Podcasts about floral

Author and Floral Expert Teresa Sabankaya joins Maria to explore the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and how people can better utilize and appreciate it! Enter, "The Maria Liberati Show," based on her travels, as well as her Gourmand World Award-winning book series, "The Basic Art of Italian Cooking," and "The Basic Art of..." Find out more on https://www.marialiberati.com-----music: "First Day of Spring" by David Hilowitz - available via Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativecommns.org/licenses/by-sa/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

How to Attract Higher-End Floral Clients (Without Lowering Your Prices)If you're marketing yourself as “affordable” or “budget-friendly,” you may be unintentionally sabotaging your ability to build a profitable floral business.In this episode, Jen breaks down the mindset shifts and strategic decisions that help florists attract higher-budget clients — without changing who they are creatively.Because attracting premium clients isn't just about prettier flowers.It's about positioning, confidence, systems, and standards.In This Episode We CoverThe Biggest Pricing Mistake Florists MakeWhy calling yourself “affordable” can destroy your profitability and create a business that feels more like a low-paying job than a sustainable company.The Energy Shift That Attracts Higher-End ClientsPremium clients can smell desperation.Instead of: “Please book me.”Position yourself with: “I think we'd be a great fit.”Confidence attracts better clients.Why Minimums Change EverythingSetting a minimum does more than increase revenue.It:Protects your timeFilters inquiriesSignals expertisePositions your business as in-demandUpgrade Your LanguageSmall shifts in language signal elevated positioning.Examples:Centerpieces → TablescapesDelivery fee → Logistics & installationFlowers → Design experienceLuxury clients respond to clarity and confidence.Stop “Walmarting” Your WeddingsIf your marketing focuses on saving money, you'll attract clients who want the cheapest option.Instead: Show abundance. Show scale. Show design.Sell the transformation — not stems.Align With the Right PlannersFull-service planners are often the gatekeepers to higher-budget weddings.Building strong planner relationships can:Increase referralsImprove client qualityElevate your brand perceptionRelationships are powerful marketing.Your Money Mindset MattersIf you believe flowers are “too expensive,” your clients will feel that energy.Ask yourself: Do I believe flowers can be worth $10,000? $30,000? $50,000?Your business will only grow to the level of what you believe is possible.Systems Create ConfidenceHigher-end weddings require systems:Labor planningDesign mechanicsInstallation logisticsTeam coordinationConfidence comes from preparation.Audit Your Online PresenceAsk yourself:Does my Instagram look elevated? Does it show scale? Does it feel intentional?Higher-end clients want to feel:InspiredConfidentSafe investing in youKey TakeawayYou don't attract higher-end clients by lowering your prices.You attract them by raising your standards, your confidence, and your presence.Want Support Elevating Your Business?Two ways Jen can help:Business Bouquets & Branding Workshop Learn how to build a brand and portfolio that attracts better clients. http://floralceo.com/workshopThe Floral CEO Mastermind Coaching, accountability, strategy, and a powerful community of florists building profitable businesses. http://floralceo.com/mastermind 

In this episode, florist Bria Schutz, owner and lead floral design for her business Event Aesthetics, shares insights on wedding floral design, handling unpredictable weather, pricing strategies, and navigating client expectations. Perfect for couples planning their wedding and vendors looking to refine their craft.Guest: Bria Schutz (Event Aesthetics)Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/event.aesthetics/Website - https://eventaesthetics.comKey TopicsWedding floral design tipsHandling weather challenges in weddingsPricing strategies for floristsClient communication and expectationsTrends in wedding flowersChapters00:00 Introduction to Wedding Planning Podcast00:54 Meet Bria Schutz: The Florist Behind Event Aesthetics02:47 Challenges of Being a Wedding Florist05:51 The Importance of Timing in Floral Arrangements08:40 Common Questions Couples Ask Florists11:48 Customization in Floral Services14:33 Cohesion in Wedding Decor17:43 DIY vs. Professional Floral Arrangements20:32 Misconceptions About Florists23:37 The Hard Work Behind Floral Design26:34 Bridal Bouquet Tips and Tricks31:38 Floral Trends and Design Preferences34:35 Understanding Floral Logistics and Pricing46:15 Navigating Client-Floral Relationships57:51 Final Thoughts on Floral Expectations keywordswedding florals, floral design, wedding planning, florist tips, wedding weather, floral pricing, DIY wedding flowers, wedding vendor advice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered how to execute a $30K–$35K large-scale event with only three weeks' notice?In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how I approach high-revenue, high-pressure floral events — from concept to production schedule — and why mastering event logistics can completely change your income ceiling.Because here's the truth:If you want to pay yourself $100K as a florist…You need to know how to confidently say YES to big events.And not panic when they land in your inbox.In This Episode We Cover:

In her new book, “The Regenerative Gardener's Handbook: Essential Techniques for Growing a Garden that Leaves the Land Healthier Than You Found It,” farmer-florist, YouTube influencer, and educator Briana Selstad Bosch translates her practices at Blossom and Branch Farm into backyard and residential gardening ideas for readers who want to change their relationship with the […] The post Episode 757: Briana Selstad Bosch of Blossom and Branch Farm on her new book, “The Regenerative Gardener's Handbook.” appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

You can be booked out, exhausted, and still broke—and if that's been you, you're not alone. In this episode, Jen breaks down the real reasons florists struggle to make money (even with “good” revenue), and the practical shifts that turn a busy floral business into a profitable one. We're talking pricing for profit, plugging the holes in your boat, tracking the numbers that matter, and building a business model that supports your life—not consumes it.In this episode, we cover:Why busyness is NOT the same thing as successThe moment Jen realized she was doing the most… and making nothingThe truth: profit is what's left after flowers, labor, overhead, waste, and stressWhy florists underprice: fear, comparison, people-pleasing, and “being nice”The biggest profit leaks Jen sees (especially in delivery + service fees)How to stop saying “How can I make this work?” when the budget is unrealisticWhy you don't need more clients—you need better marginsWhat to review right now to find the holes in your business (and plug them)The mindset shift that changes everything: “When I do something, I deserve to make money for it.”Why support matters: coaching, mastermind rooms, outside eyes, and accountabilityTakeaway Challenge (do this today):Calculate your average wedding value (or average order value if you're retail).Pick one fee to audit (delivery/setup/service fee/product markup).Choose one boundary that protects your profit (minimum, scope, delivery radius, etc.).Ready for support?The Floral CEO Mastermind: http://floralceo.com/mastermindFloral Rockstar Workshops: http://floralceo.com/workshopWant a personalized strategy? Email jen@floralceo.com or DM Jen on Instagram.

