Podcasts about florist

Fall flowers deserve more attention — especially if you want rich color, useful texture, long vase life, and blooms that customers are excited to buy in September and October. In this episode, Lisa shares 13 standout flowers and foliage for the fall cutting garden, plus simple planning tips to help you time them well for next season.MentionsThe Flower Farmer Club, presented by The Gardener's WorkshopBaker's Dozen Fall Flowers (find them here)Florist's KnifeBIG Calendar-Journal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Field and Garden Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, owner of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Gardener's Workshop,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Flower Farming School Online,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and the publisher of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Farmer-Florist School Online⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Florist School Online.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lisa's Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and connect with Lisa on social media!

Stop Setting Goals. Start Setting Floors.“I want to post more.”“I want to follow up more.”“I want to network more.”“I want to make more money.”Those sound like goals, but they are also incredibly vague.In this episode, Jeni shares a different way to approach goal-setting: stop focusing only on the ceiling and start creating a floor.Your floor is the minimum standard for how you operate.Instead of saying, “I want to post more,” your floor might be:I publish three pieces of content every week.You can post four. You can post five. But you do not go below three.It is no longer something you hope to accomplish when you feel motivated, inspired, rested, or caught up.It is simply what you do.Jeni explains why your floor should be achievable enough to survive your busiest week—not just your most motivated one. Setting an unrealistic standard can create an all-or-nothing cycle where one missed day makes you abandon the entire goal.The floor creates consistency.It also removes negotiation.When you have already decided that you post three times a week, review your numbers once a month, spend two hours in CEO mode each week, or follow up with every qualified lead twice, you no longer have to wake up and decide whether you feel like doing it.The decision has already been made.Jeni also dives into why keeping promises to yourself matters. Every time you repeatedly say you are going to do something and then do not follow through, you weaken your own trust in yourself.But when you create realistic standards and consistently keep those promises, you begin reinforcing a completely different identity.You become someone who does what she says she is going to do.In this episode, Jeni talks about:Why vague goals often become hopes and wishesThe difference between a goal and an operating standardHow to create a realistic minimum for yourselfWhy your floor should survive your busiest weekHow unrealistic goals create all-or-nothing behaviorWhy standards eliminate decision fatigueHow a floor removes daily negotiationThe importance of keeping promises to yourselfCreating marketing, sales, CEO, networking, money, and boundary floorsWhy you should set floors around behaviors you can actually controlCreating ceilings around the things you refuse to tolerateWhy your standards should evolve as you growHow getting 1% better can dramatically change your business over timeWhy consistency usually wins over occasional bursts of greatnessExamples of business floorsMarketing floor:I publish three pieces of content every week.Follow-up floor:Every qualified inquiry receives at least two follow-ups.CEO floor:I spend two uninterrupted hours every week working on my business.Networking floor:I make one meaningful industry connection every month.Money floor:I review my numbers every month.Pricing floor:I do not accept a full-service wedding below my minimum.Sales floor:Every week I take at least one action that could directly generate revenue.Create ceilings around the bullshitYour business also needs standards for what you will no longer tolerate.That might look like:I do not discount below a certain amount.I do not take weddings below my minimum.I do not work seven days a week.I do not answer client emails at midnight.I do not accept more weddings in one weekend than my business can execute well.I do not tolerate repeated lateness from freelancers.Your business needs floors for what you require and ceilings for what you tolerate.The four-part frameworkChooseWhat area of your business or life needs more consistency?DefineWhat is your minimum acceptable standard?ProtectWhat systems or routines will keep you from falling below it?RaiseOnce the floor becomes normal, raise it slightly.Your challengeSet five floors:your marketing flooryour sales flooryour CEO flooryour relationship flooryour personal floorThese are not wishes.This is simply how you operate now.Key takeawayYou do not need to dramatically raise the ceiling to grow.Sometimes the biggest transformation comes from raising the floor.Your business is not built on the weeks when you occasionally crush it.It is built on what you consistently do.

A $15,000 wedding does not automatically make you more money than a $6,000 wedding.In fact, it is completely possible to book a large event, work yourself into the ground, and walk away with almost nothing if you are not paying attention to where your profit is leaking.In this episode, Jeni breaks down the anatomy of a profitable wedding from the initial inquiry all the way through final cleanup.She starts with one of the most important questions: is this wedding actually a good financial fit in the first place?A beautiful vision means nothing if the budget does not support it. A large invoice can quickly become unprofitable when the venue is difficult, teardown is complicated, travel is extensive, the timeline requires an oversized team, or the scope of work is far beyond what was actually priced.Jeni also explains why pricing needs to come from reality—not hope.Your client is not only paying for flowers. They are paying for your expertise, design, logistics, team, problem solving, sourcing, transportation, setup, teardown, admin time, overhead, and your ability to make the event happen when things inevitably go sideways.From there, Jeni walks through some of the biggest profit leaks in floral businesses, including overbuying, overly complicated recipes, labor creep, poor prep, freelancer inefficiency, excessive tweaking, underestimated logistics, and unpaid owner labor.She also shares how strategic design can improve both profitability and visual impact. Profitable design is not about making things cheap. It is about using creativity, mechanics, styling, repurposing, rentals, negative space, candles, linens, and focal moments intentionally.Jeni also dives into the real cost of repurposing, the profit potential of rentals, delivery and setup fees, teardown, hidden supply costs, and all the hours of work that happen before wedding week even begins.Finally, she explains why every florist should complete a post-wedding profitability review and ask whether the wedding was actually worth doing.Because profitability is not only about money.It is also about whether the stress, energy, and time required were worth what the business received in return.In this episode, Jeni talks about:Why not every dollar of revenue is equally profitableHow to determine whether a client's vision and budget are actually alignedWhy difficult venues and unrealistic timelines should affect pricingHow florists accidentally work for free on large eventsWhy pricing needs to include far more than flower costsThe real value of your expertise and problem-solving abilityHow overbuying turns profit into compostWhy complicated recipes can increase both product and labor costsHow labor creep silently destroys marginsWhy your own labor is never freeUsing an effective hourly rate to evaluate how you spend your timeHow strategic design can create more visual impact with less wasteWhen repurposing actually saves money—and when it does notHow rentals can become a profitable revenue streamWhy delivery and setup should never be an afterthoughtWhy teardown needs to be priced separatelyThe small supply costs that quietly add up across a wedding seasonWhy pre-wedding admin and design time must be accounted forHow to compare estimated costs with actual costsWhy post-wedding profitability reviews help you improve every eventThe five-part profitability frameworkPriceDid you charge enough for everything required?PurchaseDid you buy strategically and stay within your recipe and budget?ProduceDid you and your team work efficiently?PerformDid delivery, setup, logistics, and teardown stay within expectations?PostmortemDid you review what actually happened so the next wedding becomes more profitable?Questions to ask after every weddingWas this wedding worth doing?Would I book another wedding like this?Would I work at this venue again?What was the most profitable part?Where did my margin disappear?What should I charge differently next time?What process needs to change?Did I actually enjoy doing it?Was the stress commensurate with the money?Key takeawayA big invoice does not guarantee a profitable wedding.Profit is protected through dozens of decisions before, during, and after the event.Know your numbers. Protect your labor. Buy strategically. Price logistics correctly. Review what actually happened.Then get 1% better on the next one.Mentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO Mastermindhttp://floralceo.com/mastermind

Bigger weddings can mean bigger revenue—but they can also come with bigger expenses.Studio rent. Coolers. Ladders. Lifts. Rental inventory. Delivery vehicles. Equipment. Staffing.And if you are not careful, all of those expenses can start eating away at the profit you were hoping to make by taking on larger events.In this episode, Jeni shares some of the practical hacks she has learned after more than 20 years in the floral industry for scaling into larger weddings without feeling like you need to buy everything first.She starts by challenging the idea that a successful florist needs a beautiful commercial studio. Jeni has operated as a home-based florist throughout her career and explains why keeping overhead low has allowed her to protect profit while still building a workspace capable of handling large-scale events.She also talks about one investment she does believe can dramatically change the experience of taking on bigger weddings: a cooler. Having proper flower storage can reduce stress, protect delicate product, and give you more flexibility during busy wedding weeks.From there, Jeni dives into renting instead of buying.Need a 12-foot ladder for one installation? Rent it.Need a lift for a massive hanging installation? Rent it—and understand exactly what kind of lift the venue has before assuming it will work.Need Harlow stands or specialty event equipment that you may only use once? Check with event rental companies before adding more inventory to your studio.Jeni also shares why she continues to rent U-Hauls instead of investing in an expensive branded cargo van. For her business, paying for transportation only when she needs it makes more financial sense than adding another major fixed expense.The goal is not to look like the biggest floral company.The goal is to build a profitable business with the tools and resources that make the work easier—without unnecessarily increasing your overhead.In this episode, Jeni talks about:Why bigger weddings can quickly eat away at your profit marginWhy you do not need a commercial studio to have a successful floral businessThe financial reality of adding thousands of dollars in monthly rentHow a home-based studio can support a large wedding businessWhy having a cooler can become a game changer as you scaleFinding more affordable used or commercial coolersWhy you should consider renting equipment before buying itRenting ladders for large installationsWhat to ask venues about their lifts before wedding dayHow the wrong lift turned one installation into a seven-hour projectWhy renting specialty event equipment can make more sense than owning itAsking rental companies about wedding-vendor discountsWhy you do not necessarily need an expensive branded delivery vanHow Jeni uses U-Haul rentals for large wedding weekendsWhy transportation costs need to be built into delivery, setup, and teardown feesHow controlling overhead helps protect profit as your business growsKey takeawayYou do not have to own every resource your business might someday need.Before adding another major expense, ask:Do I actually need to own this—or do I simply need access to it?Scaling does not have to mean piling on overhead.Sometimes the smartest way to grow is to rent, borrow, optimize what you already have, and spend money only where it genuinely makes your business easier and more profitable.

