired his career in flower farming utilizing an allotment to get a taste of flower farming overcoming challenges without losing vision and enthusiasm the reality of farming on leased land selling wholesale flowers to florists his long-term plan for the farm the importance of having a plan before jumping into flower farming reframing social media to acknowledge the positive impact it can have on your business LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 93: Floret | Cut Flower Garden book Tallulah Rose Flower School Flowers From the Farm Bloom Trust Co Green & Gorgeous The Business of Selling Flowers Forever Green Flower Co Bloom by Ryan Lewis Just Dahlias Joseph Massie | The Flower School Sarah Statham | Simply by Arrangement FIND LAKES & FARMS FLOWER FARM HERE: Website | Instagram This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: EVERYSTEM EveryStem was created because software has the power to change the way you price and order flowers for a profit. Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha) and Maggie Bailey (Bramble & Bee) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music & Voiceovers: Landon McGee