Coffee Wine & Flowers Podcast

Ready to transform your business journey and align it with your life's deepest passions? In this episode, I'm diving into the heart of creating a business that seamlessly fits into your life. Join me as I explore the transformative power of committing to an aligned business and the courageous steps needed to get there.I'll share my personal journey of juggling a growing family and a flourishing business, and the tough choices that come with being a solopreneur. We'll discuss the importance of remembering why you started, recognizing where you want to go, and making transitions for more aligned results. Learn how to spot the signs of misalignment in your business and take control of your entrepreneurial journey.With inspiring anecdotes and practical advice, this episode will empower you to embrace change, make bold decisions, and stay true to your unique path. Whether you're feeling stuck, burnt out, or simply looking for a renewed sense of direction, my insights will provide the encouragement you need to take that small, uncomfortable baby step toward a more fulfilling business and life. Tune in and let's embark on this journey together!CLICK HERE FOR CANVA PRO DIGITAL MOCKUPS COURSE!Subscribe for more info and launch details.Floral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopPodcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

You are going to love this conversation!In this episode, Janelle Thomson, owner of Lavender Flowers and Tono & Co, shares her inspiring story of how she fatefully acquired Lavender Flowers (on Craigslist) and transformed it to align with her creative vision. She walks us through how she rediscovered her creative voice after hitting her "business rock bottom," and figured out a way to create financial sustainability in her business without sacrificing her creative urges. Ever encountered the dilemma of feeling pulled to those irresistible blooms that are outside the client's budget? Or trying to communicate budget realism to clients without causing disappointment? In our conversation, Janelle shares how she has overcome budget restrictions and managing client expectations, and we also reveal our shared discovery of how structuring tiered offerings can help you communicate value in a streamlined way while setting your business up to scale.Janelle and I close this episode with sharing our excitement of our upcoming in-person workshop, along with a preview of what students can expect. Interested in joining us at the workshop this April? We'd love to have you! Here's how to redeem your special bonus!1. Click here to purchase your workshop ticket.2. Send an email to sarah@mulberryandmoss.com (or DM me @mulberryandmoss) after purchasing your workshop ticket, provide your order # and mention this episode of Coffee Wine & Flowers.We will sign you up for a free 1-hour coaching  call with Janelle or myself, redeemable at any time in the coming year.Click Here to Explore all Workshop DetailsChapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:02 Taking Over Lavender's Flowers06:05 Shaping Lavender's Flowers11:50 Managing Pricing and Budgeting28:04 The Importance of Mock-ups and Communication29:12 Understanding Client Expectations and Budgets37:00 Creating a Lower-Tiered Offering45:28 Streamlining Processes for Efficiency and Profitability51:00 The Excitement of the In-Person Workshop55:52 Final Thoughts and Words of EncouragementPodcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFloral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

It's all in the title folks! I'm going to take you on a journey in this episode and reveal to you the mindset shift I made that opened up the floodgates to building connection with my audience. If you're looking for the secrets to standing out to your dream audience, this episode will not disappoint! And it doesn't involve reinventing your artistry. You already have everything you need to succeed. Ready to dive in? Hit Play.Join us at our Spring Workshop Intensive! Dive into hands-on floral artistry and business education for building the aligned business of your dreams, along with practical business strategies for streamlined success. Connect with fellow passionate, goal-driven florists from across the U.S. and walk away with gorgeous new portfolio images from professional styled shoots.CLICK HERE!Podcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFloral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

Need ideas for hook phrases that are sure to get you results? Want to know my strategy behind posts that send new subscribers to my email list DAILY - even months after posting? We're continuing the conversation from last week about instagram strategy, and today were getting  deeper into posts that drive specific results - whether the result you want is to gain more followers, generate more engagement and build trust with your audience, or get sales!Plus, I'll give you 4 different formulas for writing hooks that are sure to capture the attention of your audience and stop them in their tracks. Dive in for the full scoop and be sure to download the Free Instagram Guide linked below!If you would return the favor by scrolling down and leaving a review of the podcast, I would greatly appreciate it! Your feedback and support means the world! FREE Download - Instagram GuideMy Ultimate Instagram Handbook - $49Podcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFloral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

Hey friends! In this episode, I'm diving deep into Instagram strategies, and specifically how to stand out on instagram in a competitive space in 2024! We start by discussing the ever-changing social media landscape and the importance of standing out amidst the chaos. It's all about understanding that your audience may not initially care about your offerings, but it's our job to make them care by addressing their needs and desires.We tackle the common fear of appearing too salesy on Instagram and debunk the myth by sharing data showing that a significant percentage of users are actually making purchases on the platform regularly. Then, we delve into the challenge of standing out in a competitive arena, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and purposeful content over blindly following trends.One crucial aspect we cover is the difference between hacks and real, timeless strategies. While hacks might offer short-term gains, it's essential to focus on sustainable approaches that truly resonate with your audience. We also emphasize the importance of understanding your ideal client and tailoring your content to speak directly to them.We provide practical tips for optimizing your Instagram profile to capture leads effectively, including crafting a compelling bio, utilizing highlights strategically, and pinning posts to showcase your best content. Additionally, we explore the strategic approach to content creation, highlighting the need for each post to serve a specific purpose, whether it's to gain reach, engagement, or drive sales.Lastly, we outline a simple yet effective formula for crafting successful Instagram posts, which involves creating a compelling hook, providing value, and including a clear call to action. Overall, it's a comprehensive guide to leveraging Instagram for business success in 2024 and beyond, and I can't wait to share these strategies with you!Podcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFloral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