Some of the most beautiful lives begin by accident.Ellen Frost was gifted a bag of tulip bulbs for her wedding. She had never planted a thing. She read the directions, put them in the ground, and when they came up that spring, something in her shifted. She grew up in a working class town in Buffalo with no connection to flowers or gardens or nature, and yet that one small spring miracle set the course for everything that came next.Today Ellen runs Local Color Flowers in Baltimore, one of the early pioneers of the local flower movement in this country. Every stem she uses is grown within a hundred miles of the city. But this conversation is about so much more than sourcing. It is about being a bridge between farmers and the people in your community. It is about the courage to say no so you can say a bigger yes. And it is about the relationships that turn out to be the real harvest.Ellen shares the moment she read Flower Confidential and understood the global flower system for the first time, the year she peaked at 150 weddings and nearly broke her body doing it, and the decision to scale down to 30 that saved her business. She talks about the farmer-florist relationship like the matchmaking it really is, and she gets honest about what she believes now that she did not believe when she started.Connect with Ellen and Local Color Flowers: Website: https://www.ellenfrost.com/ Local Color Flowers: http://locoflo.com/ YouTube (weekly videos, her main home): https://www.youtube.com/@ellenfrostflowers Substack, Flower Nerd: https://ellenfrostflowers.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenfrostflowers***Grab Your Dahlia Design Summit Ticket. Join us September 13 through 18. Six days of dahlia design taught by fourteen farmer florists and floral designers. Whether you're growing your first row or you're already selling to florists, every session is about doing more with the dahlias you already have in the ground. Live Pass is $147. All Access is $247 and you keep every session for life. Come join us: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/summit ***

You can post consistently, create beautiful work, get likes, rack up views, and still wonder why the inquiries are not coming in.Because marketing is not just about being seen.It is about creating a clear path that helps the right person notice you, understand what you do, trust you, see themselves working with you, and know exactly what to do next.In this episode, Jeni breaks down how to make your marketing actually lead to inquiries instead of simply creating more noise online.She starts with one of the biggest marketing mistakes florists make: measuring success by likes, followers, and views instead of looking at what actually matters. Did the content lead to a website visit? An inquiry? A consultation? A booking?Your marketing does not need to go viral. It needs to reach and convert the right people.Jeni also explains why clarity matters. Someone who lands on your Instagram or website should immediately understand what you do, where you work, who you serve, what you specialize in, and how they can work with you.She walks through why your portfolio needs to match the work you are trying to book, why pretty flowers alone are not enough, and why trust-building content is essential. Education, testimonials, behind-the-scenes content, process, pricing context, personality, expertise, and social proof all help potential clients feel safer saying yes.Jeni also explains why calls to action need to be obvious, why your inquiry process should be ridiculously easy, and how pricing transparency can help filter out poor-fit leads before they take up your time.And marketing does not stop once the inquiry lands in your inbox.Your response time, brochure, consultation process, follow-up, proposal, positioning, and sales skills are all part of the conversion path.The goal is not simply to get more inquiries.The goal is to create more right-fit inquiries—and then have a process that turns those inquiries into bookings.In this episode, Jeni talks about:Why likes and views are not the best measure of marketing successWhy your marketing does not need to go viralHow local and venue-specific visibility can create better leadsWhy potential clients need immediate clarity about what you doHow your portfolio teaches people what to hire you forWhy pretty flowers are not enough to create trustThe types of content that help establish expertiseWhy personality is part of your brandHow showing your face helps people connect with youThe three basic purposes of content: attraction, trust, and conversionWhy every piece of content should have a purposeHow strong calls to action create a clearer path to inquiryWhy your inquiry process should be easy enough for anyone to navigateHow pricing transparency improves lead qualityWhy follow-up is still part of your marketingHow to diagnose where potential clients are falling out of your funnelWhy you should not automatically blame Instagram when the real problem may happen several steps laterThe marketing frameworkAttractGet the right people's attention.ConnectSpeak to what they want, need, and are struggling with.ProveGive them reasons to trust your expertise and experience.InviteClearly tell them what to do next.ConvertMake your inquiry and sales process easy enough that the right client can confidently say yes.Key takeawayVisibility without conversion is just noise.Pretty gets attention.Trust gets inquiries.And clarity, process, and follow-up turn those inquiries into bookings.Mentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO Mastermindhttp://floralceo.com/mastermind

Beautiful flowers absolutely matter.They get attention. They stop the scroll. They make someone say, “Oh my God, that is gorgeous.”But beautiful flowers alone are not a marketing strategy.In this episode, Jeni breaks down why florists can have incredible portfolios and still struggle with inconsistent inquiries, low-quality leads, poor website conversion, price shoppers, and weak referral pipelines.Because pretty flowers answer only one question:Can you make beautiful flowers?Your potential client has a lot more questions.Can I trust you?Are you right for my wedding?What is it like to work with you?Can you handle my venue?Can you execute something complicated?What does this cost?How do I actually hire you?Jeni explains why strong marketing needs to tell the whole story—from getting someone's attention to helping them understand why you are the right person to hire.Instead of only posting a finished centerpiece, talk about the client's vision, the problem you solved, the design decisions you made, how you maximized the budget, what happened behind the scenes, and how you helped bring the entire experience together.That is what moves you from flower maker to expert.Jeni also shares why personality, education, trust, storytelling, social proof, repetition, and clear calls to action all need to be part of your marketing strategy.Your flowers may look similar to another talented florist's work.The experience of working with you should not.In this episode, Jeni talks about:Why pretty flowers alone do not create consistent inquiriesHow marketing has changed in a world where people question whether images are even realWhy clients are searching for trust, not just inspirationThe questions your marketing needs to answer beyond “Can you make beautiful flowers?”How storytelling positions you as an expertWhy sharing your thought process makes your content more valuableHow client stories can demonstrate that you go the extra mileWhy personality should be part of your marketingHow educational content builds authorityUsing testimonials, reviews, publications, and behind-the-scenes content to build trustWhy context turns a pretty photo into a sales toolThe importance of clearly explaining what you sellWhy telling people how to work with you is not salesyWhy repetition is essential in marketingHow to audit your last nine Instagram postsThe four things your marketing needs to do: Show, Teach, Connect, and InviteThe four-part marketing frameworkShowShow the beautiful work.TeachDemonstrate your expertise and help clients understand the process.ConnectLet people experience your personality, values, process, and point of view.InviteTell them what you offer and exactly how to take the next step.Pretty flowers are only the show piece.Key takeawayPretty flowers are content.They are not the entire marketing strategy.Beautiful work gets attention, but trust gets bookings.Action stepOpen Instagram and look at your last nine posts.Ask yourself:How many simply show flowers?And how many:teach something?build trust?tell a story?show personality?explain your process?answer an objection?invite someone to inquire?Find the holes and start filling them.Mentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO Mastermindhttp://floralceo.com/mastermind

What if you could build a consistent sales pipeline without immediately spending money on ads?In this episode, Jeni shares how she has built relationships that have turned into a powerful referral sales engine for her floral business. She explains why transferred trust is such a valuable asset and how a recommendation from someone a potential client already knows, likes, and trusts can make it much easier to close the sale.A strong referral pipeline is not built by begging people to send business your way. It is built by delivering an exceptional experience, becoming memorable, supporting other businesses, and creating genuine relationships before you need anything from them.Jeni shares both conventional and out-of-the-box ways to build those relationships. She talks about creating a networking schedule, having coffee with new “friender” connections, hosting small industry gatherings, celebrating other vendors' accomplishments, remembering personal details, and publicly highlighting the people doing incredible work around you.She also explains the power of referral-generating generosity. This can include sending clients to trusted planners, photographers, rental companies, caterers, and other florists; making personal email introductions; creating a preferred vendor guide; leaving thoughtful Google reviews; sending handwritten thank-you notes; and dropping off flowers to show appreciation.Jeni also shares why your personal social media accounts can be an overlooked referral source. Sharing your accomplishments, creative work, behind-the-scenes moments, and business milestones helps the people who already know and trust you remember exactly what you do.One planner or vendor relationship can create an enormous financial impact. Jeni shares that one referral relationship generated approximately $160,000 in business in a single year, while another planner relationship generated roughly $90,000.The goal is not to chase every wedding professional in your market. It is to consistently show up, invest in people, be generous, and find the relationships where both businesses can grow together.In this episode, Jeni talks about:Why transferred trust makes referred leads so valuableHow referrals can help you close clients fasterWhy providing an exceptional experience is the foundationCreating a repeatable networking and relationship-building scheduleMeeting new vendor friends without making it feel salesyHosting intimate industry events or flower nightsCelebrating vendors' milestones and accomplishmentsRemembering personal details so people feel genuinely seenPublicly promoting planners, venues, photographers, and other vendorsLeaving meaningful Google reviewsTagging vendors strategically in social media contentSending handwritten notes and personal thank-you emailsCreating a preferred vendor page on your websiteMaking personal referral introductions instead of simply forwarding namesReferring projects that are too small, too far away, or not the right fitInviting trusted vendors into styled shoots and creative projectsCarrying an emergency kit that helps the entire vendor teamMaking it easy for people to describe and recommend your businessDropping off extra flowers as a thoughtful relationship-building gestureUsing personal social media to keep your business visibleWhy sharing your accomplishments is not braggingKey takeawayA referral pipeline is not built by repeatedly asking people to send you clients.It is built by becoming the person people naturally want to recommend.Build real relationships. Make people feel seen. Send business their way. Make their jobs easier. Share their work. Celebrate their wins. And continue showing up long before you need the referral.Action stepChoose three people in your local wedding industry and take one thoughtful action with each of them this month.That might be:inviting one person to coffeeleaving one thoughtful Google reviewsending one handwritten thank-you notecreating one personal introductionhighlighting one vendor on social mediadropping off a small floral arrangementsending one qualified referral their wayDo not ask for anything in return. Simply begin building the relationship.