Hello Flower friends. Today we're gonna talk about style shoots, and I've been reminded of  really like  the costs, not only  from a, you know.  Actual phy physical costs, like money, you have to pay for the flowers and all these things, but like the emotional costs and the mental energy that you're using there, it's so much bigger than I think somebody looking in on Instagram at somebody's magical moment really is.So, style shoots are super glamorous on Instagram, but let's really talk about the actual cost you. Because  that's way, way, way, way, way more than flowers. All right, so let's start off with the real cost of flowers.  You are usually not putting your shoddy foot forward, so we're not usually putting in things that are leftovers or are maybe not at their peak of their prime, usually not basic Betty Flowers you're using.Buying premium blooms, you're designing multiple pieces for content. So a ceremony, a table, a bouquet, an installation on and on.  Flowers are often not easily repurposable for paid work, so you're not like able to just, I'm gonna take all these and then tear it apart and then use it for a paid job. Usually there isn't that like great opportunity to do that. And then there's a risk of waste if designs don't photograph well, like you could potentially have something that just doesn't photograph well for some reason. Um, this is a marketing expense,  not a fun creative project. It costs money to market. In styled shoots are a way to market your business in several levels.Marketing with the pictures that you're getting in the long run. Marketing, hopefully if you have a team on board that is stellar and is, you know,  uh,  people who are usually kind of at their top of their game that are, are vendors that like to be submitted for styled shoots for potential publication. Then there's a relationship capital. The relationships that you build at these, it's just, there's just domino of value, and  I would love for you to get that value out of those situations, but I would love for you not to blow your marketing budget on one.  All right, the next one.  Is really the time costs, and nobody really talks about this, but as someone who backs into what my hourly wage is. Often and does that with coaching clients, like things take time, mood boards, conceptions, like all of those things, take time. Emailing with collaborators, coordinating schedules, chasing deliverables, packing and loading, and set up and tear down, editing content, posting, tagging, following up. You could easily put in 24 40, 22, 40 hours into one shoot.Easy.  Um, and that's time you could have spent designing for paying clients, working on your business or imagine this resting.  All right. The next one is the mental and emotional load.  This part is exhausting.  Will the photographer deliver the actual.  Like look and feel that I'm going for, will this venue share the images?Will this even attract my ideal client?  Do I choose? Did I choose? Like,  you know, you're always looking at something and you're just like, oh my God, it's so beautiful. But really, did you choose the right color palette, concept model, and all of that for the right. You know, venue and all of that with the right photographer.'cause like all these things kind of meld together. The emotional labor on this is totally real.  All right. Then there is the collaboration tax.  Even with donations, you are still coordinating a mini production.  You are often carrying the creative and logistics load because like the flowers are the prettiest part of that. I care about things being really fucking pretty when I'm doing these types of things, and  that can sometimes be dicey, so  I, I wanna make sure that I'm getting the right team in place.  All right, and then you're relying on other people's professionalism. You can't, don't control timelines, edits, or brand alignment, and sometimes you walk away with images you don't even want to use, which is a complete truth.I had this exact example when gay marriage was legalized in Minnesota.  Somebody invited me into a inclusive shoot that was basically like a pride themed. It was in June, so it was going to be published in like a local pride, um, themed magazine and on and on, and.  The photographer, like I really liked them as a person, but that was some dark and booty shit.Like they just have a darker photo style than I like to fill my feed with. I like light and airy. I think light and airy speaks to money,  and  so I spent close to a thousand dollars of flowers  and I mean, I can say that I did it and I did it for a good reason to celebrate,  but.  I didn't post those photos because they were too dark and it just wasn't my jam. All right,  then here's the hard truth. Style shoots are high effort, high emotional output,  like high cost, low certainty  from an ROI perspective. They can be,  but. They're not only the one way to build a portfolio or elevate your brand, and I think that's how most people think that they need to do it.  So  I wanna talk about why workshops could be depending on where you're at,  a smarter move. So instead of spending potentially a thousand dollars on flowers, coordinating with six vendors, hoping the photos turn out, crossing your fingers, that everything comes together, that your model shows up, that your, you know, photographer delivers and doesn't take a million years, and  your makeup artist shows up and just all of those things. Those are all like you're resting a lot of the success of this on other people. But  when you go to a workshop, you get this curated high-end installs, professional photography, intentional design for portfolio use. You get education strategy, hands-on, skill building and content that actually aligns with higher end clients.So I.  I want you to remove the guesswork and the what if anxiety and the production stress and wasted time, and really replace it with strategic brand positioning, portfolio content. You're proud of  education and confidence and an excellent real ROI like.  You actually did something. This wasn't just objective.You're like, you did something that you have this experience, you learned and you got this portfolio. It's just like so magical.  I know 'cause I have designed and put together so many styled shoots that this can be a beast.  And I have seen Floris go in and spend three, $4,000 get horse shit. Direction from the person running the style shoot.I realistically won't really do a style shoot unless I am collaborating with a, an event designer. So somebody that really lives in the design space and I have heavy impact, I. In the decisions I, and also I potentially brought the initial VIN vision to fruition. I normally just like to do run with myself, you know, like, here's the concept, I'm gonna run with it because I don't want to get.Bogged up in details that are easy for me to figure out, but we have to have like 30 minute conversations about fucking glasses. I just don't have time for that. Like I'll figure out the glasses, they'll be fine. They'll be beautiful. Like I just went and figured out all the linens for four different things that are coming up and it was just absolutely stunning.So.  If you're feeling exhausted by trying to DIY, your brand elevation through style shoots or maybe your  portfolio,  uh, elevation, there's an easier way, and I have three workshops coming up that will nail  any one of these goals. And if you want to even do two even better because then you would get a more diverse portfolio. 

"‘Je me suis dit : non, mon nouveau métier ne sera pas au service de déglinguer mon terrain de jeu, l'océan.'Dans cet extrait poignant, Tiphaine Turluche, fondatrice des Bottes d'Anémone, raconte son basculement radical : de l'univers ultra-connecté de la course au large à la création d'une entreprise de fleurs 100% françaises, de saison et zéro déchet.Elle partage :Sa découverte : 90% des fleurs en France sont importées, bourrées de pesticides et de plastique, et voyagent 10 000 km en avion avant d'arriver dans nos vases.Son défi : "Je vais essayer un truc, et je verrai bien ce que ça donne" – trois piliers indéboulonnables depuis 2020 : fleurs locales toute l'année, circuit ultra-court, et zéro plastique.

Send a textIn this episode of Fresh Bunch, we sit down with Adam Havrilla, Creative Director of Elite Flower; accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD); Chairperson of Professional Floral Communicators – International(PFCI); and an Illinois Certified Floral Designer with more than 20 years of experience in professional floral artistry.Known for his original, artistic designs and commitment to excellence, Adam has earned numerous industry accolades, including twice winning the coveted Iron Designer title at the International Floriculture Expo.But this conversation goes far beyond awards. We discuss the PFCI application process and everything it entails — including Mike and Mimi applying to earn those respected letters after their names.As PFCI Chairperson for the second year, Adam shares why more floral professionals should pursue PFCI, how the 100+ member network is advancing the industry through collaboration and shared knowledge, and why education and involvement are essential to keeping floristry thriving.Adam also explains how mastering classic techniques — yes, even corsages — builds the foundation for stronger, more innovative designers. He discusses why understanding traditional methods makes you more confident and capable in modern floral work, and how authenticity has become one of the most powerful tools in today's industry.This episode is a reminder that honoring the past strengthens the future. Fueling your passion and not putting your goals on the back burner are essential to long-term success. Let's continue elevating our profession together… and maybe even make tuberoses a little more accessible along the way.For More infomation please visit:https://safnow.org/awards-certifications/pfci/

Nestled in the heart of Somers, New York, about one hour north of Manhattan, Honeybee Grove is a cozy little flower farm offering cut-your-own flowers, small events, workshops, retail pop-ups, and more. As owner Sarah Coldwell enters her fifth season, she joined me to share her story and discuss the benefits of planning a full […] The post Episode 756: Sarah Coldwell of Honeybee Grove Flower Farm – on building a destination floral enterprise on U-Pick, farmers' and makers' markets, and seasonal flower festivals appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

Money is one of the most emotional, loaded topics in the floral industry—and it's keeping too many florists stuck in survival mode. In this episode, Jen dives deep into the money mindset shifts florists need to make to stop undercharging, stop feeling guilty about profit, and start building a business that actually supports their life.If you've ever felt awkward charging what you're worth, told yourself “I do this because I love flowers,” or normalized burnout as part of the job—this episode is your wake-up call.In this episode, we cover:Why wanting to make money does not make you greedyThe damaging “starving artist” narrative in creative industriesWhy revenue does not equal profit (and why so many florists still aren't paying themselves)How underpricing actually hurts your clients, not just youThe invisible labor florists provide (logistics, emotional labor, problem-solving)Why your business should fund your life—not consume itThe difference between survival mode and abundance modeHow being paid well allows you to show up more creatively and confidentlyPowerful Money Mindset Shifts:Wanting more money = financial security, not greedBeing busy doesn't mean being successfulUnderpricing isn't generosity—it's self-sabotageYour expertise has value beyond the flowersYou don't have to struggle to be worthyA profitable business creates freedom, not burnoutReflection Prompts from This Episode:Where am I undercharging because I'm afraid?What would change if I truly believed I deserved to be paid well?What is one small money boundary I can set this month?What hourly rate do I actually need to feel valued for my time?Links & Resources Mentioned:Floral CEO Mastermind: https://floralceo.com/mastermindWorkshops & Education: https://floralceo.com/workshop