In this episode, we delve into the world of wedding floristry rentals, exploring the why and how behind incorporating them into your business model. From profitability considerations to enhancing the customer experience and brand perception, we break down key strategies for strategically offering rentals. We discuss pricing strategies, labor optimization, and the importance of aligning rentals with your business goals and ideal client. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your rental offerings, this episode provides valuable insights to help you navigate the world of wedding floristry rentals.Resources and Links from the episode:FREE DOWNLOAD: Rentals Strategy WorksheetVisit the Resource ShopPodcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFloral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

Hello, floral friends! Welcome back to the show. I hope this finds you well and thriving in your floral pursuits! Today, we're diving into a topic that holds a special place in my heart – making the most of the slow season. As floral enthusiasts, we often find ourselves immersed in the whirlwind of events, but the slower periods bring a unique opportunity for reflection, planning, and nurturing both our business and creativity.Here's a preview of the episode and the 5 things I love to do to take full advantage of downtime during the wedding off-season.Revisit Your Vision:Take a moment to reconnect with your business vision.Reflect on where you are and refine your long-term goals.Example: Consider building an online course and creating digital products to enhance your educational offerings.Financial Check-Up:Conduct a macro-level analysis of your business finances.Assess overall income and identify areas for improvement.Example: Use innovative approaches like flash sales to boost sales and meet quarterly targets.Studio Sale:Host a studio sale to clear inventory and refresh your workspace.Signal to clients that your designs evolve with updated items.Example: Celebrate renewal and inject fresh energy into your designs and workspace.Market Research:Explore trends in magazines for upcoming wedding season insights.Actively seek patterns and names on social media for inspiration.Example: Use market research to make informed decisions about the weddings and clients you pursue.Gardening:Embrace gardening as a holistic approach to reconnect with nature.Gain insights into the natural mediums you work with daily.Example: Understand how plants interact with their environment, influencing your artistic expression in floral design.For an immersive exploration of these strategies and more, dive into the complete episode. Podcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFloral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

Introduction:In this episode, we delve into the art of strategic portfolio building for wedding florists, unlocking the key to attracting high-end clients and elevating your business. Your portfolio is your visual resume, and we'll explore how cultivating an impressive showcase can significantly impact your credibility and revenue.Section 1: Showcasing Your Vision:Your Instagram is a window to your world. If you want to attract clients with a specific style, your portfolio must reflect that. We discuss the importance of portraying your desired aesthetic consistently to draw in clients who resonate with your unique style and value.Section 2: Positioning Your Brand:We emphasize the significance of being what you wish to seem. If you aspire to create luxury florals, embody that vision. We share insights on ways to pivot your business to strengthen your portfolio progressively, attracting clients with killer style and attention to detail.Section 3: Short-Term Strategies:For those starting, we explore short-term strategies to enhance your portfolio without waiting for dream clients. Planning styled shoots, collaborating with like-minded vendors, and leveraging paid opportunities can provide immediate content improvements.Section 4: Long-Term Portfolio Growth:Taking a more extended view, we discuss how upselling can gradually elevate your average order value, thus improving your portfolio over time. Presenting add-ons and upgrade options in every proposal and showcasing upgrade possibilities during mockups are key tactics. In addition, we discuss the topic of over-delivering as a long-term growth strategy when styled shoot investments and upselling are not an option.Section 5: Episode Conclusion:Building a flourishing floral business involves crafting not just arrangements but perceptions. Your portfolio is the cornerstone of your brand's image. By strategically nurturing and refining it, you position yourself for success in attracting the clients you desire.Podcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFloral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

It's a brand new year of possibilities! In this latest podcast episode, "5 Ways to Level Up in 2023" we explore strategies to elevate your floral business in 2024. Join us on this journey as we unlock the doors to success.Reflecting on ProgressBefore we dive into 2024 strategies, take a moment to reflect on your business's past year. Celebrate markers of growth, whether it's increased wedding totals or assembling an exceptional team. Distinguish between intentional short-term goals and delightful surprises, emphasizing the importance of having a clear, long-term vision.The Essence of ClarityClarity is crucial; it's the guiding light that ensures every decision aligns with your business's overarching purpose. Short-term growth steps are integral to manifesting your long-term vision. Achieving harmony between personal aspirations and professional goals is key for success and fulfillment in life and in business.Strategies to Propel Your Business1. Focus on Engagement: Navigating Social MediaShift from quantity-focused to quality-centric posts. Embrace meaningful engagement, prioritizing likes, saves, shares, and video views. Authentic connection is the linchpin for building credibility and authority.2. Conduct a Website Audit: Are you Attracting the Right People?Consider your website the digital storefront. A website audit ensures simplicity, clarity, and effectiveness in showcasing your portfolio. It's your first point of contact for potential clients.3. Grow Your Team: The Power of Strategic DelegationRecognize you can't do it all. Outsource tasks that aren't your strengths or don't bring joy. Place trust in beginners with the goal of discovering new team talent and positive energy. Cultivate a team culture aligned with your business vibe.4. Shedding Dead Weight: A Financial and Emotional AuditAs the tax season approaches, assess areas not serving you financially or emotionally. Rate your excitement about different aspects of your business. Distinguish between what fuels your passion and what no longer serves you.5. Re-center on Your Goals: Diversify, Streamline, and Create SpaceExplore diversifying your business and streamlining processes. Evaluate how to create more space for peace and joy. Let your goals inspire your choices and decisions throughout the year.ConclusionWe wrap up this episode with the hope that you will carry these insights with you into 2024 as the foundation for a year of growth and success. Whether you're a seasoned floral entrepreneur or a budding creative spirit, these strategies offer a roadmap for navigating the evolving business landscape from a place of authenticity and alignment in 2024.Come back next week as we delve into additional strategies to propel your business further. Let's make 2024 a year of flourishing businesses, fulfilled dreams, and bountiful blooms!Podcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFloral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