The Florist Receipt That Ended My MarriageBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cheat-stories-official--5689182/support.

A client complains. A freelancer lets you down. A proposal gets rejected. You make a mistake, forget something, receive a bad review, or have a wedding that does not go according to plan.The event itself may only last a few minutes or a few days. But the story you create around it can affect your business for weeks.In this episode, Jeni talks about one of the fastest ways to regain momentum after something goes wrong: stop ruminating and start reflecting.Reflection helps you understand what happened, identify what was within your control, learn the lesson, and decide what action to take next. Rumination sends you around the same problem repeatedly while draining your confidence, creativity, energy, and ability to lead.Jeni explains how one negative experience can begin leaking into completely unrelated areas of your business. A difficult client can make you suspicious of every new inquiry. A rejected proposal can make you less confident during your next consultation. A freelancer letting you down can leave you frustrated with the rest of your team.Your next client should not have to emotionally pay for what your last client did.This episode offers a practical framework for moving through setbacks without ignoring your feelings or avoiding responsibility:Feel. Fact-check. Fix. Forward.Feel the emotion and give it space.Fact-check the situation by separating what actually happened from the story you are creating around it.Fix what needs to be repaired, whether that means apologizing, replacing something, updating a contract, improving a process, creating a checklist, setting a boundary, or changing how you communicate.Then move forward by taking one productive action that restores momentum.The goal is not to avoid every disappointing, frustrating, or painful experience. That is impossible when you own a business.The goal is to become the kind of CEO who can move through difficult experiences without allowing one moment to become the atmosphere of the entire business.In this episode, Jeni talks about:How one setback can create a damaging story about your businessWhy a difficult moment does not need to become your identityThe difference between reflection and ruminationHow rumination drains your confidence, creativity, and leadershipWhy negative energy can affect new inquiries and client relationshipsHow to give difficult emotions space without letting them take overSeparating factual events from the meaning you assign to themWhy accountability moves you forward while self-punishment keeps you stuckHow to find the lesson without building a shrine around the problemWhy one forward-moving action can restore momentumHow repeatedly retelling the story keeps the negative experience aliveThe Feel, Fact-check, Fix, Forward frameworkThe frameworkFeel: Give yourself permission to experience the emotion.Fact-check: Separate what actually happened from the story you are telling yourself.Fix: Take responsibility, repair what needs repairing, and identify the lesson.Forward: Take one action that points your energy toward the future.Key takeawayThe problem happened once.Rumination makes it happen a hundred more times.A setback is an event, not your identity. Feel it, learn from it, fix what needs fixing, and then take your energy forward.

You can be an incredibly talented florist and still struggle to build a profitable wedding floral business.Beautiful flowers may get people's attention, but floral talent is only one part of building a business that grows, pays you, and supports the life you actually want.In this episode, Jeni shares her top five pieces of advice for building a successful wedding floral business. These are the lessons she has learned through more than 20 years of business ownership, over 1,700 weddings, and years of coaching florists through pricing, sales, marketing, profitability, and growth.Jeni begins with one of the most important truths for creative business owners: you need to learn the business side as seriously as you learn the floral side. Sales, marketing, pricing, communication, systems, and client experience are what turn creativity into a sustainable company.She also explains why knowing your numbers matters before chasing bigger revenue. A fully booked calendar and impressive sales numbers do not automatically mean a business is profitable. Florists need to understand their product costs, labor, overhead, taxes, delivery, setup, breakdown, and true profit before trying to scale.The third piece of advice is to show the work you want to book. Your portfolio acts like a menu, teaching potential clients what they can hire you to create. If you want larger installations, elevated weddings, more color, or higher-end projects, your website and social media need to reflect that vision.Jeni also shares why building genuine industry relationships before you need referrals is one of the most valuable growth strategies available. Planners, venues, photographers, rental companies, and other vendors refer the florists who communicate well, solve problems, show up fully, and make the entire team look good.Finally, Jeni explains why getting support can save years of frustration, mistakes, and isolation. Mentors, coaches, masterminds, education, peer groups, and accountability partners can reveal blind spots, shorten the learning curve, and help you believe bigger things are possible for your business.In this episode, Jeni talks about:Why floral talent alone does not create a profitable businessThe business skills every wedding florist needs to developWhy “I'm just a creative” can become a dangerous excuseThe difference between revenue and actual profitWhy a fully booked calendar does not guarantee financial successHow underpricing, overbuying, and overstaffing affect profitWhy your portfolio determines the type of work you attractHow styled shoots, workshops, and collaborations can fill portfolio gapsWhy vendor relationships should be built before bookings slow downHow your behind-the-scenes reputation drives referralsWhy support, coaching, and accountability accelerate growthHow being around action-taking business owners changes what feels possibleJeni's five pieces of advice:Learn the business side as seriously as the floral side.Know your numbers before chasing revenue.Show the work you want to book.Build relationships before you need referrals.Get support instead of figuring everything out alone.Key takeawayYou do not need to master everything overnight, but you do need to treat your wedding floral business like something you are intentionally building—not something you are simply hoping will work.You can create beautiful flowers and build a profitable, sustainable business. Those things do not have to compete. But it takes more than creativity. It takes leadership, strategy, business skills, and a willingness to learn.Mentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO Mastermindhttp://floralceo.com/mastermindFloral Rockstar Retreat and Workshopshttp://floralceo.com/workshop

Undercover Narcotics Detective to Hollywood Actor – Jim Klock Unplugged Jim Klock spent a decade on the police beat, including undercover narcotics work in Virginia, before moving to LA at 30 to chase Hollywood. His first role? Playing an undercover cop on HBO's The Wire  while he was still actually an undercover narcotics detective back home. This week on Reza Rifts, host Keith Reza and Jim get into everything: the time he chased a violent suspect past an elementary school, working opposite Woody Harrelson on True Detective, learning craft from acting coach Jack Plotnick, the Sam Elliott "I'm the best Sam Elliott in the world" moment, his upcoming roles on Boston Blue, The Florist, and the shark movie Chum, plus Reza opens up about why he calls his Aspergers a superpower. Guest Info Jim Klock is a Virginia-born American actor, writer, director, and former law-enforcement officer. After a decorated 10-year career as a police officer and undercover narcotics detective  complete with private-sector dignitary-protection work to fund his acting training, Klock hit Los Angeles and built a steady career playing the kind of cop, detective and morally-gray character you absolutely believe on screen. A working writer/director whose microbudget feature Red Letters he helmed himself, Jim is also part-time with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, teaches at the law-enforcement academy, and is now gearing up to release The Florist, Chum, and a role on Boston Blue in 2026. Notable Works: True Detective (HBO) — Season 1 The Wire (HBO) — first acting role, undercover cop Criminal Minds — SWAT team leader Scream Queens — recurring Like Father Like Son — opposite Dermot Mulroney The Burial (2023) NCIS (Season 23) Deepwater Horizon (2016) The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015) Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire Red Letters — writer / director / star Boston Blue — upcoming The Florist — upcoming Chum — upcoming shark feature Guest Social Links Follow Jim:

The Floral Rockstar Retreat is officially less than three weeks away, and only a couple of spots remain!In this mini episode, Jeni gives you an inside look at the full three-day retreat experience happening August 16–18, 2026, at Becht Acres in Dennison, Minnesota. She walks through the schedule, shares newly added experiences, and answers some of the most common questions she has received from florists considering attending.The retreat begins Sunday evening with a relaxed welcome celebration featuring charcuterie, cocktails and mocktails, a farm tour, a custom cowboy hat bar, a bonfire, and s'mores. It is an opportunity to slow down, meet your new flower friends, and settle into a weekend designed around creativity, connection, and inspiration.On Day 2, attendees will start with yoga before working on flowers and participating in a Strawberry Fields-inspired luncheon and styled shoot. Think gingham linens, playful lamps, shades of pink and red, strawberry basil lemonade, and charming charcuterie baskets set in a beautiful meadow on the farm.The group will then begin creating the floral designs and installations for the Day 3 farm-to-table editorial shoot inside Jeni's 1890s dairy barn. The evening will wrap up with a girls' night out at a nearby local restaurant.Day 3 includes several large-scale floral and styling opportunities, including an epic head table installation, a basket-inspired ceremony backdrop, a decorated glamping tent, floral details on a macramé hammock, and a styled piano moment. Attendees will also experience a guided future-self visualization led by Jeni, a certified life coach.The retreat ends with everyone dining together at the table they helped create while enjoying a catered farm-to-table meal, a tarot card reader, and live music from an electric fiddle player.Jeni also answers practical questions about:Flying into Minneapolis–Saint Paul International AirportRental cars and transportationRecommended accommodationsWhat shoes and clothing to bringAnimals and farm activitiesWeather backup plansParking and restroom accessWhether attendees need to bring floral toolsWhat meals and beverages are includedPayment options and workshop pricingThe Floral Rockstar Retreat is intentionally small and intimate. It is designed to help florists recharge, reconnect with their creativity, build meaningful friendships, gain beautiful portfolio images, strengthen their confidence, and begin dreaming bigger about what is possible for their businesses.Retreat detailsDates: August 16–18, 2026Location: Becht Acres in Dennison, MinnesotaInvestment: $899, with payment options availableRegistration: http://floralceo.com/workshopRegistration will close approximately one week before the retreat so final catering and event details can be confirmed.

Oliver is joined by Shane Fitzgerald, Florist from Mayo; Stephen Grealis, Midwest Radio; and Maurice Brosnan, the Irish Examiner, to reflect on Mayo's win. Brenda Donohue reports live from Castlebar after Mayo's win against Kerry.

