The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Episode 284: Summer has officially begun, and we're diving into everything from backyard baseball memories to how summer traffic and summer hours impact our daily lives. But beyond the nostalgia, we're focusing on what's truly important for your flower shop: summer goals, mindset, and staying ahead!Join Lori and Vonda as they explore how the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in our brains shapes what we see, what we notice, and how it impacts our daily interactions... yes, even in the flower shop! From positivity and team culture to customer service and product inspiration, we'll talk about how to harness RAS to bring your summer goals to life.We also bring on our special guest, Marissa Guerrero, to talk about the Texas State Floral Expo coming up at the end of June. She shares all the “secrets” and nuggets of knowledge you'll gain by attending this in-person event, and why showing up in real life matters more than ever in our AI-driven world!Texas State Floral Expo Information and Registration LinkSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 283: Join Lori and Vonda as they dive into the highs and lows of this year's Mother's Day sales, share their thoughts on how technology is making us all a bit lazier (and maybe dumber!), and discuss their busy summer ahead. They also reflect on how GPS and AI tools like ChatGPT might be impacting our critical thinking, this candid episode covers it all.They also chat with special guest Ralph Giordano about the upcoming Florida State Florist Association Convention—think tropical vibes, hands-on workshops, and no fancy black-tie stress! Plus, get the lowdown on their summer travel plans, including Texas State Floral Expo, customer service and sales webinars, and the AIFD Symposium in Palm Springs.Packed with real talk, laughter, a few valuable tips for florists and creatives alike, this episode is a perfect listen whether you're designing, delivering, or just dreaming about flowers!Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 282: In this episode, Vonda admits her struggle with staying focused (and awake) while reading—and Lori steps in with practical, real-life strategies and successes for actually remembering what you read. From turning chapters into movies in your mind to handwritten notes and the power of audiobooks, they cover it all—plus, how these techniques apply not just to personal growth, but to leadership, training, and even flower shop handbooks. Whether you're a highlighter hero or a “just give me the audio” type, this episode will help you learn smarter, not harder.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 281: What do the Pope, memory care planters, and your favorite steakhouse have in common? More than you think. In this episode, Lori and Vonda take a thoughtful (and often funny) dive into recent global events—the passing of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV —and what it reminded them about unity, leadership, and the power of actions over words. From emotional crowd scenes to boutique service lessons, and even Bob “watering” the garden box, this one's packed with reflection, humor, and a few truths we all need to hear.Register Here for the Webinar: Weed out worry, Grow your knowSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 280: It's just us this time—back to a catch up with Vonda and Lori.  We're catching up on everything from awkward customer service stories to deep confessions (like sitting at the kids' table… on purpose). Plus, Lori shares the latest with Lenny and his big fishing tournament that wasn't quite what it seemed. It's funny, heartfelt, and exactly the breather we all need post-Mother's Day.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 279: Get ready for a heartwarming ride! Vonda is joined by flower friends Tim Farrell AIFD and Julie Poeltler AIFD as they share stories (and lots of laughs) from their unforgettable trip to Holland. From wandering endless tulip fields  to creating floral art and making new lifelong memories, this episode is a celebration of friendship, flowers, and the simple joy of adventure. Come for the blooms, stay for the love and laughter!Listener Takeaways:How seeing flower fields in person transforms your appreciation for each stem of flowers.A reminder to make time for joyful experiences, because life (and flowers) move fast.How small moments — like a shared meal or a canal cruise — become the memories you cherish most.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 278: Today's guest is the one and only Mike Black, “Head Coach” of Jet Fresh—and if you know Mike, you know he's way more than just a title. Lori and Vonda sit down with him to talk about mentorship in the floral industry and generational leadership. Mike shares stories from his early days in the flower biz, his take on today's younger generation (spoiler: he's a fan), and the exciting projects brewing at Jet Fresh. Oh, and there's also Miss Piggy, golden tickets, and a few strong feelings about Skype.This one's packed with wisdom, laughs, and a whole lot of heart. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 277: This week, Lori and Ellie sit down with floral royalty — the dynamic father-daughter duo of Botanica Design Studio, Ian Prosser AIFD and Zoe Gallina. From Scottish flower shops to high-end luxury weddings, these two share the behind-the-scenes of growing a family business over nearly four decades. They talk trends (goodbye blush, hello meadows), share hilarious client stories (yes, there's a floral phallic centerpiece request), and get real about what it takes to work with family (and how to be good at it.)Expect wisdom, humor, and a little sass — all wrapped in a beautiful blooming chat. Whether you're team “timeless elegance” or “clean bespoke,” this is a special one for you, Cliquers.