Introduction:Welcome back to our podcast, where we delve into the intricacies of running a floral business. After a short break, we're back with renewed energy and a commitment to bringing you valuable content. In this episode, we explore a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship—making decisions and facing tough questions. As business owners, it's common to seek answers externally, but we advocate for looking within to find the confidence and direction needed to steer your business.Segment 1: Why a One-Size-Fits-All Approach Doesn't Work:We celebrate the individuality of the floral industry, emphasizing that your uniqueness is a superpower. While communities offer support, it's essential to discern when seeking common ground may hinder personal growth. Decisions around pricing, collaborations, and services aren't one-size-fits-all. Looking to others can be detrimental; the key is to empower yourself to navigate questions independently, relying on your specific strengths and goals.Segment 2: The Three Key Questions:To equip you with tools for strategic decision-making, we introduce the Golden 3 questions. First, "What are my goals?" Having clear, long-term goals helps in decision-making, aligning choices with your vision. Second, "What are my strengths?" Identifying your superpowers allows you to leverage them, gaining a competitive edge. Third, "What are my resources?" Understanding your current situation—financially, time-wise, and skill-wise—guides decisions. These questions form a powerful framework for making strategic choices.Conclusion:Every decision requires an understanding of your unique context. Goals, strengths, and resources act as guiding lights in the decision-making process. By staying true to yourself, understanding your strengths, and recognizing available resources, you can navigate your business journey confidently. Remember, it's okay to make decisions that differ from others; in fact, it often leads to quicker goal attainment and a distinctive business identity.Final Words:We hope this episode inspires and empowers you as you continue building your unique floral business. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes, and don't hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas with us. Until next time, happy flourishing!Podcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFloral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

Unleashing the Potential of AI for FloristsWelcome back to the Coffee Wine & Flowers Podcast! In this episode, we invite tech-savvy entrepreneurs to explore the exciting realms of internet technology, specifically artificial intelligence (AI). Join us as we uncover how florists and creative entrepreneurs can leverage AI mindfully to elevate their businesses.Controversies Surrounding AI in BusinessAs we approach 2024, the business landscape witnesses rapid advancements in AI, raising concerns about job displacement, ethics, and creativity. However, as independent business owners, we see these challenges as opportunities for growth. Let's shift our perspective and explore how AI can empower rather than hinder our creative endeavors.Harnessing AI for Business AdvancementAI is a tool that, when used wisely, can lift us up. This episode focuses on ChatGPT, the latest addition to the online marketing club, which can be your assistant, coach, editor, and more. Discover how AI can complement creativity, making processes efficient and opening new doors for innovation.Specific Ideas for Using ChatGPT in Your Floral BusinessExplore the various ways ChatGPT can revolutionize your floral business. From workflow automation guidance to content generation for marketing, ChatGPT becomes your versatile partner in the digital age. It's your social media manager, market research analyst, and brand development advisor—all in one.Refining Your Brand Voice with ChatGPTChatGPT's remarkable ability to refine your brand voice ensures consistency across communication channels. It becomes a tool to nurture your process, not overshadow it. This section provides insights into interactive sessions with ChatGPT, allowing it to ask questions and refine your brand messaging.Best Practices for AI Content CreationWhile ChatGPT is a valuable tool, it's crucial to review and refine its output to align with your brand voice. Overuse could backfire, so maintaining a personal touch is key. AI is here to nurture creativity, not replace it. Embracing AI mindfully allows us to lead the industry forward into a new era with grace and innovation.Conclusion: Flourishing into the AI EraAs floral designers and business owners, stepping into the AI era offers exciting possibilities. AI becomes a catalyst for efficiency and productivity, allowing businesses to navigate challenges and celebrate positive transformations. Let's tread lightly but excitedly into this new digital era, embracing opportunities and continuing to learn and grow. Stay inspired, keep up the beautiful work, and until next week, happy listening!>>Grab my Free Guide: 5 Ways to Leverage AI in Your BusinessPodcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFloral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

Ever find yourself stuck in a business waiting room, yearning for those dream clients to magically appear? Join us in this episode as we unravel the art of attracting your ideal clients. Whether you're launching or reviving your floral business, proactive marketing is the key.Crafting a Customer-Centric Experience:First, let's fine-tune your brand. Envision your ideal client stepping into your brand universe. Identify their style, budget, and values. Conduct a brand audit to ensure your visuals, language, and pricing align with your target audience. Streamline the customer journey from discovery to inquiry. Keep it clear, concise, and captivating. Less confusion, more conversions.Proactive Connection on Social Media:Social media is your playground. Dive into Instagram, with a focus on reels for optimal reach. Connect with your audience through polls, questions, and engaging content. Position yourself as an expert in your niche. Social media isn't just about selling; it's about building trust and credibility. Experiment with content, listen to your audience, and let engagement be your guide.Community Engagement in the Real World:Step out of your comfort zone and into real-world networking. Attend industry events, sponsorships, or styled shoots. Build powerful connections and get your work noticed in person. While online connections are invaluable, face-to-face interactions leave a lasting impact. Your business grows not just online but in the hearts and minds of those you meet.Diversify Your Marketing Approach:Don't put all your eggs in one digital basket. Explore different online channels—Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Google, Pinterest, email marketing, and more. Tailor your approach to your unique skills and audience preferences. Marketing isn't one-size-fits-all; it's about delivering value. Experiment, adapt, and let impact drive your business forward.Conclusion: Blossom Boldly