In this episode, Jen shares the hard-earned lessons she has learned over the years about working with freelancers — how to build better working relationships, what red flags to stop ignoring, and how to protect both your peace and your business. She talks candidly about wanting freelancers to feel valued, have fun, learn, and grow, while also realizing that too much blurred energy can become detrimental to the business.Jen walks through the patterns she has seen over time: unreliable communication, unclear expectations, blurred personal boundaries, talent without reliability, energy that shifts the whole tone of the studio, and the reality that not every freelancer is the right fit for every business. She explains why initial interactions matter, why common sense is not universal, why examples and SOPs can be game changers, and why treating every freelancer like family can backfire.This episode is not about becoming cold or harsh. It is about becoming clearer. Jen shares how to create a healthier freelancer culture where expectations are understood, honesty is encouraged, fit matters, and both sides feel valued.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why initial interactions tell you a lotWhy freelancers are not familyWhy you are running a business, not a sororityWhy not everyone will care about your business like you doWhy expectations need to be painfully clearWhy photos, samples, mockups, and SOPs are so helpfulWhy common sense is not commonWhy time expectations need to be spelled outWhy reliability matters more than raw talentWhy your energy sets the tone but cannot fix everythingWhy some people are simply not the right fit, and that is okayKey takeawayYou can care deeply about people and still run your business clearly.The healthiest freelancer relationships come from honesty, boundaries, clear expectations, and recognizing that not every talented person is the right fit for your studio.

In this episode, Jen talks about one of the biggest shifts that changed her business: stopping the side-hustle energy, stepping out of overwhelmed employee mode, and fully embodying the CEO identity. She shares how so many business owners say they want more money, better clients, stronger boundaries, and less chaos — but they are still operating with the same habits, same mindset, and same self-concept that kept them stuck in the first place.Jen explains why identity always shows up in business. How you see yourself affects what you charge, what you tolerate, how you follow up, how you handle conflict, and how confidently you show up online and in your process. If you still identify as the people pleaser, the overworker, the unsure beginner, or the scared small business owner, that version of you will keep showing up everywhere.This episode is all about the shift from employee to CEO — from reacting to leading, from hoping to deciding, from external validation to internal certainty. Jen also talks about why the next-level version of you probably does less, not more, and why identity is built through repeated proof: one confident response, one boundary, one brave post, one better decision at a time.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why acting like your business is a side hustle keeps you stuckHow identity shows up in every part of your businessThe difference between employee energy and CEO energyWhy your next-level business requires a next-level version of youWhy stronger boundaries, clearer offers, and more intention matterWhy you do not need outside validation to feel successfulHow to stop romanticizing the old version of yourselfWhy asking “who do I need to become?” is more powerful than asking “what should I do?”How repeated actions build a new identity over timeHow the Floral CEO Mastermind helps florists become the next-level CEO in their businessKey takeawayYou cannot build a next-level business with old-level habits.The identity shift that changes everything is when you stop acting like the overwhelmed employee in your business and start acting like the intentional CEO.Mentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO Mastermindhttp://floralceo.com/mastermind

In this episode of The Florist's Table: Beautiful People, Val McNichols sits down with Roberta Staggs, founder and lead designer of Hiawathia Floral Design Co. in Indianapolis — known for her modern, editorial-style floral work and fearless use of color. Roberta shares the story of her grandmother, whose weekly sunflower deliveries first showed her how healing flowers can be, and how a single floral workshop pulled her out of a medical career and into a creative one. She opens up about training under a strict European instructor (no foam allowed — the start of her eco-sustainable practice), her storytelling approach to Art in Bloom exhibitions, and her signature series, Fashion Meets Floristry. They also talk representation in the floral industry, why knowing your "why" matters more than any trend, and Roberta's mission to make beautiful flowers something for everyone, every day — not just weddings and funerals. It's a conversation about color, purpose, and showing up boldly in every space you enter. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/beautiful-people-roberta-staggs

5 Things to Focus on to Drive Revenue in Your BusinessIn this episode, Jen breaks down five of the most important things florists should focus on if they want to drive more revenue without feeling strung out, reactive, or constantly overwhelmed. She shares why revenue does not come from doing everything. It comes from focusing on the right things with intention.Jen talks about how easy it is to get distracted by shiny objects, random advice, and the feeling that you should be doing everything all at once. But if your business feels chaotic and your revenue is not where you want it to be, it may be time to simplify and look at the core drivers that actually make a difference.The five areas she focuses on are: better leads, stronger conversion, better pricing, bigger project scope, and systems that protect your time. She explains how better-fit leads make revenue easier, why conversion matters just as much as visibility, how pricing needs to support the business you want, why helping clients think bigger can dramatically grow bookings, and how systems reduce wasted time and protect your energy.She also reminds florists that mindset matters. If you do not believe you deserve to make money, it becomes much harder to build a business that actually does. Revenue is not just tactical. It is also tied to what you believe is possible for you.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why audience and visibility matter if you want more revenueHow better leads help you spend time on the right clientsWhy stronger conversion is one of the fastest ways to drive revenueHow confidence and consultation skills impact booking ratesWhy better pricing matters more than just booking more weddingsHow raising minimums and protecting profit can change your businessWhy helping clients think bigger can grow project scope fastHow upselling design ideas can increase revenueWhy systems protect your time and reduce wasted effortHow brochures, pricing transparency, and templates can improve lead qualityWhy your money mindset may be affecting revenue more than you realizeHow the Floral CEO Mastermind helps florists grow with better systems and strategyKey takeawayRevenue grows when your business gets sharper.Sharper leads.Sharper pricing.Sharper process.Sharper offers.Sharper beliefs about what you deserve.Mentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO Mastermindjeni@floralceo.comInstagram DM: @‌thefloralceo

Quick question—how much time do you really spend working ON your business (not just IN it, arranging flowers, answering emails, running errands, etc.)? Be honest! If you're like most florists, there's a good chance you look up and it's a new month, but you're stuck with the same old problems: Money stress. Overbooking. Saying yes when you want to scream no. Chaotic processes that make you want to facepalm.Let's be real: It's easy to get stuck in the hustle, reliving the same frustrating moments on a loop. Total “Truman Show” vibes, right? 02:00Here's the game-changer—have you tried a CEO Day? No, you don't need to book a fancy hotel or a spa day (unless you want to, then yes, please!). Just a solid 2-3 hours where you take a step back, get brutally honest, and look under the hood of your business. Ask yourself:What worked? What flopped?What drained me? What filled my cup?Where am I underpricing or overbooking?What's making me want to pull my hair out… and how can I FIX IT for good? 04:04This is your time to lead instead of react. Look at your revenue, leads, closing rate, and what content actually works. Pick one broken process and fix it. Set just ONE to THREE priorities for the month instead of letting the chaos rule. 06:06 This kind of clarity brings a peace you might not have felt in ages, and best of all—it actually helps you break out of the cycle of “next month will magically be better.” Spoiler: Not without some intention behind it! 07:42In the Floral CEO Mastermind this month, we're digging into all things CEO day—systems, habits, AND what actually moves the business forward, so you're not stuck in “employee” mode 24/7. Swing by floralceo.com/mastermind if you're curious or ready for a real shift!Here's to fresh starts and real leadership (even if it's just two hours at your kitchen table in fuzzy slippers). You've got this!

Have you ever set an ambitious goal, felt completely motivated, and then found yourself overwhelmed or discouraged just a few weeks later?You're not alone—and the problem probably isn't your motivation.In this episode of The Floral CEO Podcast, we're talking about one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when setting goals: focusing only on the outcome instead of the actions that create the outcome.Whether your goal is reaching six figures, booking more weddings, growing your flower farm, improving your marketing, or simply creating a healthier work-life balance, success comes from building systems and habits that consistently move you forward.Instead of chasing one big number, I'll show you how to reverse engineer your goals, monitor the behaviors that actually matter, and build a CEO operating system that keeps you focused—even when life gets busy.In This Episode You'll Learn:Why outcome-based goals often leave you feeling discouragedHow to reverse engineer your revenue goals into measurable actionsThe difference between tracking results versus tracking behaviorsWhy having too many goals actually slows your progressHow to create weekly, monthly, and quarterly CEO check-insWhy your goals need to match your current season of life and available capacityHow to stop making emotional business decisions and start using dataThe importance of building consistency instead of relying on motivationHow accountability creates long-term successA Real-World ExampleWant to book $100,000 in weddings?Instead of simply writing down "$100K" on a vision board, break it into manageable pieces:What's your average wedding value?How many weddings do you need?What's your average consultation-to-booking conversion rate?How many inquiries and consultations do you need each month?What marketing activities consistently generate those inquiries?When you know the answers to those questions, you stop hoping your business grows—and start creating a plan that makes growth predictable.CEO Reflection QuestionsAs you finish today's episode, ask yourself:Am I measuring outcomes or behaviors?What daily or weekly actions actually move my business forward?Am I trying to accomplish too many goals at once?Do my goals align with the season of life I'm currently in?When is the last time I intentionally reviewed my business performance?Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn't setting a bigger goal—it's building a better system.Mentioned in This Episode

For the very first episode of Thorns & All, Abby Chick sits down with two people who changed the trajectory of her own business: Natalie Gill and Meg Blancato, co-owners of Native Poppy in San Diego. What started as one storefront (and a cold-call email that read "I don't have a lot of experience, but I'm a joy to be around") has grown into a floral powerhouse — retail shops, large-scale weddings, e-courses, a micro flower farm, a book on the way, and four locations by spring 2027. Abby, Natalie, and Meg dig into the real mechanics of a business partnership: how Meg went from brand-new employee to co-owner, why making it legal matters, how they divide and conquer a 20+ person team, and what it took to survive two floods, a car through the storefront, and a pandemic — together. Plus, their honest advice for any florist considering bringing on a partner. New episodes of Thorns & All, a Florist's Table series hosted by Abby Chick, are available wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Jen breaks down exactly how she gets wedding leads off third-party platforms like Zola, WeddingWire, The Knot, Instagram DMs, and other places where couples often reach out with very little commitment.If you have ever felt frustrated by doing a lot of work for leads who are hiding behind a platform, ghosting you, or asking for too much without giving much back, this episode is for you. Jen shares the process she uses to create a stronger equal energy exchange, protect her time, and move people into her own ecosystem where she can communicate more clearly and convert better leads.Instead of spending time going back and forth inside third-party platforms, Jen explains how she quickly acknowledges the inquiry, finds a point of common ground, and invites the couple to email her directly so she can send her brochure, service offerings, and starting pricing. From there, she uses intentional questions to gauge whether the person is serious, aligned, and willing to engage in a mutual exchange of energy.This episode is a powerful reminder that you do not need to overwork for every lead. You need a process that protects your peace, builds trust, and helps the right clients move closer.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why third-party sites can feel frustrating and unproductiveHow this connects to the idea of equal energy exchangeWhy she avoids long back-and-forth conversations inside third-party platformsHow she uses common ground to start building connectionThe exact way she invites clients into her email processWhy her brochure and starting pricing help qualify leads fasterThe questions she asks to test whether a lead is seriousHow she decides when someone is ready for a consultationWhy she still believes in consultations and custom estimatesHow she uses her process to show value, creativity, and serviceWhy protecting your time and energy is part of running a better businessKey takeawayYou do not need to chase people around on third-party platforms.You need a process that moves them into your world, builds trust, creates an equal energy exchange, and helps you spend your time on the leads that are actually worth it.