How One Virginia Town is Reinventing Community Commerce During Its Bicentennial Mount Jackson, Virginia, is having a moment. During a recent Tourism Tuesday episode of The Valley Today, Town Manager Olivia Hilton sat down with host Janet Michael to share an ambitious slate of initiatives transforming this small Shenandoah County community. From quirky farmers markets to business incubators, Mount Jackson is proving that small towns can think big—and get a little weird while doing it. Honoring History First Before diving into future plans, Olivia highlights the town's commitment to preserving its past. On February 28th, Mount Jackson will host "Roots and Resilience," the finale event for Shenandoah County's Black History Month programming. The event features historian Rosemary Wallinger, who will discuss the CCC camp at Wolf Gap and her work revitalizing the Mount Jackson Colored Cemetery, which was recently added to Virginia's historic registry. Notably, the town plans to record Wallinger's presentation so descendants living in other states can participate virtually, demonstrating how Mount Jackson balances heritage preservation with modern accessibility. Junk and Jams: When Markets Get Funky Starting in April, Mount Jackson launches what might be the region's most creative take on the traditional farmers market. "Junk and Jams" reimagines the second Saturday market experience by pairing music genres with seasonal themes, creating what Olivia describes as a "funky" alternative to larger regional markets. The concept emerged from a brainstorming session—or perhaps a dream—by Assistant Town Manager, Greg Beam, who texted Olivia a flurry of ideas one morning. Rather than competing with established markets in Harrisonburg or Winchester, Mount Jackson decided to embrace its quirky side. Each month features a distinct theme: April kicks off with "Retro and Roots," a 1950s greaser aesthetic meets spring cleaning, complete with retro kitchen kitsch, greenhouse starts, and farm-fresh eggs. May transitions to "Floral and Fiddles," while August brings "Sunflowers and Southern Rock" during the town's yard crawl weekend. Beyond the alliterative themes, Junk and Jams incorporates interactive elements that set it apart. A Model T club will demonstrate disassembling and reassembling vintage cars. The local museum plans a "Price is Right" style game featuring historical products. Vendors will demonstrate kombucha brewing and tea making. Meanwhile, the town is developing a digital cookbook to tie into the bicentennial celebration, weaving history into every program. Importantly, vendors don't need to match the monthly theme—the music and decor create the vibe while crafters, farmers, and vintage sellers bring whatever handmade, homemade, or antique goods they offer. At just $10 per market or $60 for all six events, the barrier to entry remains intentionally low. As Olivia jokes, even if only she and Greg show up, "we're gonna have the time of our lives." The Nest: Incubating Main Street's Future Perhaps Mount Jackson's most ambitious project is The Nest, a retail incubator opening this spring in a renovated 1930s hardware store on Main Street. The concept addresses a common small business challenge: entrepreneurs who aren't quite ready for their own brick-and-mortar location due to full-time jobs, health insurance needs, family obligations, or simple uncertainty about whether their hobby can become a viable business. Thanks to two years of grant funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development totaling $125,000 distributed among 11 businesses, Mount Jackson created this shared retail space. Four "nesters" from the Mount Jackson Five business program will anchor the location: Joyce Kelly with Two Turtle Doves, Ryan Peters with Home Revival & Decor, Mike with Poppy's Dust, and Alex and Abby with Sunbliss, a healthy prepackaged meal service. However, The Nest won't resemble typical booth-style antique malls. Instead, Olivia envisions one cohesive boutique experience where established businesses like Jon Henry's, Clementine Vintage, and Nana's Blue Greenhouse occupy corners alongside the newer entrepreneurs. The space will even incorporate display pieces from other downtown businesses like Mount Jackson Thrift & Gift and Search, with commission-based sales creating a truly collaborative downtown ecosystem. Currently, the town's public works team is renovating the space, leaving Olivia with what she calls "the most stressful choice of my life"—picking paint colors. Meanwhile, Alex from Sunbliss, who happens to be a talented artist, will create a 2.5-by-25-foot mural inside, possibly featuring a woodpecker doing woodwork. As Olivia puts it, "Whatever you wanna do, you're the artist." The nesters will contribute volunteer hours as part of their learning experience, while the town navigates various business models including consignment, wholesale, and commission arrangements. The goal remains clear: give entrepreneurs one to two years to test their concepts before they "fly the nest" into their own storefronts. Nights at the Nest: Midweek Main Street To launch The Nest and activate downtown during typically quiet evenings, Mount Jackson introduces "Nights at the Nest" beginning in May. Every second Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM, the retail space stays open late while a food truck parks in the grassy pocket park between Search Thrift and The Nest. The town plans to string bistro lights between buildings, book live music, and transform an underutilized green space into a gathering spot. As Olivia notes, "Nothing to do on a Tuesday? Come on out and shop a little bit, maybe do some live demonstrations." It's another example of Mount Jackson creating its own social scene while supporting local businesses. The Vintage in the Valley Question The conversation took a bittersweet turn when discussing Vintage in the Valley, Strasburg's beloved festival that was canceled for 2025. Olivia expressed frustration that a community with such dedicated volunteers—including Cath from Lydia's, Sue at Clementine, and the Emporium team—couldn't secure municipal support to continue the event. While she quickly dispelled rumors that Mount Jackson would simply absorb the festival (she clarified that the heart of Vintage lies with its volunteer committee, not just a location), she revealed that discussions are underway for a potential "Vintage Through the Valley" concept that would spread the event countywide. This approach would preserve the Emporium's central role while preventing the complete loss of a cherished regional tradition. Janet admitted she may have started the Mount Jackson rumor herself, though Olivia acknowledged the temptation was real. Instead, she's been reaching out to former Vintage in the Valley vendors, inviting them to try Junk and Jams as an alternative. A Town Creating Its Own Social Life Throughout the conversation, Olivia's enthusiasm and self-awareness shine through. She jokes about "creating my own social life in Mount Jackson," acknowledges when she loses naming debates (she advocated for "Citrus and Soul" in September but conceded to "Apples and Americana" for proper alliteration), and celebrates the "you're changing the world" text messages she receives from Rosemary Wallinger. This personal investment reflects a broader truth about small-town revitalization: it requires passionate individuals willing to take risks, embrace quirkiness, and build community one event at a time. Mount Jackson isn't trying to become Harrisonburg or Winchester. Instead, it's carving out its own identity as a place where vintage meets vegetables, where business incubators share space with established retailers, and where a Tuesday night can become a destination. Looking Ahead As Mount Jackson celebrates its bicentennial, the town demonstrates that honoring 200 years of history doesn't mean living in the past. By supporting entrepreneurs, creating unique market experiences, preserving important heritage sites, and fostering collaboration across the downtown business community, this small Shenandoah County town offers a blueprint for rural revitalization that other communities might study. Whether you're interested in retro kitchen kitsch, healthy meal prep, vintage treasures, or simply supporting a town that's willing to get funky with its farmers market, Mount Jackson invites you to be part of its story. Just follow Town of Mount Jackson on Facebook and Instagram, or check out The Nest's new social media managed by Black Valley Creative. And if you see Olivia recording a podcast from her parked car before class, know that she got there early just to share Mount Jackson's good news. That's the kind of dedication that's making this small town's big year possible.

Valentine's Day is over—and whether you crushed it or barely survived, the real growth happens after the holiday. In this minisode, Jen walks florists through how to do a post-holiday recap like a CEO so you can stop repeating the same chaos every year and start building a more profitable, sustainable business.If you're tired of white-knuckling holidays and hoping “next year will be better,” this episode will show you how to turn Valentine's (and every major holiday) into a data-driven growth strategy.In this episode, we cover:Why the money is in the review, not just the revenueHow to use data (not feelings) to make better business decisionsThe 5 areas every florist should review after Valentine's Day:Financials (revenue, average order value, profit margin)Operations & systems (what broke, what worked)Labor & staffing (overstaffed vs understaffed)Product mix & pricing (what sold, what didn't)Your energy & capacity (burnout prevention)How your Valentine's data informs:Mother's DayPromWedding seasonHiring decisionsThe CEO mindset shift from “survive it” to “optimize it”How to make future holidays more profitable without working harderFree Resource:Download the free Holiday Recap Worksheet to walk through this process step by step:

Fluent Fiction - French: Floral Harmony: A Winter Love Blossoms at Ferme des Fleurs Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2026-02-14-08-38-20-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Le vent froid de l'hiver soufflait doucement sur la Ferme des Fleurs.En: The cold winter wind blew gently over the Ferme des Fleurs.Fr: Les serres, grandes et lumineuses, cachaient bien leur trésor.En: The greenhouses, large and bright, hid their treasure well.Fr: À l'intérieur, un monde coloré et chaleureux attendait les visiteurs.En: Inside, a colorful and warm world awaited the visitors.Fr: Émilie marche entre les allées, son regard capturé par les roses, les tulipes et les orchidées.En: Émilie walked between the aisles, her gaze captured by the roses, tulips, and orchids.Fr: Elle pense à Jacques, à quel point elle souhaite lui montrer son amour à travers les fleurs parfaites.En: She thought of Jacques, how much she wanted to show him her love through the perfect flowers.Fr: — Les fleurs d'hiver sont rares, murmure-t-elle, mais elles ont un charme particulier.En: "Winter flowers are rare," she murmured, "but they have a special charm."Fr: Elle sait que choisir les bonnes fleurs n'est pas facile.En: She knew that choosing the right flowers wasn't easy.Fr: Émilie espère trouver une signification qui touchera Jacques.En: Émilie hoped to find a meaning that would touch Jacques.Fr: Elle se rappelle que les roses rouges symbolisent l'amour passionné, les tulipes la déclaration d'amour, mais elle veut quelque chose d'unique.En: She remembered that red roses symbolize passionate love, tulips the declaration of love, but she wanted something unique.Fr: Pendant ce temps, à un autre coin de la Ferme des Fleurs, Jacques scrute les bouquets.En: Meanwhile, in another corner of the Ferme des Fleurs, Jacques was scrutinizing the bouquets.Fr: Il se dit qu'il est rarement venu ici, mais aujourd'hui, il veut faire plaisir à Émilie.En: He thought that he rarely came here, but today, he wanted to make Émilie happy.Fr: Il hésite entre une boîte de chocolats ou un bouquet.En: He hesitated between a box of chocolates or a bouquet.Fr: Finalement, il opte pour les fleurs.En: Finally, he opted for the flowers.Fr: "Émilie aime ça", pense-t-il en souriant.En: "Émilie likes that," he thought with a smile.Fr: Alors qu'Émilie se dirige vers la sortie, un bouquet de jacinthes bleues et de perce-neige en main, elle croise Jacques.En: As Émilie headed towards the exit, a bouquet of blue hyacinths and snowdrops in hand, she ran into Jacques.Fr: Sa surprise est grande.En: Her surprise was great.Fr: Dans ses bras, il tient un bouquet de roses blanches et de violettes.En: In his arms, he held a bouquet of white roses and violets.Fr: Émilie rit doucement, émue de leur rencontre impromptue.En: Émilie laughed softly, moved by their impromptu meeting.Fr: — Pour toi, dit Émilie, rougissante.En: "For you," said Émilie, blushing.Fr: — Et pour toi, répond Jacques, un sourire aux lèvres.En: "And for you," replied Jacques, a smile on his face.Fr: Ils échangent leurs bouquets, réalisant que leurs intentions étaient les mêmes.En: They exchanged their bouquets, realizing that their intentions were the same.Fr: La neige commence à tomber légèrement à l'extérieur de la serre.En: The snow began to fall lightly outside the greenhouse.Fr: Une tranquillité douce les entoure.En: A gentle tranquility surrounded them.Fr: Leurs cadeaux ne sont pas seulement des fleurs.En: Their gifts were not just flowers.Fr: Ils sont un message de soin et de compréhension.En: They were a message of care and understanding.Fr: Émilie comprend que l'essence même des gestes est dans l'attention et non dans la perfection.En: Émilie understood that the very essence of gestures is in the attention and not in perfection.Fr: Jacques réalise qu'exprimer ses sentiments est aussi beau que pratique.En: Jacques realized that expressing his feelings is as beautiful as it is practical.Fr: Ensemble, main dans la main, ils quittent la Ferme des Fleurs, leurs cœurs remplis de chaleur malgré le froid de l'hiver.En: Together, hand in hand, they left the Ferme des Fleurs, their hearts filled with warmth despite the winter cold.Fr: Leurs gestes délibérés ont tissé des liens plus forts.En: Their deliberate gestures had woven stronger bonds.Fr: Et pour ce jour de Saint-Valentin, ils savent qu'ils ont trouvé quelque chose de précieux l'un dans l'autre.En: And for this Valentine's Day, they knew they had found something precious in each other. Vocabulary Words:the wind: le ventthe treasure: le trésorthe gaze: le regardthe aisle: l'alléethe orchid: l'orchidéerare: rarethe charm: le charmethe meaning: la significationto symbolize: symboliserpassionate: passionnéto scrutinize: scruterto hesitate: hésiterthe bouquet: le bouquetto opt for: opter pourto blush: rougirthe surprise: la surpriseimpromptu: impromptuthe snowdrop: le perce-neigeto exchange: échangerthe intention: l'intentionthe tranquility: la tranquillitéthe gesture: le gestethe essence: l'essenceto realize: réaliserto express: exprimerpractical: pratiquedeliberate: délibéréto weave: tisserthe bond: le lienprecious: précieux

Send a textHappy Valentine's Eve, Freshies ❤️This week on The Fresh Bunch, News Anchor Mimi is back reporting live from Jet Fresh Cash & Carry, chatting with local Miami floral pros about the real story behind Valentine's Day. We're talking about how V-Day steals birthday thunder for florists, why burgundies and darker, moodier tones are dominating this year's designs, and how to to work with the VIP Choco Wax Roses from Jet Fresh Growers.  We also get into the surprising truth: most florists love Mother's Day way more than Valentine's. (Sorry, Cupid.)Head Coach Mike opens up in a full-on Valentine therapy session, sharing his honest feelings about the floral holiday — the pressure, the gratitude, and the sweet relief of February 15th. No jokes this week… just appreciation for the customers, the team, and making it through one of the biggest days in flowers.It's real, it's reflective, and it's all love from the Fresh Bunch.See you on the other side of Valentine's 

Expert tree growers Chris Robinson of My Patio Tree and designer Anne Bradfield of Analog Floral recently joined me to share their insights on how florists and wedding and event designers can integrate flowering trees into their menu of services. Analog Plant Rental is the sister company to Anne’s Seattle-based design business, Analog Floral, which […] The post Episode 755: Developing a Tree and Plant Rental Service with Anne Bradfield of Analog Floral and Analog Plant Rental and Chris Robinson of My Patio Tree appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

Feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, and still wanting your floral business to grow? You're not broken—you're human. In this minisode, Jen breaks down 10 simple, doable actions to help you regain momentum in your business even when life feels heavy. This episode is all about compassionate strategy: tiny steps, CEO-level thinking, and getting out of freeze mode without burning yourself out.You'll learn how to shift from emotional overwhelm into grounded action, create forward motion without needing “perfect conditions,” and refocus your energy on what actually moves the needle in your floral business.In This Episode, We Cover:Why overwhelm doesn't mean you're failing—it means you careHow to take action even when you feel behind or stuckThe power of micro-momentum when everything feels like “too much”How to identify the one next step that matters mostCEO-level thinking when your nervous system wants to shut downWhy consistency beats intensity when you're overwhelmedHow to simplify your priorities when your brain feels clutteredWhat to focus on in your business when you don't have extra energyHow to build habits that support growth (even in hard seasons)Reframing overwhelm into clarity, control, and confidenceKey Takeaway:You don't need a perfect plan or unlimited time to grow your floral business. You need one small, intentional step that moves you forward. Momentum creates clarity. Action creates confidence. Even when life feels heavy, your business can still grow—if you choose progress over perfection.Resources & Mentions:Floral CEO Mastermind: https://floralceo.com/mastermindFloral Rockstar Workshops: https://floralceo.com/workshopConnect with Jen:Instagram: @‌thefloralceoWebsite: https://floralceo.com

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.In this episode of the Cut Flower Podcast, host Roz Chandler speaks with Grace Alexander, a gardener and seed producer. Grace shares her journey from a childhood surrounded by gardens to her career in psychology and her passion for flower growing and seed production. The conversation explores the importance of adaptability in careers, the challenges of navigating money and worth in entrepreneurship, and the significance of finding balance and setting boundaries in life. Grace also discusses her plans for organic certification and her love for growing sweet peas, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment that comes from working with nature.takeawaysGrace's early memories of gardening shaped her passion for flowers.Joing together psychology and flower farming was a significant life change for Grace.The importance of adaptability in careers is crucial for success.Finding balance and setting boundaries is essential for personal well-being.Sweet peas are a favorite flower for both Grace and Roz.Organic certification for Grace's flower farm.Grace's journey highlights the value of community in the gardening world.The conversation underscores the importance of pursuing one's passions.Grace believes that every experience contributes to personal growth.You can view Grace's website here and follow her on Instagram here First Tunnels, leaders in domestic and commercial product tunnels. https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

As we enter the 13th year of publishing our Slow Flowers Floral Insights and Industry Forecast, new impressions continue to infuse our mindsets and enthuse us. The Year 2026 presents a consequential time in our industry. We have been impacted by economic challenges that affect consumer confidence and spending choices; we've been clobbered by supply […] The post Episode 754: Slow Flowers Floral Insights and Industry Forecast for 2026 appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