In this episode of the Coffee, Wine & Flowers podcast, join me, Sarah Wahhab, as we delve into the crucial realm of elevating your pricing strategy for business growth. As a seasoned wedding floral designer, business educator, and entrepreneur, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of strategic pricing.We kick off by recognizing the signs of burnout, the silent signal that often whispers it's time to level up. Beyond the fatigue and overwhelm, it's a call to reassess your business trajectory. I share personal insights from my journey, starting a floral business a decade ago with a dream to make a living from my passion. Now, as an online business owner helping creative entrepreneurs reach their dreams, I'm here to guide you through the nuances of pricing evolution.Discover the myriad reasons to consider adjusting your prices, beyond simple cost considerations. Whether it's accommodating increased team members, expanding into a larger space, or adapting to inflation, understanding the drivers behind price adjustments is key. Moreover, your business vision may evolve, prompting a desire to offer a higher standard of service or cater to a more elevated clientele.Embrace the inevitable lull that often follows a price increase. It's not a negative dip but a necessary pause, a breathing space for your business to catch up with its newfound positioning. It's during this phase that many entrepreneurs falter, feeling discouraged by potential client rejection. I highlight the crucial shift in offerings and target customers that accompanies a price increase. This shift may lead to reevaluation and potential disconnection with past collaborators or clients, signaling a true leveling up in your market tier.Navigating this shift requires resilience and strategic action. I provide actionable steps to re-situate yourself within this new market space. From identifying your ideal customer in this elevated tier to networking with businesses already operating at that level, the process is akin to starting again from the beginning. A thorough brand audit from a new customer perspective is essential, ensuring your messaging aligns with the elevated positioning of your business.The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of embracing growth-related challenges. As business owners, recognizing when we're outgrowing our current stage is vital. This episode equips you not only to recognize these signs but also to navigate through the transitions, ensuring you continue to serve your business and reach for your goals.I hope this episode empowers you to embrace the challenges that come with growth. My goal is for you to feel in control, knowing the exact steps to take when faced with business-evolving decisions. Remember, these challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones to move up and move on to bigger and better things.Podcast Home Page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFloral Business Tools & Resources:www.mulberryandmoss.com/shopFollow on Instagram: @mulberryandmoss

Today I'm sharing about my process for creating floral proposals for your wedding clients! They are a huge part of our job as wedding florists because they are the thing that sells our work, the key to us booking events and the concept within the proposal is where each new design begins. In this episode I'll be answering questions like, what is a proposal? What purpose does it serve? What are the elements that should be included in every proposal? How much time should you spend on a proposal? And then I'll share some strategies for how you can cut back the time in your life that you're spending creating proposals. Whether you're a pro at creating these visual documents or brand new to the selling process altogether, I know you're going to find something useful in this episode.Links & Resources: Details Flower SoftwareCode: MULBERRY for $50 off your first two monthsMy Floral Proposal Template - Create lovely, professional, customized proposals in Canva for your wedding clientsSign Up for Canva My Go-to (FREE!) program for all things graphic design

Hello everyone!Today I am sharing my 5 tips for how to tackle  BIG weddings! There was a season of my business where I turned away from larger weddings for a mix of reasons. For the longest time, I didn't pursue large jobs, and if planners asked me about my pricing range I would put myself in a very modest category and not necessarily advertising myself as a “big wedding” type of florist. I heard the word ballroom and pretty much drew the line because frankly I was intimidated. I think I was still lacking a bit of confidence, there may have been some fear mixed in there, although I don't really consider myself someone to shy away from a challenge, but I think where most of that fear came from was just uncertainty. But regardless of my feelings going into it and how I came out the other side, when it comes to tackling big weddings there are so many practicalities that are learned in the process. And I've learned so many things - not necessarily from mistakes that were made, because as a person who takes risks in a cautious, calculated sense, I took things on more slowly but I did still learn a lot in the process. And had I known things early on, I might have been able to dive in with more confidence, rather than shying away in uncertainty for so long. And today I'd like to share these lessons with you so that wherever you might fall on that spectrum of shying away or going for it, maybe they can help you either when deciding whether or not it's the right time to take a job, or to simply move forward and say “Yes” to opportunities with more confidence.I will give a little spoiler to my conclusion for those curious minds out there - It turns out big weddings are not as scary as some might think they are, BUT they are still extremely challenging and there are plenty of things that you should consider before taking one on if you want to really knock it out of the park.So without further ado, here are 5 of my main lessons I've learned from doing big weddings!For complete episode show notes, visit www.mulberryandmoss.com/episode14

In this week's episode I answer two questions submitted by listeners. Question 1Nad from Dublin asked: I work mainly with dried and preserved flowers and I have noticed that the demand for low budget weddings is so high at the moment. I'd like to know how to achieve potential clients that I'd be able to provide with more creative and interesting florals and not only a bouquet and boutonniere. Sometimes I think of having a pre-made collection of wedding bouquets on my website like Etsy just to accommodate these low budget weddings, but I'm afraid of this having any kind of negative impact on how I'd be seen by the customers with a good potential budget. Question 2Linnéa from Stockholm, Sweden asked: What has been your biggest struggle throughout your business journey? Also, what was one of your greatest or dearest memories you have from when you started out?Visit episode page: www.mulberryandmoss.com/episode13