In this episode, Jen shares five of the biggest business hacks that have helped her create more clarity, momentum, and growth in her floral business — without adding more chaos. If you have been feeling stuck, distracted by shiny objects, or unsure where to spend your time, this episode is all about the habits and systems that actually move the needle.Jen talks about why the best business growth strategies are not always flashy. Sometimes they are simple, repeatable things that make your business feel easier to run and help you work with more intention. From her Sunday reset and monthly CEO Day to pricing transparency, styled shoots, open houses, and mentoring, she breaks down the tools that have helped her grow with more focus and less overwhelm.She explains how a weekly reset helps her reduce stress before Monday, why a CEO Day helps business owners stop living in reaction mode, how pricing transparency filters out bad-fit inquiries, why styled shoots and open houses can strengthen your portfolio and visibility, and how mentoring can speed up your growth by helping you stop trying to DIY every answer.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why a Sunday reset is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and create momentumHow to use a Sunday reset to get proactive instead of reactiveWhy every florist should have a monthly CEO DayWhat to review during a CEO Day, including numbers, leads, systems, and goalsWhy pricing transparency can save time and qualify leads fasterHow pricing transparency helps reduce bad-fit inquiriesWhy styled shoots and open houses can elevate your portfolio and increase visibilityHow to create the kind of work you want to attractWhy mentoring and coaching can accelerate growth and reduce blind spotsHow investing in support can help you grow faster and make better decisionsWhy the Floral Rockstar Retreat and Floral CEO Mastermind can help florists implement these strategies in real lifeKey takeawayThe best business hacks are often the ones that create clarity, reduce overwhelm, and make your business easier to run. Small systems, intentional visibility, honest pricing, and the right support can completely change the trajectory of your floral business.Mentioned in this episodeFloral Rockstar Retreathttp://floralceo.com/workshopThe Floral CEO Mastermindhttp://floralceo.com/mastermind

In this episode, Jen talks about what to do when every task in your business feels huge and overwhelming. Instead of focusing on giant moves, she shares 10 small, actionable things you can do to create momentum in your wedding floral business. These are practical steps that help you stay visible, build relationships, strengthen referrals, and keep moving forward without feeling like you need to climb a mountain every day.Some of these ideas are things Jen has used for years, and others are newer habits that have worked really well for her in growing connections and visibility. The point of the episode is simple: small actions done consistently can lead to big momentum over time.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why reviewing other vendors can help build stronger relationshipsWhy posting a photo dump of recent work or accomplishments on personal social media mattersHow commenting on other vendors' posts helps keep you visibleWhy tagging vendors and venues in your work can increase exposureHow “engagement ring radar” can open conversations in everyday lifeWhy joining bride Facebook groups can help you connect with potential clientsThe importance of following up with past inquiriesWhy updating one thing on your website matters more than waiting to redo everythingHow posting yourself talking on stories builds trust fasterWhy reaching out to one planner or venue each week can create long-term referral opportunitiesKey takeawayYou do not need giant moves to grow your floral business. Small, thoughtful, consistent actions can build real momentum — and often faster than you think.Mentioned in this episodeInstagram: @‌thefloralceo

00:00 Getting honest feedback for growth 05:43 Improving floral portfolio focus09:27 Building trust and positioning expertise12:31 Improving brand perception15:56 Building Confidence for Business Success18:20 Different service tiers and pricing22:31 Boosting Bookings through Brand Confidence25:48 Success stories from the Mastermind Ready to join the mastermind? http://floralceo.com/mastermind

After 30 years designing weddings and events, Susan Davis knows the reality: florists need to show clients their vision before they build it, communicate clearly with their team, and execute flawlessly, all while maintaining creative control. That's why she created BloomVision, a tool built specifically for the way florists actually work. With professional templates, a curated flower library, and automatic stem counts and build sheets, BloomVision takes designers from concept to installation with confidence. In this episode, host Yvonne Ashton talks with Susan about her journey from set design to event florals, the problem that inspired BloomVision, and how the tool is changing the way florists design, present, and build their work. Whether you're curious about the future of floral design technology or ready to streamline your workflow, this conversation is for you. Pull up a chair at The Florist's Table. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast:  https://www.mayesh.com/blog/susan-davis-bloomvision-for-florists 

In this episode, Jen shares all the details about the final workshop of the year: Floral Rockstar Retreat, happening August 16–18 on her family farm in Dennison, Minnesota. This is not just a floral workshop — it is a restorative, portfolio-building, creativity-fueling experience designed to help florists slow down, connect, create, and walk away with an upgraded body of work they can actually use.After seeing how attendees used the images from previous workshops, Jen completely rethought and upgraded this experience. That means more intentional styling, more sets, more content, and more opportunities to leave with portfolio images that feel scroll-stopping and brand elevating.The retreat begins Sunday evening with a welcome gathering on the farm featuring charcuterie, a custom cowboy hat bar, and s'mores if the weather cooperates. Monday includes a restorative yoga session, a beautifully styled Strawberry Fields-inspired lunch, hands-on floral design time building out the next day's styled shoot, and a girls' night out at a local restaurant.The styled shoot itself is farm-to-table inspired, with a basket-filled ceremony installation, a richly layered green velvet head table, fruits and vegetables woven into the design, and miniature donkeys and cows incorporated into the imagery. Jen also shares that the vendor team is incredible, including Rachel L Photography, Grace Myler Media / The Wedding Edit for behind-the-scenes content, and Tim Thornburg Films.This retreat is meant to feel peaceful, fun, and creatively energizing. It is also designed with florists' schedules in mind, running Sunday through Tuesday so attendees can still work around weekend weddings.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why she upgraded the retreat experienceHow the retreat is designed to build a stronger portfolioWhat the Sunday welcome night includesThe restorative yoga and Strawberry Fields lunch experienceThe farm-to-table styled shoot conceptWhat florists will create and photographThe vendor team behind the retreatWhy the farm setting makes this experience so specialTravel logistics and why it is easy to attend even with weddings nearbyKey takeawayFloral Rockstar Retreat is more than a workshop. It is a chance to recharge, connect with other florists, build an elevated portfolio, and experience creativity in a way that feels fun, inspiring, and restorative.Learn moreVisit http://floralceo.com/workshop for retreat details.

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Fresh Bunch, longtime BFF of the show, Ogbanna "The Hip Hop Florist" Coates, joins us for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, culture, flowers, and community.Ogbanna shares his journey from working in mass-market during COVID to recognizing the power and necessity of flowers in people's lives. Fueled by creativity, music, and a vision of Hippy Psychedelic Roses, he has built a unique path in the floral industry. We also celebrate an exciting new chapter as he opens his creative shared workspace, today on Juneteenth.We discuss the influence of music on his entrepreneurial journey, creating opportunities for others, and why flowers truly are for everybody. Ogbanna also shares his Father's Day flower pick fit for a king—the mighty King Protea.Plus, in a fun twist, Ogbanna turns the microphone around and interviews us for a change! Joining the conversation is our very own Rose Expert, Celine, while Mimi even breaks into song along the way.As we celebrate Juneteenth, we reflect on its history and the power it holds to bring people together through understanding, culture, and community. And of course, it wouldn't be a Fresh Bunch episode without a little food talk.Don't miss this heartfelt, uplifting, and entertaining conversation with our dear friend, Ogbanna Coates.