How to Grow Your Floral Business Revenue (Without Guessing or Burning Out)Growing your floral business revenue doesn't start with hustling harder — it starts with clarity.In this episode, Jen breaks down how to intentionally grow revenue by looking at what's already working, identifying where your biggest opportunities live, and creating a strategy rooted in facts — not feelings.After a full month of deep coaching sessions and mastermind strategy calls, one thing became crystal clear: florists who grow sustainably understand their numbers, track their revenue intentionally, and make decisions like CEOs.If you've ever said:“I want to make more money, but I don't know where to start”“I'm booked, but I'm not profitable”“I feel busy but unsure if I'm actually growing”This episode is for you.In this episode, you'll learn:Why “I want to grow by 10%” is not a strategy — and what to do insteadHow to break down your revenue by category (weddings, funerals, corporate, a la carte, etc.)How to identify which part of your business has the most growth potentialTwo main ways to grow revenue:Increasing your average order valueIncreasing the number of aligned clientsHow small pricing adjustments (delivery, setup, labor, service fees) can unlock thousands in revenueWhy tracking and forecasting your weddings changes how you make decisionsHow upsells, thoughtful design suggestions, and month-out calls can increase revenue without more bookingsWhy paying yourself should be a forethought, not an afterthoughtHow cutting expenses and improving margins can increase take-home pay without more workWhy running your business on data (not vibes) is a CEO moveKey takeaways:✔ Revenue growth comes from reflection + forecasting✔ You don't need more bookings — you need better strategy✔ Knowing your numbers gives you power, confidence, and options✔ Paying yourself is non-negotiable — this is a business, not a hobbyTools & resources mentioned:Profit First (book & audiobook)Simple revenue tracking spreadsheetsForecasting your booked weddings throughout the yearReady for support?If this episode made you realize you need help building a real growth strategy, Jen offers:1:1 private coaching sessions Coaching Call-1 hr. $ - Jeni BechtThe Floral CEO Mastermind — monthly strategy, Q&A, and CEO-level support

Big Chief takes the ride to Henderson Kentucky and sits down with Zach Hargis and Master Distiller Jacob Call for a deep and honest conversation about the resurrection of Silk Velvet Whiskey, a storied Kentucky label with roots that stretch back well over a century. Silk Velvet was once a household name, known for its smooth character and dependable quality during an era when whiskey was as much about trust as it was flavor. Born in Henderson and carried through generations, the brand survived shifting tastes, industry consolidation, and long stretches of dormancy. What Zach and Master Distiller Jacob Call are doing today is not a reinvention for trend's sake. It is a careful revival that honors the legacy while applying modern discipline, transparency, and thoughtful blending to bring Silk Velvet back the right way. In the first half of the show, the glasses are filled with Silk Velvet Small Batch at 107 proof. Big Chief does not just sip. He pours a second glass because it hits everything he loves. Built from a blend of two mash bills, this whiskey delivers a rich sweetness up front, a silky mouthfeel, and a lingering tingle of spice that hangs on just long enough to demand another taste. It is bold, balanced, and classic without feeling dated. The second half steps into the Silk Velvet Single Barrel, also bottled at 107 proof and aged seven years. The mash bill of 75 percent corn, 21 percent rye, and 4 percent malted barley shows its depth immediately. Floral notes rise from the glass, followed by a beautifully balanced wave of spice and sweetness that confirms the patience spent in the barrel. It is expressive, confident, and unmistakably Silk Velvet. This episode is about more than what is in the glass. It is about honoring history, respecting the craft, and proving that some names are worth bringing back with care and conviction. Pour yourself something worthy and take the ride with Big Chief.  

In this hour of The Other Side of Midnight, Lionel dissects the phenomenon of "grief policing" and the performative nature of modern mourning, coining the term "automour" for social media virtue signaling. He launches a scorching critique of the British Royal Family, breaking down Prince Philip's Greek heritage, Prince Andrew's sadistic tendencies, and the genetic consequences of inbreeding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this minisode, Jen breaks down the 10 habits she consistently sees in florists who are thriving—financially, creatively, and mentally. Inspired by Atomic Habits and grounded in real coaching conversations with florists at every stage, this episode isn't about doing more. It's about doing the right things consistently.If you've ever wondered why some florists seem calm, confident, booked, and profitable—this episode pulls back the curtain.In this episode, we cover:Successful florists plan before they designCalm wedding days come from preparation—not talent alone. Timelines, recipes, mechanics, and labor are reviewed before flower week ever starts.They know their numbers (even if they hate them)Average wedding value, labor costs, and profit margins matter. Profitable florists make decisions based on facts, not feelings.They communicate clearly and confidentlyNo over-explaining. No apologizing for pricing. Clear, calm communication builds trust and authority.They say no more than they say yesBoundaries protect energy, creativity, and profitability. Saying no is a business strategy—not a failure.They take action before they feel readyConfidence is built through action. Posting, raising prices, and trying new designs all come before feeling “ready.”They build systems that support busy seasonsTemplates, workflows, and checklists reduce stress and prevent burnout when things get hectic.They protect their creativityCreativity is treated like a resource—not something to drain dry. Successful florists intentionally seek inspiration and avoid burnout work.They show up consistently (not constantly)Sustainable marketing rhythms beat burnout posting cycles. Visibility comes from consistency, not volume.They evolve instead of staying stuckPricing, offerings, branding, and business models change as florists grow. Reflection and adaptability are key.10. They think like CEOs, not just designersDecisions are made with long-term sustainability, alignment, and profitability in mind—not short-term ease.Key takeaway:Success isn't about working harder—it's about building habits that support the business and life you want.Resources & Next Steps:Want accountability and CEO-level support? Learn more about the Floral CEO Mastermind

In Episode 186 of Paper Talk, we welcome the incomparable floral designer and educator, Hitomi Gilliam for a deeply thoughtful conversation on floral mechanics, Ikebana, color theory, and what it truly means to make flowers feel alive. Hitomi brings decades of experience in floristry, Ikebana, and teaching to our discussion. In it, she shares how “economy of means” shapes her work, why neutrals like browns and grays quietly hold color stories together, and how mechanics become the bridge between imagination and execution. Together, we explore the powerful overlap between paper flowers and fresh floristry, sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and the idea she calls the “hand of nature.” “Mechanics are the enabler. Without them, the vision stays a sketch.” - Hitomi Gilliam This episode is especially valuable for artists interested in sustainability, Ikebana principles, and designing with intention rather than excess. Learn more about Hitomi on her website and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!

There's an Instagram trend going around as we flash back to 2016, sharing highlights from one decade ago. Today's episode does just that, as I reunite with Hudson Valley farmer-florist Marybeth Wehrung of Stars of the Meadow Flower Farm. In 2016, I visited Marybeth, toured her farm, and interviewed her about the emerging local floral […] The post Episode 753: Ten Years Later, Revisiting the Story of Stars of the Meadow Flower Farm with Marybeth Wehrung appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

Most florists think branding is something you do after you're established — after the logo, the website, the luxury weddings, the polished feed.But the truth is this: you already have a brand.And if you don't intentionally shape it, your clients will shape it for you.In this episode, Jen breaks down what a brand actually is (and what it isn't), why your behavior matters more than polish, and how you can start building a powerful, recognizable brand from any stage of business.This isn't about aesthetics — it's about alignment, consistency, and becoming known for something.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why a brand is a feeling, not a logoHow your behavior builds your brand faster than visualsWhy you are the brand (especially early on)How to pick a lane instead of trying to be everythingThe power of repetition in brand buildingHow boundaries create a premium brandWhy consistency builds trust and recognitionHow personal branding accelerates growthWhen (and why) it's okay to evolve your brandHow strong branding attracts better clients with less effortKey Takeaway:A brand isn't built in polish — it's built in how you show up.Your energy, tone, boundaries, and consistency are the brand.Action Steps:Choose 3 words you want people to associate with youUpdate your bio with what you want to be known forAudit your communication — does it sound like you?Decide what you're no longer available forStart showing up consistently, not perfectlyRepeat your message instead of reinventing itBrand is a long game — and that's what makes it powerful.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by installations (or worried something's going to fall, shift, or turn into a full-blown stress spiral on site)… this minisode is for you.Jen shares her go-to installation workflow (including why she builds 90% in the studio) plus the exact tools that make installs faster, safer, and way more confident.In This Episode, We Cover:Why building most of your install in your studio reduces stress + mistakesHow to save almost 50% on foam cages by buying empty cages onlineThe easiest way to hang installs with airplane cable without manual screw stopsThe zip tie mistake that makes installs weaker (and harder to tighten)Jen's favorite “modular” stand system for head tables, bars, arches, and spill designsResources Mentioned (Links)One-brick foam cages — Jen's go-to➡️ https://a.co/d/bKOUxkdUrban Trapeze cable stops (no crimping tool needed)➡️ https://a.co/d/3RdwidIPlastic-coated airplane cable (Jen's preference)➡️ https://a.co/d/cgOtk8630-inch heavy-duty zip ties (thick + strong)➡️ https://a.co/d/ilMtf8DMetal “square tent stands” for 2x4 installs (modular base system)➡️ https://www.etsy.com/listing/607288186/two-square-tan-stands?ref=yr_purchasesWant to Learn This Hands-On?Installation Rockstar Workshop