In this special impromptu episode, Lori sits down with Ellie and Abby Chick, retail florist & advisor from Blakemore Flowers, to unpack the “T-word” that's on everyone's lips: tariffs. With pricing pressures mounting and Mother's Day around the corner, this candid conversation explores what florists can actually control in the face of supply chain unpredictability.From wholesaler confusion to confident pricing strategies, Abby shares how she's navigating rising costs, team communication, and creative product offerings. Expect laughter, real talk, and practical ways to stay grounded and proactive—even when everything's changing daily.

Episode 276: Lori, Vonda, and Ellie get real about the not-so-glamorous side of floral life—aching feet, long days, and the absolute need to take care of YOU (and your team). From surprising celeb sightings at Round Top to stocking the perfect florist fuel station, we dive into practical (and fun!) wellness tips to keep you healthy, happy, and productive through Mother's Day and beyond. You'll laugh, you'll stretch, and you might even be inspired to put your feet in the grass.

Episode 275: In this fun and info-packed episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with Paul and Tony Guerrie, the brilliant (and delightfully humble) co-founders of FlowerBuddy, Inc. If you've ever wished for a smarter, simpler way to manage the business side of your flower shop—this one's for you, Cliquers!The Guerrie brothers talk about how FlowerBuddy was born from real-life floral frustrations (thanks to Tony's florist wife

Episode 274: Join hosts Vonda and Lori as they chat with Beth O'Reilly, an internationally recognized floral artist and educator. Beth takes us on a journey through her dynamic career—covering everything from retail floristry to product development in China to mass market floral design.They reminisce about industry mentors, the power of showing up, and how opportunities often bloom from unexpected moments. Beth also shares her insights on floral trends, the behind-the-scenes world of flower breeding, and the importance of self-care in this labor-intensive industry.If you love flowers and want to hear from someone who's done it all in the floral world, this episode is for you! Plus, there's plenty of laughter, a bit of FOMO, and even a “Would You Rather” moment. Tune in, Cliquers! Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 273: Vonda and Lori are joined by Flower Clique's other two directors, Kami Martin and Ellie LaFever, in this episode packed with tangible takeaways to help your flower shop thrive this spring. From prepping for Mother's Day and prom season to tackling pricing concerns and marketing strategies, the team shares expert tips to set you up for success.They dive into everything from how to name products to ensuring high-quality product photography. Plus, they discuss the importance of training employees effectively and avoiding common pitfalls when onboarding new staff.Tune in for a mix of industry know-how, real-world examples, and a few unexpected detours—including a heartfelt discussion about eagle-watching! ;)Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 272: Ever scrolled through social media and cringed at the comments? Vonda and Lori dive into the all-too-common issue of online negativity and how it translates into real-world interactions—especially in the workplace. From handling tough conversations with employees to setting social media boundaries, they share practical steps for engaging with empathy, checking emotions, and fostering productive discussions. Plus, they reveal how a simple shift in phrasing can turn confrontation into curiosity. Tune in for some eye-opening insights, a little humor, and a whole lot of wisdom on keeping things positive in business and beyond!Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 271: It's never easy to have that much-needed conversation with an employee who's disrupting your company culture. Avoiding the issue may seem easier, but it can do more harm in the long run. Lori and Vonda share practical tips to make tough conversations—and letting go—less difficult.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 270: In this episode, Vonda and Lori continue their conversation with Sarah Botchick, General Marketing and Purchasing Manager at Pioneer Imports & Wholesale. They dive into the world of floral trend forecasting—how trends are identified, what's driving consumer preferences, and the evolving role of permanent botanicals in weddings, events, and everyday design. Sarah shares expert insights on mixing faux and fresh florals, common mistakes florists make when purchasing silk flowers, and why every florist should consider adding permanent botanicals to their repertoire. Plus, they discuss must-have varieties, new product innovations, and how florists can use floral installations to tap into new business opportunities. Don't miss this inspiring and insightful discussion on the future of florals!Pioneer Imports and WholesaleSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 269: Grab a cup of coffee and join hosts Vonda and Lori as they sit down with Sarah Botchick, Marketing & Purchasing Manager at Pioneer Imports & Wholesale. Sarah takes us back to the ‘90s when she built the company's very first website as a high school student—yes, dial-up internet and all! You'll hear how that humble start evolved into a dynamic online presence that keeps Pioneer Imports competitive today. This laid-back conversation covers the must-dos for maintaining a relevant, user-friendly site, why investing in your online home base matters, and how to keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape. Tune in for real-world stories, practical tips, and a dose of fun along the way!Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 268: Flowers are known to speak the unspoken sentiments of love, care gratitude and sincerity, but sometimes the accompanying notes have a whole lot more to say – especially at Valentine's Day! In this episode, Lori and Vonda asked Flower Clique members to share the most unusual (and occasionally jaw-dropping) Valentine's Day card messages they've ever received from a customer. Tune in to discover the sweet, the silly, and the truly unexpected ways people say “I love you”—and beyond.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Description:  Lori has fun interviewing Vonda and Ellie before Valentine's Day to learn a bit about their personal preferences in terms of design styles and favorite flowers to recounting their most memorable Valentine's Day stories.  Vonda and Ellie also share tips and guidance for new employees navigating their first Valentine's Day in a flower shop, which is also a really good reminder for seasoned staff.  Discover where they find their inspiration and how they continue to nurture their creativity in this blooming industry.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 266: In today's episode Lori candidly shares a heartfelt update on her father, Lenny, with Vonda and listeners. Lori takes us through the emotional journey she faced while simply trying to accomplish a task over the phone, reflecting on the conflicting roles of being both a customer and an expert in customer experience and sales. Through her personal experience, Lori emphasizes the importance of effective communication in shaping the customer's journey. Drawing from her expertise in customer service, she underscores the need for better training and a deeper understanding of customer interactions for employees. Tune in to gain valuable insights into customer service and discover the lessons learned from Lenny's experiences.Learn more about Flower CliqueSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 265:  Lori and Vonda guide you through personalize and  essential steps to a successful Valentine's Day in your flower shop. They emphasize the importance of having a properly educated and trained team to ensure everything runs smoothly. From preparing flowers to optimizing your website layout and effectively communicating shop policies, they provide valuable insights to help you make the most out of this romantic holiday.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 264: In this episode, Lori kicks things off with an inspiring lesson from Lenny, setting the tone for a creative and productive conversation. Then, she and Vonda dive into a unique and exciting way to tackle goal-setting for 2025. Instead of the traditional vision board, they're introducing a fresh, fun approach: a Bingo card for your goals!Why Bingo? It's simple, engaging, and far less daunting than creating a vision board. Each square is a goal, and as you achieve them, you're on your way to calling out “BINGO!” It's a practical and playful way to track your progress throughout the year—and we're challenging YOU to create your own. Game on!

Episode 263: In this special episode, Ellie and Kami join hosts, and team members, Vonda and Lori as they look back on the past year and share personal highlights including wins, challenges overcome, surprises, and insights gained. Listen in as the team reveals unexpected answers and discusses the significance of choosing a word to guide them both personally and professionally throughout the coming year. Do you have a word that supports and inspires you on your journey?Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 262: In this episode, Vonda and Lori delve into the concept of observing your surroundings without allowing them to deeply affect you. Do you find yourself getting overwhelmed by the news or situations around you? Join us as we explore why some individuals are able to simply observe and let go, while others tend to absorb information and let it deeply bother them. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 261: Ellie LaFever, PFCI joins Lori and Vonda again in this episode to delve into trend predictions for 2025 sourced from Pinterest. Ellie shares key insights on upcoming trends and the three discuss how some of these trends can impact the floral industry. Join the conversation as they explore the latest trend predictions and give them your "love it" or not. Pantone Color of the YearColor Trend Thursd. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 260:  Vonda and Lori discuss how common negative narratives surrounding sales projections and the economy can drain our motivation and energy. They provide insights and strategies on maintaining a positive mindset to navigate challenges and strive for success despite the discouraging external factors. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on overcoming setbacks and staying focused on your goals.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 259: In this episode, Lori and Vonda are joined by Bill LaFever, President of the Bill Doran company, to dive into crucial issues impacting the floral industry. Bill sheds light on the recent advocacy efforts in Washington DC, led by the Society of American Florist (SAF), to advocate for the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). He emphasizes the significance of the GSP in enabling duty-free rose imports from Ecuador and provides valuable insights into its implications.Furthermore, Bill delves into the potential impact of impending tariffs on the industry and shares expert perspectives as Valentine's Day approaches in just two months. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 258: In this episode, Vonda and Lori are joined by Ellie to discuss the powerful connection between exceptional customer experiences and effective sales training. As instructors of SalesPrepSchool, they delve into the highlights and key upgrades of the newly launched SalesPrep 2.0 by Flower Clique. Sales Prep School is a flexible associative learning system tailored specifically to the floral industry, designed to empower teams with the knowledge to excel in sales and customer service.  