In this episode, Jen shares some of the biggest lessons she has learned after years of working as a florist and doing a high volume of weddings. These are the things she used to do because she thought they made her a better florist, a nicer person, more accommodating, or more bookable — but in reality, many of them were costing her money, peace, creativity, and joy.This episode is all about boundaries, discernment, and learning to run your floral business in a way that actually feels good and makes sense. From last-minute emergencies and undercharging, to promising specific blooms and saying yes to the wrong inquiries, Jen walks through the things she no longer does — and why florists should think about letting go of them too.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why other people's emergencies are not automatically your emergencyWhy she no longer takes labor-intensive work below her minimumWhy undercharging to get the job is no longer an optionWhy she no longer takes on super rustic barn weddings that do not align with her brandWhy florists should speak up when they know something is a bad ideaWhy she no longer promises specific bloomsWhy exact delivery timeframes can create unnecessary stressWhy she no longer says yes to every inquiryWhy she no longer does things just because “that's how florists do it”Why she stopped over-explaining her pricingWhy she no longer takes on work that feels miserable or inauthenticWhy client indecision is not her problemWhy she no longer compares her business to other floristsWhy she does not do jobs for “exposure”Why listening to her body matters more than everKey takeawayBoundaries do not make you a worse florist. They make you a wiser one.A lot of the things Jen stopped doing were not helping her become more successful — they were draining her. This episode is a reminder that you are allowed to protect your peace, your profit, your creativity, and your body as you build your business.Mentioned in this episodeInstagram: @‌thefloralceo

Episode 338: Most florists have seen the AFE logo, but many don't realize just how much the American Floral Endowment impacts their business every day.In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with Debi Chedester, Executive Director of the American Floral Endowment, to uncover the research, scholarships, internships, grants, and industry initiatives happening behind the scenes that help florists succeed.Debi shares her unique journey into the floral industry, what surprised her most about the people who make it special, and how AFE has spent 65 years investing in the future of flowers. From flower quality and consumer research to sustainability, travel grants, and recruiting the next generation of industry professionals, this conversation highlights why AFE matters to every florist, whether you realize it or not.In this episode you'll learn:What the American Floral Endowment actually doesHow AFE research improves flower quality from seed to consumerFree resources available to florists right nowTravel grant opportunities for industry eventsThe growing importance of sustainability and SustainabloomWhy consumer and Gen Z research matters more than everHow AFE is preparing the industry for the next 5–10 yearsWays florists can support and get involved with AFEWhether you're a retailer, wholesaler, grower, designer, or simply passionate about the floral industry, this episode offers a fascinating look at the organization quietly working behind the scenes to help flowers - and florists - thrive.Because when we invest in the industry together, everyone blooms. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

In this episode, Jen talks about something every florist and creative business owner faces at some point: how hard it can be to access creativity when life feels loud, heavy, overstimulating, and exhausting. Between loss, motherhood, summer schedules, consultations, weddings, and the everyday chaos of life, it can feel like creativity gets buried under stress.But Jen shares an important reminder: chaos does not mean you lost your talent. It does not mean something is wrong with you. It may simply mean your nervous system is overloaded, your energy is depleted, and your creativity needs a softer, more intentional way back in.This episode is all about how to reconnect with your creative self when life feels hard — not by forcing brilliance, but by creating space, lowering the pressure, using supportive inspiration, and giving yourself more grace.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why chaotic seasons can make creativity feel far awayHow stress, grief, motherhood, and exhaustion impact your ability to createWhy creativity needs spaceWhy waiting for the “perfect mood” is not realisticHow to lower the pressure on your creative processWhy you do not need genius — you need momentumHow to use inspiration banks like Instagram folders, Pinterest boards, linens, venues, textures, and flowers to spark ideasWhy outside input can support your creativity when your brain feels tiredHow constraints can actually make creating easierWhy protecting tiny pockets of quiet and mental space mattersHow your body, energy, rest, and nervous system affect your creativityWhy chaos does not mean you are brokenHow creativity can become healing instead of another demandKey takeawayYou did not lose your creativity.When life feels chaotic, your creativity may simply need more space, more softness, and less pressure. You do not need to be brilliant on demand — you just need little moments of movement, beauty, and reconnection.Why this episode mattersIf you are a florist, designer, creative business owner, or mom in a hard or heavy season, this episode is a reminder that your gift is still there. You may just need a gentler path back to it.

  In this episode of Beautiful People at the Florist's Table, Val McNichols sits down with Pennylyn Woosley, founder of Blossom and Bee Floral in New Jersey. Pennylyn shares how growing up in her family's garden center shaped her path — even as she tried to escape it — and how a degree in business and finance ultimately became one of her greatest assets as a floral designer. She opens up about the rare intersection of creativity and financial literacy, and why she's passionate about helping other florists understand the business behind the blooms. They also dig into her work with the AIFD design team, taking gold at the Philadelphia Flower Show, and what it takes to push creative boundaries on one of the industry's biggest stages. It's a conversation about passion, perseverance, and building a floral career that's as smart as it is beautiful. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/beautiful-people-pennylyn-woosley

In this special interview episode, Jen sits down with Carol from Blissful Bloom Studio, one of her favorite flower friends inside the Floral CEO Mastermind. Carol shares the story of how she went from working in the floral industry for 35 years — including years in a demanding corporate floral job — to finally stepping out and building a business of her own.This conversation is for any florist who feels stuck, overwhelmed, scared to make a big move, or like it might be “too late” to change their life or business. Carol opens up about what pushed her to start something for herself, how she found support and confidence through workshops and the Mastermind, and how she recently left her job and already has 19 weddings booked this year — after setting a goal of just 20 for the entire year.Jen and Carol talk honestly about:what it felt like to work harder with less support after Covidwhy Carol knew something had to changehow attending a workshop lit a spark in herwhat it was like joining the Floral CEO Mastermindhow support, systems, and getting uncomfortable helped her growwhy being authentic in your communication matters so muchhow Zola became a lead source for her businesswhat finally pushed her to leave her corporate floral jobwhy it is not too late to build something newhow much lighter and happier she feels now that she bet on herselfWhy this episode mattersCarol's story is such a reminder that:it is not too late to startyou do not have to stay where you are stuckthe right support can change everythingand building your own business can create more freedom, confidence, and joy than you ever imaginedConnect with CarolInstagram: @‌blissfulbloomstudioWebsite: blissfulbloomstudio.comMentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO Mastermindhttp://floralceo.com/mastermind

3 Things You Need to Know Before Starting a Floral BusinessIf you have been dreaming about starting a floral business—or you have already started and feel like you are not getting the momentum you want—this episode is for you. Jen breaks down three foundational truths every florist needs to understand before building a business around flowers.Because the truth is, loving flowers is not enough.You can love flowers deeply and still struggle if you do not understand how to run a business, price profitably, communicate clearly, and build something that actually supports your life. In this episode, Jen walks through three critical things she wishes every florist knew from the beginning.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why loving flowers is not enough to make a floral business successfulThe difference between making beautiful flowers and making moneyWhy florists need to understand pricing, sales, systems, boundaries, and client communicationWhy knowing your numbers early is foundationalThe importance of markup, labor, delivery, setup fees, overhead, and profitWhy undercharging becomes a dangerous habit if you start thereWhy profit is not a dirty wordHow to think about business expenses before you get too deepWhy you need to decide what kind of floral business you actually wantThe problem with saying yes to everythingHow building a business that does not fit you can lead to burnout fastKey takeawayA successful floral business is not just built on beautiful work. It is built on clarity, strategy, numbers, and deciding what kind of business you actually want to run.If this episode resonatesJen reminds listeners that there is an entire library of free podcast episodes to help florists grow, and reviews on the podcast mean so much.

Send us Fan MailSeattle-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Robert Deeble joins Al to get him acquainted with Florist's 2022 self-titled album. Robert talks about how he got introduced to the album and why he connected with it almost immediately. He also discusses the parallels between the album and some of his own music. Al notes some connections between Florist and Robert's latest album The Space Between Us, and Robert talks about inspirations and meanings of two of the album's tracks, “Forest From the Tree” and “Not on Your Team.”As Robert mentioned, you can check out his music and learn more about his work on his website, robertdeeble.com, and on his Bandcamp page, robertdeeble.bandcamp.com. You can also follow Robert on Instagram at @rdeeble.Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.Al has put a pause on publishing new Bonus Tracks episodes, but you can listen to the past ones at the You, Me and An Album Patreon for $1/month. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/youmealbum.1:32 Robert's introduction2:16 Florist are nearly as new to Robert as they are to Al4:59 Robert talks about some of the artists who have been influential to his music7:07 Robert revisits his first impressions of the album10:12 Robert shares his appreciation for music appreciators11:51 Al found the album's pacing and sequencing interesting15:35 Robert talks about connections he's discovered between his album's and Florist's20:38 One similarity between Robert's music and Florist's was particularly notable26:34 Robert explains what he likes about Florist's sound and approach29:05 Robert talks about Emily Sprague as a lyricist31:15 Robert and Al discuss the healing quality of Florist36:39 Robert talks about the album's dreamlike quality38:06 Al picks out the one track that stood out for him40:00 Robert makes note of Sprague's affinity for synths43:12 Robert and Al sum up their reactions to Florist44:15 Robert talks about the origins of his song “Forest From the Tree”47:42 Robert reveals the conceptual layers of “Not on Your Team”57:50 Robert talks about his upcoming plansOutro music is from “Orphan Song” by Robert Deeble.Support the show

If you have ever looked at your to-do list and thought, I am doing so much… but am I actually doing the right things? — this episode is for you.In this minisode, Jen breaks down one of the biggest struggles florists and creative business owners face: figuring out where to spend their time for the greatest impact. Because the truth is, not everything in your business deserves your time equally. Some tasks feel productive because you are checking a box, but they are not actually creating traction, momentum, or revenue.Jen talks about how many florists get pulled into low-value admin work, overcomplicating tiny details, reacting too fast, doing things themselves that someone else could do, and spending time in ways that make them feel busy—but not effective. This episode is a reminder that if you want to grow your floral business, you need sharper priorities, not just more hours in the day.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why being busy does not automatically mean you are being effectiveHow to identify revenue-producing activities in your floral businessWhy consultations, proposals, follow-ups, content, and networking deserve more of your timeThe problem with spending CEO time on entry-level tasksHow a “full spaghetti plate” keeps you from creating growthWhy you need space in your schedule to be visionary, strategic, and proactiveHow to spend more time on what only you can doWhy templates, systems, SOPs, and better workflows matterHow to prioritize the highest-return activities in your businessThe difference between urgent tasks and important tasksWhy peace is a productive use of your timeHow to think differently if you are in a growth season versus a scaling seasonKey takeawayYou do not need more time. You need sharper priorities.When you stop spending your time reacting, overcomplicating, and doing everything yourself, you make space for the work that actually grows your business—more visibility, better systems, stronger offers, more profit, and a lot more peace.Mentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO Mastermindhttp://floralceo.com/mastermind