In today's episode, I want to share with you 3 important tips that I believe can help you accomplish your work more smoothly in order to ultimately make more space for joy - not just in your life, but  in your work. We spend so much of our life working, so why not make our work enjoyable, and enjoyable for those who work with us and for us?In my company, creating a fun and positive work environment is so important to me. When we all have fun at work, the result is better. The work we produce is more quality and most importantly, that positive energy overflows into the rest of our day. It's difficult to compartmentalize negative feelings associated with work. I think that we've all experienced that stress, that overwhelm, that anxiety or negative energy that follows us home.Since day 1, I've set out to create a career that I love. We all want that, right? The beautiful thing about entrepreneurship is that we get to pave our own path and dream up our own career that embodies everything we love and everything that we believe in. So let's not forget to foster an environment in our workplace that sparks joy for us, and for those we hire to be a part of that dream.For all episode show notes, visit www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcast

Episode Summary:So… How to scale your business? The million dollar question. Today, I'm going to walk you through 5 steps for scaling your business. Each step is important in not only scaling but in making sure you're in the right position to scale, so that as you take on more clients and more sales, you will have a strong enough structure to support the volume, and that increased volume will lead to noticeable growth in revenue.Step 1: Decide in What Way You Want to Scale there are lots of ways to scale your business and you get to decide which parts of your business you want to focus on, and which model you want to use to scale. Remember the building blocks analogy - you can scale horizontally or vertically, and you can decide which "buildings" you want to invest in based on which ones perform best and will generate the most revenue. Step 2: Know Your NumbersSo, the first step in scaling your business is understanding your numbers really well so that you can decide which areas of your business have the potential to perform best, and that will help clarify what areas you should scale.Step 3: Streamline Your Operation Remember the guys in the canoe. Get rid of the weakest links, they are just going to hold you back. Systemize, work smarter, not harder.Step 4: Grow Your TeamI think the best way to find quality people to add to your team is just to try out as many different people as possible, give a lot of people a chance, observe and pay close attention to their strengths and how they can add value to your team. Remember that you might have to kiss some frogs to get to the good ones. Step 5: Increase Your SalesThere are a couple different factors in making more sales. One is growing your client base and increasing the quantity of your sales, and another is increasing the quality of your sales.  1) Under-sell, over-deliver. 2) Build planner relationships. 3) Increase your minimum.For full episode show notes, visit www.mulberryandmoss.com/episode11

Today I'm sharing a personal story and a realization that helped me better understand my motivation for my business. If you're feeling stuck, give this a listen.For full show notes, visit www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcast/episode10

For full episode show notes, visit www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcast/episode9

Your product is quite possibly the most important component of your business. Because no matter how many prospects or customers you have, and no matter how good you are at sales, and no matter how clear you are on your business model, your business is nothing without a product to sell. And if you don't understand your product - truly and fully and intimately - from the way it's structured or built to why it's priced the way it is and how it can serve your customer, you can not properly sell your product, and you might have a hard time growing and making money.Today I want to talk about what having a product or offering truly means, why getting clear on your product is so important, the process of designing a signature product or offering, as well as the importance of expanding, evolving, or adding to your offerings and the role this plays in your business growth. If you have listened to my past episodes, you know that I am a big picture kinda girl and strong believer in finding motivation for our decisions and actions by looking towards the future and what we want to achieve. By the end of this episode you are going to see why this is such an important key concept in achieving real wealth in your business. Chapters of this Episode: What is Your Product?If you are a wedding florist, in a general sense, flowers may be the thing you sell, but your product is more contextual. Your product is the service that you provide, it's the unique designs you create, it's the way you package them and present them, and the way the individual pieces make up an overall design. All of these things make up your product. Your product is the experience that you offer to your clients through your flowers. That is what you offer and that is what they are paying for. Your product is really your service. You may offer a wide list of different products. Or, you might have variations of one product. Getting Clear on Your ProductIn order to really be successful with both selling and marketing, you must know your product inside and out. How well do you know yours? How familiar are you with the service you offer and what exactly your clients are getting when they hire you? Designing a 'Signature Product'Getting clear on your product is something that you can more confidently refine and shape over time through experimentation and getting more familiar with your strengths, your specialty, and what sets you apart from other brands. I refer to this refinement process as building and designing your signature product. Buckle Up, Niche DownThere is nothing wrong with having a more broad collection of offerings as long as they are all profitable and as long as you can make it make sense from a marketing perspective without confusing your audience. But, if you're really serious about your business, it is wise to pare down to the parts of your business that really drive revenue because this will allow you to streamline, maximize efficiency and make room for the things that are going to generate more revenue. Own What You're Best AtYou can create a more impactful, more quality client experience by honing in on what you do best.Designing My Signature Product - The ProcessThe exercise that helped me understand what my work should be valued at, helped me make sure I wasn't accepting jobs that didn't align with my brand, and helped me in my selling process, to feel confident about my numbers so that I could sell more profitably and confidently.For all episode show notes, visit mulberryandmoss.com/podcast

I think that one thing all of us humans can relate on is that we want to feel heard and feel seen.Today's topic is centered around human connection but more specifically how to use this form of connection as a means of growing your business on social media. If there is one thing that I've learned while growing a business on social media it's that realness is rare. And I think it's slowly becoming more common now, as people and as businesses and brands learn that it's an effective form of marketing. But I think there are still quite a few businesses out there who are afraid to just be real.If we think about people and how we naturally operate, both as a human and as a consumer, we don't just crave realness but we crave connection. And the reason we crave realness is because it gives us a means to connect and relate. How does one go about engaging more authentically on social media? I'm going to share with you 5 tips that are straight from my own social media approach. Tip #1: SHOW UP AS YOU AREThe first step in creating an authentic presence on social media is to show up as you are. If your followers and customers are going to experience this human connection, there needs to be a human on the other end for them to connect with. Showing up in person and being open on social media will allow you to deepen the connection with your audience, by inviting them  to start conversations and to feel a part of your brand story.Tip #2: BE HOSPITABLEAnother strategy I use in my approach when engaging on social media is to think about it from a place of being hospitable. I think when you walk into a business, something that really makes a good impression and leaves an impact is when there is a sense of hospitality. I try to imagine my social media page as a physical place where people will come to experience my brand. How do I do this on an instagram page? I can't literally greet someone and smile at them, obviously. But I can create a sense of welcome in the feel of the page - through my use of the features that are available to me in the app. To think that your social media account can not just be beautiful but be useful to a follower or potential customer. That it could provide value to them. That is making the most of social media as a marketing platform.Tip #3:  ACKNOWLEDGE EVERY FOLLOWERI think this should go without me saying, but if you're thinking of your social media profile as a place where you host your followers and you're inviting them into this space, it's so important that you acknowledge your followers. The most obvious way to do this reply to each and every comment you receive. If you are at a beginner level in engaging with your audience on social media, at a minimum level, you should be replying to every single comment and DM. Rather than just liking the comment, take the extra step to comment back. By acknowledging each follower, and especially the ones who are going out of their way to like, comment, or engage with your content in some other way, it's a way of thanking them and letting them know you appreciate them for showing interest in your brand. And that appreciation goes a long way. Tip #4: RELATERelating to your audience is something that requires a sense of humanity. It requires compassion, kindness, listening and caring. Those are things that leave people feeling good. Relating to your audience makes them feel heard and seen. Because that is so rare in today's fast and busy culture, where the majority of the human race is focused on themselves alone, that is something that can be extremely powerful, because if you can create a memorable interaction with a member of your audience, they are much more likely to remembe

Today, I am sharing with you my best kept secret. If you've listened to past episodes I've shared with you that there were some discoveries I made a few years into my business that came as good news and really changed my whole way of thinking. One of them specifically was the idea that I could build and craft my own ideal business, and reverse engineer the steps to help me generate enough income to support my goals and dreams. When it comes to crafting your ideal business and life, I really believe that the steps I'm going to share with you are the foundational building blocks for getting you from point A to point B (without getting sucked into a chaotic whirlwind!) As a business owner, you should be in the driver's seat! I will start off by saying that success looks different for everyone. What does success look like to you right now, today, as you imagine your business and your lifestyle several years from now? Take note of that. Okay, here come the steps.Step one - Imagine the life you dream of for yourself. Whether you're starting a new business or you have a business that you would like to hone and refine to really start working for you, it's important to spend some time dreaming and really thinking about the life that you want in the future, so that you can allow these goals to be the foundation that support your business decisions and actions, while guiding you towards your destination. As a part of this visualization of your dream life, include the salary you would like to have that will support your goals and ideal lifestyle. Consider what your monthly expenses will look like in the future (5 to 10 years from now) including how much you would like to save monthly or annually towards vacations,  investments, or other endeavors you noted on your wish list.Step two - Determine your business revenue goalRemember that your personal income and your business income are separate, and your personal income will be a salary that you pay yourself as a portion of your business net profit. So you will want to figure out the salary that you would like to pay yourself, and from that, figure out the gross income that your business must bring in in order to pay yourself that salary.Download my free resource: How to Set a Salary & Revenue Goal for Your Business  Use the resource above to calculate your ideal salary & revenue goal for your business based on your personal goals and dreams you wrote down in the first exercise. You can use this equation to test different scenarios and decide on a set of figures that you feel comfortable with as a goal. This is meant to provide you with a business revenue goal to reach so that you can keep your eyes fixed on your ideal future and making it a reality in a reasonable number of years. You can inch closer to your goal by making profit-focused choices for your business that steer you towards growth.Step three - Choose your business model (or income plan).Did you know there were many different business models for your specific niche , or different ways you could structure and design your business offerings? I certainly did not know this when I was starting out! But as it turns out, no two businesses in any given niche are exactly alike. YOU get to decide how to structure your business, what services or products you want to offer, how you want to price your services, and every other detail of your business. Take the opportunity to structure your business in a strategic way so that it is designed to allow you the income you need as well as support the lifestyle you want, the types of work you enjoy, and the kind of schedule you would like to have.  Step four - Maintain the course (Stay in the driver seat! That means o

If you own a creative business, then you are probably an artist or creative and most of us creative people love to do one thing - create! Sometimes budgets and numbers just feel like they're hindering your creativity and standing in the way of being able to fully express yourself. In this episode I share with you exactly why profit should be your main focus in your business and walk you through some practical ways you can shift your focus towards profitability. When I started my business, I was so excited to start creating for people who wanted to hire me, and I was pouring my heart and soul into every design. And a lot of the time, that meant sparing no expense at the flower market. Of course I'd try to stay on  budget … But most of the time, I was letting my passion win me over and letting my budget go out the window. I told myself this was helping me build my brand and attract my ideal clients. I learned the hard way what it meant to truly market my business and that in order to do that, I needed to make money on my events. Overtime, I've started implementing some strategies to help me stay profitable, and I'm going to share my top 4 strategies with you!Strategy #1 - I shifted my focus away from my own taste and artistic urges, and started paying close attention to the client's values, so that I could better align my stem selections with their value system.This requires truly understanding your clients values and making design decisions that serve those values. This way, you don't make expensive choices that may not be worth it to your client. And if it's not worth it to them, it's probably not worth it to you! That's because the entire wedding will not reflect the same design quality that you value. So it won't really be a portfolio piece in the end. Which brings me to...Strategy #2 - I started collecting more detailed information from each client, like which other vendors I would be working with, to identify which weddings would be portfolio builders ahead of time.I did this by adding extra questions to my bride questionnaire and doing my vendor research. This helped me to build connections with vendors and make sure my efforts were not in vain! For the weddings that did justify that extra special attention because they were going to truly push my brand forward, I made sure to approach my spending strategically and most importantly, made sure that my client knew when they were getting a deal. It's alright to price competitively as a temporary strategy when you're starting out, but make sure that you reflect those discounts in your pricing so that the value of your work is clear.Strategy #3 - I prioritized getting my markup and pricing sorted, and built in a buffer to mitigate overspending tendencies.That's a mouthful, I know... But basically, I became smart with my pricing and left extra money in my budget to shop! How did I become smarter with pricing exactly? A few of the ways I did this were helping the client to prioritize their needs from their wants, making suggestions for what pieces would leave the greatest impact, as well as being smart with my recipes and flower selections according to the client's values as I mentioned in step 1.  This helped me to optimize my proposals - in other words - lowering the quantity of items and making sure the quality was there.

In today's episode we are talking about a challenging topic that is very relevant to many florists at this current time in our industry. Today we are talking all about floral industry inflation and flower shortages. Let's get down to the root of the problem and start talking about solutions for how we can move forward in the face of this change. First, let's recognize that sudden changes or disruptions in our flow of business can cause an array of different emotional responses. But it's important to separate emotion from the reality of the situation and start by examining the evidence, so that we can begin taking logical steps to solve the problem.This can be done through taking a data assessment. In this episode I will walk you through how I examined the data in my own business related to flower cost inflation. This is an important step, as every individual business is unique and will be effected in their own different ways. How are these issues effecting your business?Another way to deal with this issue is to pay close attention to price trends. It's good practice to examine your invoices and take note of price changes and price trends for stems that you use on a regular basis. Use your invoices to keep an updated price reference list. Another way you can keep a pulse on stem prices is to communicate with your wholesaler and ask them for a pre-book (or price estimate) when you are building your flower order for an upcoming event. The next step is going to be to look at your recipes and see if they are producing the appropriate margin. If you are over budget, that is when you need to go back into the recipe and make adjustments to see if you can minimize the gap. Sometimes you can make a few tweaks and find that you are on budget. Context is important here - what are the bride's expectations? Pay attention to each bride and make decisions that serve their best interest. If you try and adjust the recipe to make the pricing work, but  you just cannot make ends meet, that is when it is time to bring the client up to speed on the issue in a calm and appropriate way. The important things to accomplish during this conversation is to be fully transparent and clearly explain the situation, let them know you've made an effort to minimize the cost discrepancy, offer them options for how to move forward, and offer a suggestion if they are unsure. Most importantly, as the expert, encourage them and give them confidence that they can trust in your ability to bring their vision to life. You want to try and minimize any additional stress for your Bride-to-be. Copyright Mulberry & Moss Floral Design

In this episode, I share my own experience in dealing with Imposter syndrome, how it's shown itself in my own business and the three lessons I've learned from walking into fear. Imposter syndrome is something that everyone deals with and you are definitely not alone! When I look back on my own business, there was never a time I felt sufficiently qualified or educated, however I didn't let that keep me from moving ahead towards my goals. Leaning into our insecurities is not easy, but once you have gone through it once and are able to look back on the whole situation, you sometimes realize there was no reason to be afraid in the first place.In this episode, I will show you how I got to that place and - who knows? Maybe you will feel that you can take a step forward in your goals feeling a little less afraid yourself or what the outcome might be. 1. Remember Who You are Speaking ToHere's my first piece of advice when it comes to imposter syndrome. You have to pause and remember who you are speaking to. A lot of times when we struggle with imposter syndrome when it comes to fear of judgment, we are thinking about our peers, when actually, the ones we should be concerned about are the ones who have a long way to go, and who struggle with things that we can possibly help with. You may not consider yourself an expert - but to someone else who is a few steps behind you, they might think otherwise and could benefit greatly by what you have experienced and the knowledge you have to offer in a certain area or niche.2. The Power of Self-EducationNow, let's talk about the barrier of learning a new technical skill when you are wanting to tackle something new. Sometimes you are well on your way, but then you run into technical hurdles that may discourage you from moving forward in your new endeavor. What I've learned is that in today's digital age, many things can be learned on the internet. Though you cannot become an expert overnight, there is plenty of information that can be found and help you at least learn the steps you need to get through your technical hurdle. There are examples that come to mind of times in my business where I didn't let technology stand in the way of my goals - which I share in this episode.When you're bootstrapping a small business, sometimes you have to get scrappy. Don't let the insecurity or fear of imperfection stop you from moving forward. It's better to do something imperfectly and get it out there than to not start at all.  We learn from each mistake we make, and that makes each new go-round that much more successful.3. Become Your Own Hype PersonThe last piece of advice I share in this episode is the importance of becoming your own hype person. You may have a person in your life who hypes you up and gives you confidence - and that is something that is a blessing to have! If you don't have those people in your life, then it's best to become your own cheerleader in times of uncertainty. Remember that in order for the world to come to know what you have to offer, it takes talking a LOT about your offering to really spread the word. That can be uncomfortable at first, but it takes really breaking past that barrier of discomfort to allow your business and brand to be seen. One of the ways you can practice being proud of your business and how far you've come is to celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small. Commemorate the small steps and treat them as huge victories and this will build your confidence over time as the small steps turn into giant leaps for your business. Conclusion: The funny thing about imposter syndrome is that the risks are often made up in our heads and when it comes down to it, we really don't have that much to lose. Once we realize that the thoughts or opinions of our peers don't matter. And the things we don't know how to do can be lear