To learn more about SalesPrep 2.0 and see if it's a fit for your business, schedule your course orientation with Lori here. Or, jump right in and purchase the course here.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 257: Vonda is on her own in this week as important personal business takes Lori away for a much needed day off. With Thanksgiving this week, Vonda looks at the  saying "If everyone put their cross in a pile, you would take your own as it's known to you." The episode delves into what this saying means and how and why it relates to each of us. She also challenges you to start the day with gratitude and gives you a feel ideas of what to be thankful for. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 256:  Vonda and Lori sit down with special friend, Renee Tucci AIFD CFD PFCI AAF, President Elect of AIFD, to discuss the importance of foundational education in floral design and how it is the key to growing and developing your personal and professional skills. They explore the significance of becoming a Certified Floral Designer (CFD) and a member of the prestigious American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Lori poses insightful questions to Renee and Vonda, uncovering the motivations behind pursuing these certifications and the path to achieving them.From discussing the advantages, both personal and professional, of obtaining these credentials to sharing a few fun stories, this episode emphasizes the importance of continual learning and growth in the floral industry. Tune in to discover how attending the AIFD National Symposium can elevate your floral design career and open doors to a blooming future.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 255:  Vonda and Lori as they sit down with Ryan Freeman, President of Strider and a seasoned expert in the fields of SEO and online marketing. Ryan sheds light on the overwhelming landscape of SEO, cautioning businesses against making quick decisions and falling for fear-driven sales tactics.With a focus on the importance of making informed choices, Ryan answers Lori's questions, talks about why SEO that is business specific is important, and encourages everyone to navigate the digital marketing realm with a reputable company without pressure. Furthermore, he provides valuable insights into recent Google changes and offers practical, no-cost strategies to enhance your business's SEO performance.Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to optimize your online presence before the holiday season kicks in. Ryan prepared a guide with his top three ways to ramp up offline marketing to help your online presence. Flourish This Holiday Season: A Retail Florist's GuideSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 254: In this episode, hosts Lori and Vonda are joined by special guest David Register, the Executive Vice President at FernTrust, Inc. located in Seville, FL. David provides insights into the cut foliage business, discussing the products they are known for and the impacts of multiple hurricanes on the industry. The conversation also delves into what can be expected for Valentine's Day, the major challenges in production, and two key factors that significantly influence the business but are beyond their control. Labor and productivity costs are addressed, along with potential solutions to navigate these challenges effectively. Join us for an engaging discussion on the dynamics of the cut foliage market and the strategies for success in this ever-evolving industry.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 253: Lori provides an insightful look into the less glamorous aspects of being a manager that are rarely discussed. She shares interesting and surprising insights about the challenges that managers experience and often keep to themselves. While there may not be definitive solutions to these issues, Lori and Vonda emphasize the importance of building resilience as a manager. They highlight the need for managers to remain strong in the face of adversity, as these challenges are inevitable and should not be taken personally. If you're a manager, you'll likely find yourself nodding in agreement as Lori and Vonda delve into the lesser-known realities of this role.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 252: In this episode, host Lori Wilson PFCI sits down with her co-host Vonda LaFever AIFD PFCI CFD and friend Julie Poeltler AIFD PFCI CFD  to discuss their recent collaboration with a top-notch video production and design team. Join them as they reflect on their experience at the Benz Institute on the Texas A&M Campus in College Station.From overcoming challenges to embracing highlights, Julie and Vonda share what they learned from working with these talented teams and how it has impacted their own approach to their profession. Tune in to hear about the wonderful lessons and experiences gained from this collaborative endeavor.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 251: Lori and Ellie reflect on Flower Clique's first in-person staff retreat, which prioritized team bonding and relaxation. The retreat featured a session on 'Sparketypes', which provides insights into team members' personality archetypes, such as Mavens, Makers, Scientists, and Performers. These insights aim to enhance personal fulfillment and team efficiency by aligning roles to individual strengths and avoiding burnout. Tune in to discover different creative and leadership archetypes in business, particularly in flower shops, and how you can use the Sparketype quiz to better appreciate and strengthen your team dynamics.Suggestion: Take the quiz first to get your Sparketype, and then come back here to tune in! Take the quiz here: https://sparketype.com/Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 251: Customer service can be a challenging field, especially when emotions come into play. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of customer interactions, particularly when dissatisfaction or complaints arise.Lori shares a personal experience from the customer side and talks about what went wrong and shares strategies and verbiage to defuse tense situations. In the floral industry, emotions often run high, especially during occasions of sympathy. Knowing how to communicate effectively in these sensitive moments can make the difference between a satisfied customer returning or walking away forever. Join us as we discuss the significance of empathy and communication in providing exceptional customer service.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 249: Join Lori as she sits down with Kami Martin, the Director of Membership, and Audrey Kristoff, the Product Manager, from the Flower Clique team. Discover how their roles contribute to the success of flower shop owners and Flower Clique members. Kami delves into her expertise in website management, discussing the intricacies of merchandising, while Audrey sheds light on the advantages of Flower Clique bundles. Stay tuned as Lori asks some engaging personal questions, allowing listeners to get to know this dynamic duo working behind the scenes at Flower Clique.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 248: In this episode, Ellie, Lori, and Vonda share their experiences from an 8-day business trip focused on product development for Flower Clique. From photo shoots to creating videos for Sales Prep School, and even hosting an educational show at Bill Doran in Omaha, the trip was filled with challenges and obstacles that seemed almost comical at times.Vonda and Lori have always emphasized the importance of turning obstacles into opportunities, but when faced with obstacles themselves, can they practice what they preach? Join us as we delve into their journey of overcoming hurdles and turning setbacks into success.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 247: Vonda and Lori are on the road and picked a great rewind for you. It's a rewind from last summer of Episode 185:  Join Lori and Ellie as they sit down with our good friend, Sam Bowles, the General Manager and Creative Director of Allen's Flowers in beautiful San Diego, CA. Get ready for an inspiring episode that will leave you motivated and eager to take your floral business to new heights!In this captivating conversation, Sam shares his incredible journey from being a middle-school educator to diving headfirst into the world of flowers. Discover how he experienced personal growth and embraced the evolving floral industry, becoming a true expert in his field.But that's not all! Sam also reveals the hard-hitting truth on delivering exceptional 5-star customer service. Whether your customers purchase flowers online, over the phone, or in person at your shop, this episode will provide you with valuable tools, ideas, and concepts to elevate their experience and surpass their expectations.Attracting and retaining customers is crucial in today's competitive market, and Sam's expertise will guide you on how to ensure your business stands out. Learn how to demonstrate your unrivaled knowledge, readiness, and commitment to superior customer service, making your business the go-to destination for all things floral.Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a veteran floral business educator. Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover how you can exceed customer expectations and create an unforgettable floral experience!Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 246: Join Lori and Vonda in a heartfelt conversation as they reflect on their recent experience designing wedding flowers for a personal wedding. Though they don't typically work together in this capacity, their shared dedication and admiration for the special couple shine through. Listen in as they share  takeaways and tips that are food for thought for anyone working in the industry. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 245: Today's episode is short and sweet as we share a brief history of Labor Day and highlights a valuable lesson that continue to resonate today. Learn  the important highlights of origins of Labor Day and the impact of the labor movement on workers' rights. Discover the power of unity, collective action, and standing up for justice as we reflect on the lessons gained from this important holiday.Additionally, as we close out summer and look ahead to the next few weeks, we offer a few tips to help you refocus and navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 244: Join hosts Lori and Vonda as they delve into a collection of mind-altering quotes by Wayne Dyer. Discover quotes that may resonate with you with a simple "yep" and others that challenge you to truly ponder and potentially transform the way you view certain aspects of life. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the profound impact of words that have the ability to inspire change and growth.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 243: We recap the exciting session at Camp Clique last week and delve into a thought-provoking discussion with industry experts Bill McKinley AIFD from Texas A & M and Abby Chick, shop owner of Blakemore's Flowers in Harrisonburg, VA.Join us as Bill and Abby share their insights on incorporating sustainability into floral design. They answer burning questions such as: What design mechanics can we adopt to move the sustainability needle in our craft? How can retail flower shops implement best practices on a daily/weekly basis to work towards a more sustainable future? Tune in to discover practical tips and innovative ideas that can help shape a greener, more sustainable floral industry.Want to listen to the entire session: Realistic Sustainability for Retail FloristsSponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 242:   In this episode, Vonda interviews Lori about her experience at the Society of America Florist (SAF) Convention in Miami last week. Lori shares her insights and highlights from the convention, from the networking opportunities and meeting up with our Cliquers to her participation as a moderator for a panel discussion, she gives great tips and takeaways. You won't want to miss her story about "that flower feeling"!  