Pille-Riin Tilk is the founder and lead florist of Belfield Blooms, an award-winning Sydney florist known for its modern, natural floral designs and premium wedding and event arrangements. Originally from Estonia, she brings European floristry experience and combines it with Australian influences to create seasonal, high-end floral work. Under her leadership, Belfield Blooms has built a strong reputation for quality, creativity, and beautifully curated blooms for events and everyday occasions.Visit their Website to Learn More!https://belfieldblooms.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/belfieldbloomsCHAPTERS:0:00 – Introduction1:17 – Meet Pille-Riin1:57 – Why Pille-Riin Opened Belfield Blooms2:53 – Becoming a Florist at 18 Years Old3:35 – Pille-Riin Shares How She Knew She Wanted to Become a Florist4:04 – Starting Her Floristry Career in Australia4:28 – Pille-Riin Talks About the Flower Cool Room & Keeping Flowers Fresh5:20 – How Florists Buy Flowers at Flemington Markets6:11 – Pille-Riin Shares What It's Like Waking Up Early to Handpick the Best Flowers6:30 – Australian-Grown vs. Imported Flowers7:59 – Do Florists Compete With Each Other?8:44 – How to Properly Gift a Single Rose9:11 – Designing Andy's Sister's Graduation Bouquet9:41 – Pille-Riin Talks About How Every Florist Has Their Own “Style”10:38 – Breaking Down Where Different Flowers Come From11:25 – Seasonal Flowers & Winter Flower Imports12:23 – Why Flowers Can't Be Frozen Like Vegetables13:14 – Pille-Riin Talks About the Short Shelf Life of Flowers13:38 – European Floristry vs. Australian Floristry15:07 – Can You Recognize a Florist by Their Bouquet Style?15:52 – How Celebrity Weddings Like Logan Paul's Spend Hundreds of Thousands on Flowers17:46 – What Happens to Flowers After Expensive Weddings18:27 – Pille-Riin Talks About the Events Their Flower Shop Handles18:49 – Why Some Flowers Cost $70 Per Stem20:16 – Pille-Riin Talks About What Running a Flower Shop Is Really Like21:34 – Growing Belfield Blooms Through Word of Mouth & Social Media22:04 – The Strategy Behind Building Andy's Sister's Bouquet22:33 – Why Arranging Flowers Is Harder Than It Looks23:48 – Why Bouquets Are So Expensive24:46 – Flower Prices Have Tripled Over the Last Decade25:51 – Pille-Riin Talks About Weddings, Funerals & Meaningful Flower Arrangements26:41 – What Valentine's Day Is Really Like for Florists30:45 – The Graduation Bouquet Reveal31:14 – Can Regular People Buy Flowers From the Flower Market?32:13 – Life With a Husband Who Works Overnight in Produce Markets33:36 – Pille-Riin Talks About the Stress of Running a Florist Business34:39 – Pille-Riin Talks About How She Stays Sane While Managing a Small Business35:32 – Closing the Store for 3 Weeks During the Holidays36:22 – The Importance of Loyal, Regular Customers37:25 – Learning Bouquet Wrapping Through Experience & Social Media38:00 – What Makes Someone a Great Florist38:40 – Finishing Andy's Sister's Bouquet39:51 – Pille-Riin's Favorite Part of Being a Florist40:29 – Pille-Riin Talks About the Behind-the-Scenes of Wedding Flower Setups41:23 – The Final Reveal of Andy's Sister's Graduation Bouquet41:58 – Andy Reflects on the Hidden Challenges of Floristry43:36 – Connect With Pille-Riin From Belfield Blooms44:35 – New Habits Helping Pille-Riin Run Her Business Better45:12 – Pille-Riin's Goals & Focus for the Next 6 Months45:44 – How to Safely Transport a Giant Bouquet in the Car46:26 – Outro

In this minisode, Jen talks about the very real shift that happens when school gets out, summer begins, and suddenly motherhood, wedding season, and business all collide at once. As a mom with kids home for summer and a floral business to run, Jen shares how she is approaching this season differently—and why summer does not have to feel like survival mode.This episode is all about creating more peace, more structure, more support, and more intention so that summer can feel less like chaos and more like something you can actually enjoy. Jen shares practical strategies for florist moms who want to stop just getting through summer and start creating a version of it that feels calmer, simpler, and more aligned.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why summer asks more of you as a mom and as a business ownerWhy summer may need a completely different operating system than springWhat success could look like in this seasonHow structure and family rhythms create more peaceWhy it is okay to lower your standards on things that do not matterThe importance of asking for and accepting more supportHow to protect your energy before you are completely friedWhy feeling stretched does not mean you are failingHow to be more intentional about joy during summerWhy thriving often comes from subtraction, not additionKey takeawaySummer does not have to feel like drowning. You can build more support, more structure, and more peace into this season—and create a summer that feels better for you, your family, and your business.

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The cover story of Slow Flowers Journal's spring issue – published in early May — features an editorial-style photoshoot of a wedding at the top of Catamount Mountain in New York's Berkshires. The florals for this beautiful production were designed by Rebekah Mindel of Meadow Wilds, today's guest – and if you haven't seen or […] The post Episode 770: Hudson Valley farmer-florist Rebekah Mindel of Meadow Wilds, on growing and designing weddings with a sense of season and place appeared first on Slow Flowers Podcast with Debra Prinzing.

In this episode, Jen sits down with Melanie and Michelle, the founders of Fleurspace, a brand new platform designed to help florists solve some very real problems in the floral industry — like finding temporary studio space, renting cooler space, hiring freelancers, finding setup crews, and getting support in new markets.If you have ever wondered how you would pull off a bigger wedding, work in another state, find freelance floral help, or rent studio space for a few days, this episode will introduce you to a tool that could make all of that easier. Melanie describes Fleurspace as “Airbnb for florists” — a place where florists can list studio space, workshop space, freelance services, and support roles, and where other florists can search for the help they need.Melanie shares her background as a florist with 22 years of experience, while Michelle talks about her entrepreneurial background and how the idea for Fleurspace came together. Together, they explain how the platform works, who it is for, and why they believe it can create more flexibility and opportunity in the floral world.In this episode, they cover:What Fleurspace is and how it worksWhy it is being called “Airbnb for florists”How florists can list studio space, workshop space, and cooler accessHow freelancers, drivers, setup crews, and strike crews can list their servicesHow florists can rent space or hire help as neededWhy this could be a game changer for destination work, larger events, or home-based studiosHow payments and bookings work through the platformWhy this could help florists take on bigger weddings with less panicHow Fleurspace is already growing beyond the United StatesWhy this matters for floristsThis episode is especially valuable for florists who:run a home-based studioneed temporary cooler spacewant to freelance moreneed setup or strike helpwant to expand into larger weddingsneed more flexibility without committing to permanent studio overheadwant to work in new markets or new statesKey takeawayYou do not always need to build everything from scratch in your business. Sometimes the right support, the right space, or the right freelancer can help you take on opportunities you otherwise would have passed up. Fleurspace is trying to make that support more accessible for florists.Connect with FleurspaceWebsite: http://fleur-space.comInstagram: @‌fleurspaceofficialEmail: hello@fleur-space.com

There is a lot of noise in the wedding industry right now.People are talking about slower wedding seasons, lower booking projections, market changes, and all the reasons to panic. And when that kind of energy is everywhere, it can be really easy to start spiraling and focusing on everything that feels uncertain.In this episode, Jen shares a powerful reminder: stop spending your energy on everything you cannot control and start focusing on what you can.Because while you may not be able to control the economy, industry projections, or what everyone else is doing, you can control how you show up in your business, how you price, how you market, how creative you are, and how intentional you are with your strategy.This episode is all about protecting your energy, staying present, and making sure your time is being spent in the places that will actually move your floral business forward.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why anxiety keeps pulling you into fear about the futureHow to stay focused on what is actually in your controlWhy showing up consistently in your business matters so muchHow pricing for profit can make a bigger impact than obsessing over revenueWhy you do not need to be the cheapest florist in town to winHow to attract your ideal client through strategy, creativity, and alignmentWhy chasing dollars without alignment can leave you stuckHow to create more impact by thinking outside the boxWhy your creativity and passion can help you stand out in your marketHow to make this year powerful, even if the industry feels uncertainKey takeawayIf the sky is falling, hold your own umbrella.Stop wasting time worrying about all the things you cannot fix, control, or predict. Focus on what you can do inside your own business to create momentum, attract the right people, and build something that feels profitable and aligned.Mentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO MastermindInstagram: @‌thefloralhustleEmail: jenny@thefloralhustle.com

Busy season does not have to mean losing yourself.In this episode, Jen shares practical strategies for staying grounded, protecting your peace, and leading your business well when life and work both feel full. After coming off a busy weekend with two weddings, family responsibilities, and everything else that comes with real life, she reflects on why she felt calm instead of cracked in half — and what has shifted in the way she approaches busy seasons now.This episode is for florists and creative business owners who are tired of feeling like stress, chaos, and burnout are just “part of the job.” Jen talks about how busy season does not create chaos — it reveals it — and how better boundaries, stronger systems, clearer priorities, and more intentional self-care can completely change how you experience your busiest times of year.In this episode, Jen talks about:Why busy season reveals the weak spots in your businessHow to protect your mornings and start your day with intentionThe difference between what feels urgent and what is actually urgentWhy you need boundaries before you are already drowningHow to stop saying yes to everything during busy seasonWhy your team needs clearer roles and expectationsThe importance of taking care of your body during high-stress seasonsHow to reduce decision fatigueWhy you do not need to absorb other people's chaosThe power of having a reset planWhy giving yourself permission to do less can actually help you do betterHow peace can become part of your business strategyKey takeawayPeace is not lazy. Peace is leadership.If you want to make it through busy season feeling more grounded, more prepared, and less reactive, this episode will help you rethink the way you approach your time, your energy, and your business.Mentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO Mastermindhttp://floralceo.com/mastermind