In this episode I share one important mindset shift that paved the way for me to pursue wealth in my business. Early in my business I was on a repeating cycle of feeling maxed out and overworked and lacking a sense of direction. What started with investing in a finance course to get my books on track led to a series of discoveries that allowed me to shift my focus to the future. This started a chain reaction where I was able to restructure my business and find ways to expand and diversify my offerings in order to reach a financial goal that I never before thought possible. Part 1 - The Vision BoardAs the first module in the finance course in which I had enrolled, the assignment of creating a vision board had me a bit confused but turned out to be a turning point in realizing the future I wanted for myself, and the part my business played in attaining that desired future. My course experience and the exercises therein allowed me to discover that I needed to diversify my income in order to not only keep my business afloat but to obtain the wealth and life of freedom I desired.  This exercise revealed to me the importance of having a very specific list of goals and a concrete overall vision for my life, so that I could adjust my path to reach my goals.Part 2 - The NumbersThis course was unique because it started with our wildest hopes, dreams and desires and worked backwards to reverse engineer a business structure that would serve as our catalyst for achieving that life. But the steps involved in restructuring my business involved me obtaining a clear picture of the current state of my business finances. This was the second major step in me being able to craft a meaningful and logical direction for my business. It was through this process that I came to the reality that my wedding floral services were not going to provide enough income to reach my goals, which then led me to diversify and brand out to more offerings under my same brand.Part 3 - Becoming a Risk TakerThe last piece of the puzzle was figuring out a way to close the income gap that was standing between me and the financial future I desired. I came up with the idea of streamlining the wedding side of my business to make room for a new set of offerings. I decided to explore offerings in the realm of passive income so that while increasing my revenue I could also pursue more freedom and time in my schedule at the same time. This new endeavor involved me acquiring a new skillset and practically learning in an entirely new industry from the ground up, but I was up to the challenge. Despite the doubts I had, I knew that I needed to take the risk and put myself out there, doing what it took to own my new title of a floral educator. My actions were imperfect in the beginning, and I dealt with all the usual fears of what others would think. But it was by trusting in myself and trusting in my plan that I was able to move forward in confidence and saw immense growth in my business as a result.Conclusion: My biggest takeaway from this experience in taking a real assessment of the state of my business and measuring it against my life goals and desires was that it gave me a powerful bird's eye view of my business. It allowed me to see what needed to change and find a way to adjust my course to reach my destination. I hope that if you listen to this episode, you will take some time to write down your goals and perhaps explore taking a similar assessment of your business, so that it may open up new doors and opportunities for growth. For complete show notes and more episodes, visit www.mulberryandmoss.com/podcastFollow me on instagram: @mulberryandmoss #coffeewineflowerspodcastCopyright Mulberry & Moss Floral Design 

Welcome to the Coffee Wine & Flowers Podcast! I named this podcast after 3 of my favorite things, and to serve as a reminder that life is not just about the work that we do but also the little things that make it enjoyable.I wanted to start this podcast to shed some light on what it's like to be on the inside of building a business around your creative passions, while acknowledging the simple joys and lessons learned along the way that make it all worth it. Whether you're new here or know me already, I want to say welcome and thank you for listening!My name is Sarah Wahhab and I own a wedding floral design company called Mulberry & Moss in Orange County, California. A few years ago, after about 8 years of working in the industry as a wedding designer I began my journey of becoming a floral and business educator. First through offering group floral workshops, then moving onto 1:1 workshops, and then after the pandemic started in 2020, I turned to sharing my knowledge digitally with my followers on social media. After seeing a crazy amount of growth through content creation I discovered a need for more approachable floral education and resources for floral business owners. I created my first digital product: My floral recipe e-books along with a few other digital resources and, eventually I launched my first digital course teaching my approach to floral design. While all of these resources fulfilled some of the need, I still felt that there were missing pieces and parts of my own story that could benefit other floral entrepreneurs in their journey. This was was led me to start this podcast. I hope that through sharing honest stories of successes and failures, and sharing valuable systems and strategies that have helped my own business to grow, I can connect the dots of how to build a successful brand that also guides you closer to the life you desire.Here's what you will see in the episodes to come:- A zoomed out view of my business growth story, including some of the mindset shifts that served as huge turning points in my journey.- Practical systems and strategies that I built leading up to where I am today and that hopefully you can implement in your own business to help you grow your audience, streamline systems to free up time and make things run more smoothly. - Parts of my journey of how I got into flowers and started and grew my business, for those of you who are curious about what getting into the wedding floral industry looks like.I hope you stay tuned - there is so much in store! Copyright Mulberry & Moss Floral Design