On a sweet, 6-acre country parcel in Rochester, Minnesota, Deb Majerus and Joel MacDonald are creating a place of beauty and sanctuary, spreading joy to their community as an oasis just beyond busy roads, paving and residential developments all around. Minnesota natives who dated in high school and reunited years later, Deb and Joel grow […] The post Episode 752: Deb Majerus and Joel MacDonald of Minnesota's Iron Butterfly Flower Farm appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

Ever feel like you're doing “all the right things” — consults, proposals, follow-ups — and still hearing no? In this episode, Jen breaks down what happened after she received three client no's in a row, how she audited her response times, proposal quality, tone, and energy… and how she turned that slump into four yeses (including higher-budget bookings).This is a must-listen for wedding florists who want to book more weddings, improve their close rate, and communicate with more confidence, even when life feels heavy.What You'll LearnWhy “no's” often have nothing to do with your design skillsHow your energy + excitement shows up in your consults (even if you think it doesn't)The sneaky ways your response time impacts your booking rateHow templated emails can accidentally make you sound cold, robotic, or not like youThe difference between being “professional” and being forgettableHow to re-ignite your passion when you're feeling overwhelmed or burned outA simple self-audit to do anytime your close rate dipsThe “Booking Slump Audit” (Steal This)If you're getting no's, ask yourself:How fast did I respond to the inquiry + follow-ups?Did my proposal feel custom + enthusiastic or copy/paste?Did my email tone sound like me?Did I highlight what makes me the right choice (venue expertise, sourcing, seasonality, confidence)?Was I excited… or was I operating from stress, overwhelm, or “whatever”?Key TakeawaysPeople don't just book flowers — they book confidence, care, and leadershipBrides want to feel like you're excited about THEIR wedding, not just another jobYou can be honest and still sell with energy (even if the world feels heavy)You can turn the game around fast — one email, one consult, one proposal at a timeAction StepPick ONE lead you're currently nurturing and do this today:Re-read your last email/proposal and ask:“Would I book me after reading this?”Then add 2–3 lines of personality + excitement + expert guidance.MentionedYour consultation + proposal turnaround timeWhy “education” is part of selling wedding flowersHow to communicate value without sounding defensiveDesigning a business that attracts clients you actually loveWant support + structure?If you're ready to tighten up your sales process, raise your close rate, and book aligned clients — come hang out with us inside the Floral CEO Mastermind.

If you want 2026 to be the year you finally feel like a confident, profitable, in-control Floral CEO, this minisode is for you.In this episode, Jeni shares five essential goals every florist should add to their goal list — whether you're a newer business owner or a seasoned florist who wants more ease, clarity, and profitability.These aren't fluffy goals. They're CEO-level goals that help you stop running your business in reactivity and start running it with intention, strategy, and confidence — without burning yourself out or losing your love for flowers.

Floral flowing rebellion... Get cozy and relax! This podcast is funded by advertising. Info and offers from our sponsors: https://linktr.ee/PodcastForSleep Here's the Wikipedia article (revised): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Nouveau CC BY-SA 4.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to Brooke Palmer, the ranunculus is THE iconic bloom of early springtime. A seasoned grower and owner of Jenny Creek Flowers, based outside of Ithaca, in New York's Finger Lakes Region, Brooke grows a wide array of specialty cut flowers that she sells through her flower CSA and a seasonal U-Pick program. Students take […] The post Episode 751: Ranunculus Growing Secrets with Brooke Palmer of Jenny Creek Flowers appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

Moving Your Floral Business Forward When Life Feels ComplicatedLife doesn't pause when you're trying to grow a business — and as florists, we often carry more than most. Family responsibilities, grief, health challenges, world events, financial pressure, and creative burnout don't stop just because we have goals.In this episode of The Floral CEO Podcast, Jeni shares a deeply honest conversation about what it really looks like to keep moving your business forward when life feels overwhelming, messy, or outright hard.This episode isn't about hustling through burnout or pretending everything is fine. It's about resilience, alignment, micro-momentum, and designing a business that can support you through real life — not just ideal circumstances.✨ In This Episode, We Talk About:Why “complicated” doesn't have to mean stuckHow the mindset of “I do it anyway” builds long-term successThe danger of letting hard seasons turn into permanent habitsWhy falling off the plan doesn't mean you've failedHow to identify the next best step when motivation is lowUsing micro-momentum to rebuild confidence and consistencyWhy alignment matters more when life feels heavyRedesigning your floral business so it supports you — not drains youLetting go of work that consistently feels wrong, even if others do itWhy resilience is built through systems, habits, and self-trustThe difference between pausing to breathe and quitting altogether

In this episode of The Floral CEO Podcast, Jen walks you through a simple, real-world way to forecast your floral business revenue—using the bookings you already have (or want) to estimate your average wedding value, close rate, expenses, flower costs, labor, taxes, and ultimately how much you can pay yourself.Whether you're a newer florist or you've been in business for years but still feel unclear about money, this episode gives you a practical framework to stop guessing and start planning like a CEO.What You'll Learn (Key Takeaways)How to calculate your average wedding order value (AOV) so you can forecast incomeHow to use your close rate to estimate how many leads you need to hit your booking goalA simple “CEO math” approach to estimate:Flower/COGS percentagefixed monthly expenses (your “turn the lights on” costs)freelance laborsales tax/tax set-asidesprofit cushionowner payWhy guessing creates scarcity—and why forecasting creates confidenceHow to put this into a spreadsheet so you can make smarter decisions all yearThe Framework Jen Uses (Step-by-Step)1) Start with your funnel numbers (your real booking pipeline)Track these numbers:How many inquiries/leads you receiveHow many you respond to / have real conversations withHow many consults you bookHow many proposals you sendHow many you close (booked + contract signed)Close rate formula:Booked weddings ÷ proposals sent = close rateJen's note:If your close rate is very high, you may be underpriced (you're “too easy to book”).2) Calculate your average wedding value (AOV)Average wedding value formula:Total booked wedding revenue ÷ number of booked weddings = AOVThis gives you a usable “planning number” even if you have a few outliers.3) Forecast income based on your goal number of weddingsIf you want to go from 8 weddings to 20, you need 12 more weddings.Projected revenue formula:(Goal weddings × AOV) = projected gross revenue4) Estimate your cost of goods (flowers + supplies)If you're still learning sourcing/recipes, Jen recommends being conservative:30–35% as a planning range for flower costs (COGS)COGS formula:Projected revenue × COGS % = flower/supply costs5) Subtract fixed “lights-on” business expensesThese are costs like:websiteCanvaQuickBooks/bookkeeping softwareemail platformadmin tools/subscriptionsbusiness renewals/feesvehicle costs (if the business covers them)Fixed costs formula:Monthly fixed expenses × 12 = annual fixed expenses6) Add labor estimates (freelancers)Example logic from the episode:how many weddings need helphow many hours per weddinghourly ratenumber of staff-daysLabor formula:(Hours × rate × number of days/weddings) = labor cost7) Set aside taxes (don't get surprised later)Jen specifically mentions sales tax and recommends setting aside a percentage (often close to 10% in MN depending on location/rate, but use your local rate).Tax set-aside formula:Projected revenue × tax % = tax bucket8) Build profit into the business (a cushion)Profit is not “whatever is left.” It's intentional.Even starting with 5–7% gives you a cushion for growth:cooler purchaseeducationequipmentupgradesemergency bufferProfit formula:Net-after-costs × profit % = profit bucket9) What's left can become owner's compensation (pay yourself)After subtracting:COGSfixed costslabortaxesprofit…the remainder is what you can use to pay yourself (owner's comp), then plan for income taxes/self-employment taxes depending on your setup.Practical Action Steps (Do This This Week)Make a simple spreadsheet with columns for:inquiriesconsultsproposalsbookingsclose rateList your booked weddings and total revenue → calculate your AOVChoose your booking goal (ex: 20 weddings)Forecast gross revenue (goal × AOV)Pick conservative COGS % (30–35% if you're still dialing in recipes)Estimate annual “lights-on” expensesEstimate freelancer laborCreate 3 buckets in your business:tax set-asideprofit cushionowner payReview the final number and ask:“Is this enough for the life I want?”“What needs to change: price, volume, efficiency, or offers?”Mentioned in This EpisodeBook RecommendationProfit First by Mike Michalowicz (Jen's foundational framework for building profit and paying yourself consistently) https://a.co/d/1s9O2mm

Luxury floral designer Susan Chambers, owner of San Francisco-based bloominCouture. She's a longtime Slow Flowers member whose high-end residential and corporate clients support her sustainable values, which do not compromise her design aesthetic or her approach to seasonal sourcing. Many of you first met Susan when she and her shop appeared in our 2021 book, […] The post Episode 750: Susan Chambers of San Francisco-based bloominCouture – a luxury florist designs with seasonal and local flowers appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

Have your New Year's resolutions already fallen apart — and it's only January 7?You're not broken. You don't lack discipline. You don't need a new year.You need a new approach.In this episode of The Floral CEO Podcast, Jen breaks down why “going all-in” doesn't work, why motivation fades fast, and how micro momentum is the missing piece between setting goals and actually achieving them.This episode is about building sustainable success, not burning yourself out by February.✨ What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy Most Goals FailCommon mistakes that sabotage your goals:Trying to change everything at onceSetting vague goals (“be more successful,” “network more”)Relying on motivation instead of structureOverestimating what can change in 30 daysUnderestimating the power of consistency over timeGoing all-in often looks productive — but it's usually just overwhelm in disguise.The Real Timeline of ChangeIf you've ever felt discouraged, this will reframe everything:Habit change: 60–100 daysLifestyle change: 12–18 monthsIdentity change: 3–4 yearsTrue transformation happens in layers — not overnight.Micro Momentum: The Missing LinkMicro momentum is about:Breaking goals into digestible actionsReducing overwhelmBuilding trust with yourselfCreating progress even on chaotic daysSmall wins compound into big change — especially when life is busy.Real-Life Examples of Micro MomentumJen shares personal examples including:How she went from hating workouts to identifying as someone who loves movementWhy starting small created long-term identity changeHow to apply micro momentum to business goals like:NetworkingLaunching à la carte floralsCEO daysSystems + financesMarketing consistencyHow to Make Goals Actually HappenYou'll learn how to:Get specific with your goalsCreate clear deliverablesBuild buffers so life doesn't derail youReduce decision fatigue by planning aheadUse the Rule of 3:One business goalOne personal goalOne health/energy goalAnd just as important — what to remove from your plate to create space.Identity-Based Goal SettingInstead of asking “What do I want?” ask:Who do I want to become?What does that version of me do on a random Tuesday?What does she stop tolerating?Shift from:“I want to…”to“I am becoming someone who…”Sustainability Over HustleIf your goals require burnout to achieve them — they're not the right goals.This episode reinforces:Alignment over urgencySystems over willpowerProgress over perfectionTry This: 24-Hour Micro Momentum ChallengePick one goal you've been avoidingSet a 5-minute timerDo one tiny stepStopCelebrateMomentum starts with starting.

Jen announces her three upcoming floral workshops for the year: The Installation Rockstar Intensive on March 10-11 in St. Paul, Minnesota, featuring hands-on portfolio building with an 'Old Hollywood Glamour' theme. The Business Bouquets and Branding Workshop on April 26-28 at her family farm in Denison, Minnesota, focusing on business development and branding photography; and the Floral Rockstar Retreat on August 16-18, also at her farm, offering a relaxing yet educational experience with activities like flower arranging, glamping, yoga, and more. Each workshop includes professional photo shoots, with opportunities for portfolio building and social media content creation. Early bird pricing and payment plans are available.

As a special year-end episode of the Slow Flowers Podcast, you're invited to join me today in conversation with garden tour producer Lois Moss, and my dear friend, Lorene Edwards Forkner, artist, author, and regular contributor to the Seattle Times. Together, we are planning a one-of-a-kind botanical tour in Spring 2026 – a unique Slow […] The post Episode 749: Floral Tourism visits historic gardens and modern-day flower festivals of Holland and Belgium, with Debra Prinzing, Lorene Edwards Forkner and Lois Moss appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

Toni Garner is the daughter of a Cherokee educator and a first-generation Lebanese homemaker. Having grown up with flower shops on both sides of the family, she learned the ins and outs of the trade from her grandmother and her aunt.Toni graduated from Northeastern State University and opened Toni's Flowers & Gifts in Tulsa in 1983 when she was 26 years old.Toni was one of a hundred floral designers invited to do the inaugural flowers for George W. Bush's second term. Locally, she has given her time and resources to many community organizations, non-profits, museums, and universities. She and her good friend, Charles Faudree,  published a book titled Country French Florals and Interiors. Listen to Toni talk about the challenges of Valentine's Day, her friendship with Charles Faudree and Pat Gordon, and the story behind “Merry Christmas Anyway” on the podcast and website of VoicesOfOklahoma.com.

Life + Business Audit: How to Create Clarity, Alignment, and Sustainable GrowthAs the year winds down, it's easy to feel reflective, overwhelmed, or unsure of what needs to change next. In this episode of The Floral CEO Podcast, Jeni walks you through a powerful life and business audit designed to help you gain clarity, reduce burnout, and intentionally shape the next chapter of your business and life.This isn't about judgment, shame, or “fixing” yourself.It's about seeing clearly, reclaiming your energy, and choosing alignment over chaos.Why a Life + Business Audit MattersYour business does not exist in a vacuum.If your life feels heavy, chaotic, or unsupported, your business will eventually reflect that.In this episode, Jeni shares why:Your business cannot “save” your lifeMoney alone doesn't fix misalignmentSustainable success starts with clarity, boundaries, and honest reflectionThis audit helps you step out of reaction mode and into intentional CEO leadership.Part 1: Where Are You Right Now?1. Energy AuditTake an honest look at where your energy is going — and where it's being drained.Rate each area on a scale of 1–10:WorkdaysClient interactionsCreative workHome lifeMental loadPhysical energyAnything consistently under a 5 deserves attention — not guilt.2. Time AuditAsk yourself:Where is my time actually going?What feels busy vs. what moves the needle?How much of my time is reactive vs. intentional?Break your time into categories:Revenue-producing workAdmin / busyworkMarketingFamily & personal lifeScrolling / numbingRest (real rest)Then ask:Is my time aligned with my priorities — or just my habits?3. Money AuditThis is where many business owners avoid looking — and where clarity is most powerful.Reflect on:What did I actually pay myself?What parts of my business are profitable?What looks “successful” but pays terribly?Where am I leaking money (including time)?Ask the big question:Am I building a business that supports my life — or one that requires sacrifice without return?Part 2: What's Not Working Anymore?4. Tolerance AuditFinish these sentences honestly:“I'm tolerating __________.”“I keep putting up with __________.”“I know this isn't working, but I haven't changed it.”What we tolerate becomes our standard.5. Alignment AuditAsk yourself:Does my business reflect who I am now — or who I used to be?If I built this business today, would I build it the same way?Is my business aligned with my values, family life, health, creativity, and nervous system?Small misalignments add up over time.6. Identity AuditShift from:“I'm trying to…”to“I am someone who…”Ask:Who have I been acting like I am?Who do I want to become?What does that version of me say yes to?What does she stop doing?Identity shifts drive behavior change.Part 3: What Needs to Change?7. Subtraction Before AdditionBefore adding anything new, ask:What can I remove?What can I simplify?What am I done tolerating?Growth doesn't always mean more — often it means less, done better.8. Focus Audit: The 3–Thing RuleChoose:3 business priorities3 life prioritiesAsk:If I focused only on these, would my life and business improve?Everything else can pause, be delegated, or simplified.9. Support AuditYou are not meant to do this alone.Ask:Where do I need support?What am I carrying that isn't mine?Who helps me think bigger?Who holds me accountable?Support might look like systems, boundaries, therapy, coaching, or community.Part 4: How Do You Move Forward?10. Micro-Momentum PlanningInstead of fixing everything, ask:What's one 15-minute change I can make this week?One boundary I can set?One system I can tighten?Small shifts create big identity changes.11. Future You Check-InAsk:What will future me thank me for changing now?What would make next year feel lighter?Your body often knows before your mind does.12. Decision Filter Going ForwardEvery opportunity should pass through:Does this align with my values?Does this support my energy?Does this move me toward my goals?Am I saying yes out of fear or intention?If it's not a clear yes, it's a no or not right now.Final ThoughtsYou are allowed to:Change your mindWant something differentBuild a business that feels good and pays you wellChoose alignment over hustleYour life matters just as much as your business.Join the Goal Planning Party

Episode Title26 Things Every Florist Should Do Going Into 2026Episode Description2026 doesn't need to be new year, new chaos.In this episode of The Floral CEO Podcast, I'm walking you through 26 intentional, strategic things every florist should consider before heading into 2026 — from money and marketing to energy, systems, and alignment.This isn't about doing more.It's about doing what actually works — with clarity, profitability, and ease.You don't need to tackle all 26 at once. But you do need to stop drifting into another year without intention.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeIn this episode, we cover:How to reflect on 2025 without judgment — just data and clarityWhat to cut, simplify, or stop doing in your floral businessHow to realign your pricing, profit, and payWhere your time and energy are actually going (and if it's worth it)How to market smarter — not louderWhy alignment matters more than hustle heading into 2026How to choose growth that supports your life, not drains itThe 26 Things Every Florist Should Do Going Into 2026Reflect & RecalibrateReview what actually made you money in 2025Identify what drained your energy the mostDecide what you're no longer available forLook at your average order valueIdentify your most profitable client typeAudit how you truly spend your timeMoney & Profit (CEO Energy)Decide how much you want to pay yourself in 2026Separate business money and personal moneyStop using deposits to fund your lifeReview pricing that no longer worksBuild profit into pricing — not leftoversDecide what “enough” actually looks like financiallyMarketing & VisibilityChoose three marketing priorities (not ten)Choose consistency over perfectionMake your email address easy to findDecide what you want planners to see you asCreate evergreen content you can reuseDecide where you'll stop marketingSystems, Time & SustainabilitySimplify your offersBuild a 10-minute daily marketing habitCreate micro-momentum tasks for busy daysIdentify one system that needs tighteningGrowth, Identity & VisionDecide who you're becoming as a Floral CEOSay your goals out loudBuild accountability into your yearChoose alignment over hustleKey TakeawayYou don't need to overhaul your entire business overnight.But choosing even 3 things from this list — and actually following through — can completely change how 2026 feels.Clarity compounds.Alignment compounds.And intentional decisions always outperform hustle.Join the 2026 Goal Planning Party

Shane Connolly is a master of many arts, and one that he exhibits throughout the year is how to use sustainable floristry to create a sense of charm often reserved for the tiniest of tables.That's why he's in such high demand - we talk through his exciting, varied year of arranging in this week's podcast, with a look at the festive season, and a few tips to serve your own arranging in the festive season, taking inspiration from Shane's wondrous wedding displays.In this episode, discover:How Shane approaches weddings, intimate dinners, grand public events and royal occasionsWhy he favours seasonal, British-grown flowers and how he builds close relationships with growers and suppliersThe behind-the-scenes logistics of big museum dinners and public events, from long tables to thousands of tiny vases and candlesHow Shane creates sustainable, glitter-free Christmas magic, including his Marie Antoinette-inspired V&A tree and reusable decorationsProducts mentioned:Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/convallaria-lily-of-the-valleyFollow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/Get in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeuFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/Order Sarah's latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

In 2018, we named Slow Pottery one of our ten floral insights of the year, and the interest in combining locally-grown flowers with curated pottery and vase collections has only continued to gain momentum. The demand for American-made pottery first caught our attention in a 2015 New York Times article titled “The Budding Ceramics-to-Table Movement,” with the […] The post Episode 748: Flowers & Ceramics, creating a floral enterprise that combines one artist's passions, with Michelle Hartney appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

As the year comes to a close, it's natural to start dreaming about what's next. But for many florists, 2025 didn't feel expansive or inspiring — it felt like survival.In this episode, Jen dives into what it really means to move from surviving to thriving in 2026. Not through hustle, burnout, or “new year, new me” energy — but through intention, reflection, boundaries, and strategic decisions that support both your life and your business.If you've felt exhausted, reactive, underpaid, creatively drained, or stuck in constant overwhelm, this episode is for you.In This Episode, We Cover:Why survival mode isn't failure — and why so many florists normalize burnoutThe physical, emotional, and creative cost of staying in survival too longHow margin (in time, money, and energy) completely changes your nervous systemWhy being “busy” isn't a badge of honor — and what it's actually costing youThe connection between your personal life and business growthHow thriving starts with alignment, not doing moreThe 5-Step Shift from Surviving to Thriving in 2026Acknowledge Survival Without ShameSurvival mode is a response — not a personal failure. Many florists are surviving because they're caregiving, rebuilding, healing, or simply carrying too much. Honor what got you here — and allow yourself to want more.Identify What's Keeping You StuckLow-margin work, undercharging, saying yes out of fear, lack of systems, inconsistent pay, and constant reactivity all keep you trapped. You can't change what you won't name.Redefine What Thriving Means to YouThriving isn't nonstop work or booking everything. It's calm, predictable income, creative joy, clear boundaries, support, and a business that gives back to your life — not one that drains it.Make Small, Strategic ShiftsThis isn't about burning everything down. Simplify your offers. Raise prices intentionally. Build planner relationships. Create systems. Focus on micro momentum — small actions that compound into real change.Decide That 2026 Will Be DifferentA new year doesn't create change — decisions do. Thriving requires intention, structure, and support. You don't have to do it alone, but you do have to choose it.Reflection Questions to Sit With:What parts of my business drain me the most?What actually makes me the most money?Where am I over-giving or saying yes out of fear?What am I no longer willing to tolerate in 2026?What would thriving feel like — not just look like?Want Support Creating a Different 2026?Jen is hosting a Goal Planning Party on January 5th at 1:00 PM CST, where you'll:Reflect on what worked (and didn't) in 2025Clarify what stays, what goes, and what gets simplifiedDesign goals that support your life and your businessConnect with other florists who are ready to grow with intentionYou'll receive a guided goal-planning worksheet and live support to help you start the year grounded and clear — not reactive and overwhelmed.

As the year winds down and the holidays approach, it's natural to start thinking about what's next—next year, next season, and the next version of your business and life. In this episode of the Floral CEO Podcast, Jeni reframes the idea of manifestation in a way that actually works for business owners.If the word manifesting makes you roll your eyes or feel skeptical, this episode is for you.Because manifestation isn't about wishful thinking—it's about clarity, intention, structure, strategy, and consistent action.

You may be familiar with today's guest, Jennifer Gulizia of The Flowering Farmhouse and The Backyard Bouquet Podcast. Like many of us, Jennifer's story began in her own garden, as her flower-growing fascination naturally melded with her professional photography career. In 2019, she and her husband, T.J., built a modern farmhouse on a 1/3-acre lot, […] The post Episode 747: Jennifer Gulizia of The Flowering Farmhouse on dahlia breeding, podcasting, filming a documentary and building a flower farm from the ground up appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

Sign up for the webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-222a1dfe-fee7-469e-8156-8379cc388865In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism Podcast, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen invites listeners to the 2026 Flower Farmer Forum and introduces a groundbreaking tool for the floral industry — Farmers to Florists. Liz shares the significant challenges faced by flower farmers, florists, and farmer florists, such as planning, inventory management, and efficient communication. She unveils the Farmers to Florists platform designed to address these issues by integrating crop planning, inventory management, and floral recipes into one collaborative system. Listeners are encouraged to join a live webinar on January 6th to see the platform in action and provide valuable feedback. The episode also mentions registration details, the goals of the platform, and how it aims to bring clarity and efficiency to the industry.00:00 Welcome and Conference Invitation00:50 Introduction to Rooted Agritourism01:14 Exciting Industry Announcement02:42 The Problem in the Floral Industry07:18 The Solution: Farmers to Florist Platform09:18 Features of Farmers to Florist12:59 Call to Action: Join the Webinar15:05 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Today's guest, Eva Eliasson, joins me from Stockholm, Sweden, where she is the chairwoman of Snittblomsodlare, the association of cut flower farmers in Sweden. We met virtually earlier this year when Eva reached out to introduce herself while on a family trip to the U.S. We scheduled time to chat further and I learned about […] The post Episode 746: Slow Flowers in Sweden, with Eva Eliasson, chairwoman of Snittblomsodlare (Slow Flowers Sweden) appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

Esta es la primera parte del relato de viaje por Sudáfrica que hicimos en 2025. En dos capítulos recorreremos Sudáfrica, un país cuya profunda antigüedad se remonta a la Cuna de la Humanidad y que revela la espectacular riqueza del alma africana, con paisajes naturales únicos como la Región Floral del Cabo y el Parque Kruger. Pero más que un destino de safari, Sudáfrica es una lección de historia viva: desde las garras del apartheid, el brutal sistema de segregación racial, hasta la luz de la libertad Notas del episodio: El recorrido de viaje en la página de Paideia Breve historia de Sudáfrica: un relato que nos habla de milenios Y en este relato "el pueblo más antiguo de la tierra": los Khoisan La migración bantú, un proceso que define la historia de la cultura del mundo El Cabo de la Buena Esperanza en historias y hechos Una Mirada a la historia de los zulúes   Sigue mis proyectos en otros lugares:  YouTube ➔ youtube.com/@DianaUribefm  Instagram ➔ instagram.com/dianauribe.fm Facebook ➔ facebook.com/dianauribe.fm Sitio web ➔ dianauribe.fm Twitter ➔ x.com/DianaUribefm  LinkedIn ➔ www.linkedin.com/in/diana-uribe    Gracias de nuevo a nuestra comunidad de patreon por apoyar la producción de este episodio. Si quieres unirte, visita www.dianauribe.fm/comunidad