“Flowers are not a luxury” on the Daily Grind ☕️, your weekly goal-driven podcast. This episode features Kelly Johnson @kellyfastruns and special guest Michael Jacobson @frenchflorist, who is CEO of French Florist, one of the fastest-growing floral brands in the U.S., redefining what's possible in one of the world's oldest industries. He's built a high-performance franchise model that triples the revenue of traditional flower shops by fusing timeless artistry with modern technology and operational excellence. S9 Episode 16:  5/19/2026Featuring Kelly Johnson with Special Guest Michael JacobsonFollow Our Podcast:Instagram: @dailygrindpod https://www.instagram.com/dailygrindpod/  X: @dailygrindpod https://x.com/dailygrindpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dailygrindpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dailygrindpodPodcast Website: https://direct.me/dailygrindpod   Follow Our Special Guest:Website: https://www.frenchflorist.com/  Instagram: @frenchfloristTik Tok: @frenchfloristX: @FrenchFlorist

In this episode, Jen talks about something that can feel uncomfortable but can completely change your business: feedback. After receiving some difficult client feedback this week, Jen breaks down how she handled it, what she learned from it, and why feedback is one of the most important tools florists can use to improve their consultations, client communication, and overall wedding experience.If you are a florist, wedding vendor, or creative business owner, this episode will help you understand how to ask for feedback, how to sort useful feedback from emotional noise, and how to use both positive and negative feedback to strengthen your business instead of spiraling.In this episode, Jen covers:Why feedback is information, not a personal attackHow to ask for feedback after a client goes in a different directionWhat Jen learned from a difficult consultation and follow-up conversationWhy not all feedback is created equalHow to separate feedback from your identity as a business ownerWhy patterns in feedback matter more than one-off commentsHow to use client feedback to improve consultations, onboarding, communication, timelines, and systemsWhy positive feedback matters just as much as critical feedbackThe CEO mindset for handling feedback without drowning in itHow feedback can help you refine your brand, process, and client experienceWhat florists can learn from feedbackJen shares a real story from a recent inquiry where a bride felt like the consultation was not the right fit. Instead of reacting emotionally, Jen asked for feedback, reflected on what she could improve, and used that experience as an opportunity to refine the questions she asks during consultations. This episode is a powerful reminder that feedback can reveal growth opportunities — even when the person giving it is difficult.Key takeawayFeedback is not always fun, but it can be incredibly valuable. The most successful florists are not the ones who never receive hard feedback — they are the ones who know how to use it to improve their systems, communication, and client experience.If you are a florist struggling with:difficult client feedbackwedding consultation improvementproposal and onboarding communicationcreating a better client experienceconfidence in your floral business…this episode will help you think like a CEO and use feedback as a growth tool instead of making it mean something devastating about your worth.Mentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO Mastermindhttp://floralceo.com/mastermind

In this episode, Jen dives into one of the biggest things holding florists back: worry. From specific flower varieties not coming in, to imposter syndrome, to worrying about what other florists are doing, this episode is a reminder that so much of what drains your energy is not actually helping your business move forward.Jen shares 10 things she wants florists to stop worrying about, along with practical shifts to help you let go of what is slowing you down and focus more on what actually matters.In this episode:Why you should stop promising specific bloomsHow to handle people saying no to your businessWhy someone judging your business should not stop youHow to stop letting imposter syndrome run the showWhy flower shortages and delayed product do not need to own your brainHow comparing yourself to other florists wastes your energyWhy you are not “too much” for showing up onlineWhy trying to be for everyone waters your business downWhy nothing needs to be perfect the first timeWhy waiting until you “know more” is keeping you stuckKey takeawayWorry is not helping you book more, design better, or build the business you want. The more you let go of trying to control everything, please everyone, or be perfect before you begin, the more freedom you create for real growth.Mentioned in this episodeThe Floral CEO Mastermindhttp://floralceo.com/mastermind

Have you ever felt weird about following up with a bride or couple after sending your proposal? Have you worried that you were going to sound pushy, annoying, desperate, or just plain sleazy?In this episode, Jen breaks down 10 practical ways to follow up with a bride professionally, confidently, and effectively—without sounding like you are begging for the booking. Because follow-up is not about chasing people. It is about leading the process, giving direction, and helping couples know what to do next.If you are a florist, wedding vendor, or creative business owner who struggles with sales follow-up, proposal follow-up emails, or booking wedding clients, this episode will help you create a stronger follow-up process that feels natural and gets better results.In this episode, Jen covers:Why professional follow-up sounds different than insecure follow-upHow to set expectations from the beginning so follow-up feels normalWhy “just checking in” is not enoughHow to follow up with value instead of awkward energyWhy making the next step crystal clear mattersThe best follow-up cadence after sending a wedding proposalHow to use urgency without sounding pushyWhy emotional intelligence matters when following up with couplesThe mindset mistakes florists make when someone does not respond right awayHow confident wording changes your follow-up emailsWhen to stop following up and let the lead go gracefullyWhat you'll learn:If you have ever wondered how to follow up with a bride after sending a proposal, how often to follow up with a wedding inquiry, or how to write a follow-up email without sounding desperate, this episode gives you practical, real-world examples you can start using right away.Jen shares why follow-up should feel like leadership, not begging—and why your job as a business owner is to guide people through the process with confidence, not disappear after the proposal is sent.Key takeaway:Follow-up is not sleazy when it is clear, helpful, timely, and professional. The goal is not to pressure someone into booking. The goal is to make the decision process easier, calmer, and more obvious for them.Why this matters for florists and wedding pros:A strong follow-up process can help you:book more weddingsincrease proposal conversionsfeel more confident in salesstop overthinking ghostingcreate a more polished client experienceIf you are trying to improve your wedding sales process, proposal follow-up strategy, or how to book more wedding clients, this episode is a must-listen.Listen nowTune in to hear all 10 ways to follow up with a bride without feeling sleazy—and start using follow-up as a powerful part of your booking process.If you want, I can also turn this into a matching Instagram caption + carousel for the episode.

For episode 50, we're joined by Janne Ford — a floral designer and photographer based in North Yorkshire, UK. Her background is in fashion and textiles, and more than a decade in that industry gave her a deeply trained eye for colour, texture, and movement. That eye now turns entirely toward flowers.She grows what she photographs. She shoots only in natural light. The results are floral portraits that feel less like images and more like moments — intimate, seasonal, and full of quiet intention.Janne's move from fashion to floristry wasn't a departure — it was a deepening. The principles that shaped her textile work (how colour behaves, how texture creates mood, how movement draws the eye) translate directly into how she designs and photographs flowers. That compositional confidence is hard to pin down until you know where it comes from.Because Janne grows what she photographs, her work is genuinely tethered to the seasons — not styled to look that way, but rooted in the real, day-to-day changes of a living garden. Each image belongs to a specific time of year, a quality of light, a bloom at its exact peak. It's a patient practice, and the body of work it produces feels honest and alive in a way that's increasingly rare.Janne runs floral photography workshops from her garden studio in North Yorkshire and leads creative retreats in the UK and France. If you want to learn to see and capture botanical beauty with more intention, her website is the place to start. Until next time — peace, love and rebloom

Gabby Flower Delivery Truck bravely drives to a new part of Ahway Island to collect flowers for a very special bouquet! Hello everyone!  We hope you enjoyed our new stories this week. Now, welcome to Favorite Friday! Sometimes we like to listen to our favorites again. Please enjoy “Delivering Joy,” and we'll be back with a new story on Monday! Narrator: Female Story Begins: 3:23 Delivering Joy Excerpt: Gabby Delivery Truck had just started her morning with her driver, Jordan the Florist. Gabby loved delivering flowers! Everyone always had a big smile on their faces when Gabby and Jordan pulled up to their homes. Gabby loved making others happy – it was one of the reasons why she delivered flowers! Jordan would collect everyone's orders at the beginning of the week. Then, Jordan and Gabby would head to the Community Garden and other special areas on Ahway Island where flower picking was allowed. She loved to collect the perfect flowers for a bouquet. Today's Meditation: Love flows through you in this meditation as you imagine a baby fawn and mama deer. Looking for ways to help your child learn emotional regulation and how to self soothe? You’ll find them on Ahway Island®. Be Calm on Ahway Island® Podcast offers original bedtime stories, like “Happy Dragon,” paired with meditations for kids. We help them drift off to sleep with a guided relaxation and a calming story. Gently nestled within each podcast episode are mindfulness techniques and positive learning moments. You can search for stories by Learning Message, Character Type, or Narrator Type on our Episodes page. To learn more about our mission at Ahway Island and our team, please visit our About page, or check out our FAQs. Creating the original bedtime stories and art for Be Calm on Ahway Island takes a lot of time and care. As a listener-supported podcast, we truly appreciate our members on Patreon. If you’re not already a member, please consider joining! Writing, recording, editing, and publishing episodes and managing digital platforms is an enormous endeavor. Our Patreon program will help continue to grow Ahway Island and we hope you will support us! You can choose from 2 different Membership Levels, all of which include access to our Archives and an extra episode each week! Are you and your children enjoying our stories and self-soothing meditations? We hope your child loved “Delivering Joy.” We ask for your positive reviews to help others find us, too! Please leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast app (such as Apple Podcasts). And, please follow, like, and/or share our social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram ) to help us bring our original stories with positive messages to even more listeners! In the press: Digital Trends warns listeners that “you may not make it through an entire episode fully conscious.” Yay! We're honored that the website of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems includes us on their list of Technology to Boost Mental Health. Jooki recommends us as an outstanding podcast for preschoolers. We're reaching listeners internationally! Sassy Mama Hong Kong included us in their article on transitioning into the new year, Sassy Mama Singapore recommends us for limiting screen-time while sheltering at home, and Haven Magazine Australia included us in their tips for getting through the school holidays. Thank you to Anne Bensfield and Pamela Rogers of School Library Journal for listing us as one of “8 Podcasts To Encourage Mindfulness!” We hope your day is a beautiful as a blooming bouquet!