Whether you attended this year's SAF Convention or not, you won't want to miss Lori's perspective. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 241: Join us for an inspiring interview with Stefani and John Goetz, the couple behind 21 Petals in Lafayette, IN. Stefani, a dedicated assistant principal, and John, a law enforcement professional, share their remarkable journey of starting a flower farm and eventually building a successful flower business. With a child with extraordinary needs, they embraced life's challenges and turned them into opportunities to create something beautiful and life-giving. Discover how this resilient pair navigated unexpected twists in life and used them as stepping stones to realize their dream of owning a flourishing flower shop.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 240:  In this episode, hosts Lori and Ellie chat with Williee Armellini, the artist, musician, writer and owner of the Flowers and Cents website and newsletter. Williee shares some fascinating anecdotes about his personal journey and talks in-depth about his book "Flowers Come from Where?". The book offers insight into the growth and history of the importer and domestic flower industry. As Lori says, Williee is a character, and this episode is a delightful conversation about his many passions and experiences in the world of flowers.Flowers and CentsOrder Williee's Book: Flowers Come From Where? Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 239: In this episode, we'll share highlights from an recent webinar session provided and sponsored by Flower Clique. Join Ellie LaFever as she delves into the exciting world of upcoming color palettes in the floral industry. She shares the insights presented by J. Keith White at the 2024 AIFD convention, featuring the American Floral Trends Forecast. Ellie LaFever also imparts valuable knowledge providing an in-depth look at the latest trends and how they apply to a local business. This Forecast is made possible by the AIFD Foundation. Their research and development make this forecast possible. Don't miss this opportunity to be ahead of the curve in the dynamic world of floral design and retail.For the webinar session with slides, join here. Camp Clique Session #3Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 238: In this episode, Vonda and Lori explore the impact of different leadership traits on employee retention. They discuss five leadership habits to avoid that can drive employees away and undermine your authority. By self-evaluating and identifying these destructive traits, leaders can course-correct and create a more engaging work environment. Additionally, Vonda and Lori share five positive leadership traits that make employees want to stay for the long haul. By embodying these traits, leaders can foster loyalty, trust, and commitment among their team members. Tune in to learn how to become the type of leader that employees never want to retire from working for!Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 237: In this episode, Vonda shares her unique perspective on the AIFD Symposium Emerge, held in Orlando FL while driving home. Though she didn't attend any of the programs, she was able to personally meet the designers. Vonda had the task of working behind the scenes for 10 days alongside her co-chair and partner in floral, Julie Poeltler, in a well-oiled Flower Workroom.Vonda offers her thoughts on the event, including what went on behind the scenes and the hard work that goes into making such an event successful. Tune in to hear what Vonda has to say about this unforgettable experience! Special thanks to my co-chair, the amazing Julie Poeltler AIFD, CFD, PFCIAs well as the fantastic behind the scene teams in the Flower RoomProcessing: Laurel Hollopeter AIFD, CFDFresh Flower Procurement: Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, Darcie Garcia AIFD, CFD, and Trish Reppert CFD Flower Clique Sweatshirts Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 236: Vonda and Lori are at AIFD this week, making it the perfect opportunity for YOU to catch up on any podcast episodes you've missed! If you need a recommendation, check out Episode 159: “Leadership Lessons: Five Dysfunctions of a Team.” In this episode, the Flower Clique gals give an overview of the book “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni which discusses the pitfalls and challenges a leadership team faces and discuss how these directly relate to a retail floral business. Focusing on the negative is not what this episode is about ~ it's about knowing the pitfalls to avoid them!Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

Episode 235: In this episode, Vonda and Lori share their personal experiences and challenges with energy and brain power at the end of the day. They discuss what a personal productivity curve is and why it's important to understand it in order to maximize your productivity during your most productive time of day.They provide valuable tips and strategies to help you identify your most productive time of day and ways to optimize your productivity during that time. They also share an eye-opening fact on email management that can improve your productivity and efficiency.Join Vonda and Lori in this informative and practical episode to learn how to unlock your full productivity potential.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist