Podcasts about florist

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

Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, delves into the core principles of crop planning for flower farms. Emphasizing alignment rather than control, she discusses scheduling bloom times to match sales needs. Liz shares insights from her own experiences, explaining how she uses succession planting and planning tools to optimize planting schedules and fulfill her varied event commitments. While promoting her crop planning platform Farmers to Florist, she insists the principles can be applied manually with notebooks or spreadsheets. Liz underscores the importance of early planning to make informed decisions and maximize the use of crops during their harvest windows. The episode also highlights the upcoming Flower Farmer Forum conference and provides resources for further learning and support for rural entrepreneurs.00:00 Introduction to Crop Planning00:10 Welcome to Rooted Agritourism00:40 Understanding Crop Planning for Flower Farms01:50 The Importance of Crop Planning02:32 Real-Life Examples from My Farm04:02 Planning for Different Business Models05:27 Succession Planting and Season Extension09:11 Using Tools for Efficient Crop Planning13:10 Final Thoughts and Upcoming EventsPre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

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

Holly is part of the 4th generation ownership team of Kittelberger, Rochester's juggernaut brand for flowers & gifts. She shares with us the history of how this iconic brand came to be, what each generation brought along the way, what her day-to-day is like, and what is in store for the future.Mentioned in this episode:Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own BusinessCheck out Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/gettingrealwithbossy/Punches & PopcornThe masters of Couch Potato style Mike Huntone, Jason Bills, and Dr. Dominic D'Amore take a deep dive into the best and worst of martial arts films.Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

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

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

Redefining Success as a Florist In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 144), we're visiting with Evelyn Krebs, a Swiss florist, shop owner, and creative entrepreneur with nearly three decades of experience in the floral industry. As founder and owner of Stil & Stiele in Zurich, Switzerland, Evelyn shares what 25 years of shop ownership taught her about growth, courage, and building a business that actually supports your life. We talk about her unconventional path—from apprenticing in the late 1990s to owning a long-running flower shop in Zurich, launching a concept-driven retail store, and reimagining what a sustainable, values-aligned floral business can look like. This conversation explores courage, redefining success, and building a business that truly serves your life—not just industry expectations. Whether you're a florist questioning traditional shop hours, dreaming of a different retail model, or simply craving permission to do things your own way, this episode offers thoughtful perspective and real-world insight. Join us as we chat with Evelyn about: her journey into floristry and opening her first flower shop in Zurich using farmers markets as a high-end marketing and client acquisition tool balancing creative work, management, and personal health the impact of staffing, scale, and "growth at all costs" thinking why fewer employees can sometimes mean higher profit and less stress building a second, non-floral concept shop with higher margins and fewer demands flexible staffing models using shared calendars and trust-based systems selling emotion and experience rather than just products redefining success over a long career courage, boundaries, and opting out of the hamster wheel self-service flower shops and retail models in Switzerland Links mentioned in this episode: TimeTree App – Shared scheduling tool Poschtilädeli – Evelyn's second shop Connect with Stil und Stiele: Website Instagram Evelyn's second shop, Poschtilädeli This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust.  Click here to learn more.   You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill. This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.   

How Dems Rig the System. Chicago the Next Minneapolis? Non-binary is About Freedom. Trump Sics FBI on Wash Post. US Troops to Iran? RIP John Forte. Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff has an exclusive first media interview with Lindsay Church—Minority Veterans of America founder, disabled post‑9/11 veteran, queer non-binary parent, and now independent candidate for Congress in Illinois' 4th District. This all-new episode dives into what it means to take on ICE in Chicago, confront a rigged Democratic party primary, and run as an independent veteran in the middle of Trump's escalating war on democracy and the free press.​ Lindsay's campaign is already historic—as they'd be the first non-binary candidate on a federal ballot in American history.  From the streets of Berwyn and Cicero—where ICE raids have become an everyday terror—to the halls of Congress where Lindsay has already helped pass landmark reforms like the PACT Act and the Deborah Sampson Act, this is a raw, unfiltered conversation about power, courage, leadership and accountability. Paul and Lindsay break down the murder of Renee Good in Minneapolis from a combat veteran's perspective, the weaponization of ICE and PTSD, and how this shooting exposes the consequences when discipline and democracy break down.​ You'll hear why Lindsay believes the corrupt Democratic Party machine in IL‑04 “coronated” a successor behind closed doors, how an independent needs more than 10,000 signatures just to get on the ballot, and why they are running for office in the face of hate and danger—because people deserve a real choice in November and a representative who's earned their vote, not inherited it. The episode zooms out to Trump's broader authoritarian overreach—ICE raids, FBI raiding the home of a Washington Post journalist, threats to NATO, escalation toward Iran, Greenland and Venezuela—while Paul also honors the late musician John Forté, celebrates his wife's new independent film “The Florist,” and reminds listeners that from Tehran to Kyiv to Chicago's Southwest Side, hope and resistance are still alive. Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories--and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Watch/hear previous appearances on the show by Lindsay - Episode 324 and Episode 177. -Learn more about Lindsay's work at Minority Vets as well as their campaign for Congress here. -Support John Forté's family through GoFundMe here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Ways to listen: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts  Ways to listen: YouTube • Instagram  Social channels: X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Pull up a chair and join us for the very first episode of The Florist's Table. Host Yvonne Ashton welcomes three past Mayesh Design Stars to discuss Pantone's controversial 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer. When the announcement dropped, reactions ranged from disappointment to outright mockery (one designer called it "plain toast and deconstructed water"). But is white really that boring, or are we missing something important? Amy Balsters of The Floral Coach breaks down the color theory most of us overlook about white — the difference between warm and cool whites and why it matters in floral design. Jodi Duncan AIFD, creative studio owner and the voice behind that toast comment, shares her initial reaction and whether she's softened her stance. And Abby Chick of Abby Chick Flowers, who correctly predicted both this year's and last year's colors, explains what made her see it coming. We dig into the practical questions: Does Pantone really matter to working florists? How do you make white feel fresh and intentional? What flowers and textures showcase Cloud Dancer's warmth? And if these designers were choosing 2027's color, what would they select? This is The Florist's Table, where the community can gather to talk all things flowers - real conversations for florists who want honest perspectives, practical insights, and maybe a little spice. Featured Guests: Amy Balsters - The Floral Coach, Jodi Duncan AIFD - Creative studio owner Abby Chick - Abby Chick Flowers Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and pull up a chair for every episode. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/three-florists-debate-pantones-cloud-dancer 

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

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

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

Today's episode features a takeover of our popular weekly live Q&A session on Instagram, with featured guest Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers in Baltimore, MD. Ellen is a floral designer who creates exclusively with flowers and foliage purchased from local growers. She is also one of our course instructors here at The Gardener's Workshop. In this Q&A, Ellen highlights the need for understanding florists' requirements, offers flower recommendations, and addresses challenges in winter sourcing. She emphasizes visual marketing and the power of storytelling to connect with others in the flower industry.Mentions⁠⁠Ellen's newsletter signup⁠⁠⁠FlowerMore Community⁠Connect with Ellen: ⁠⁠⁠Ellen Frost Flowers (Instagram)⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠Website⁠ Ellen Online Courses: ⁠Florist School Online⁠, ⁠Preparing to Sell to Florists⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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!

Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273In this episode of Rooted Agritourism, Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow in Central Minnesota, reflects on the highs and lows of 2025. She discusses setting measurable goals, navigating challenges, and enduring personal hardships, including infertility and community opposition to her business. Dr. Mergen provides insights into the grit required to build a thriving agritourism venture and announces exciting upcoming projects like the Farmers to Florist app and her soon-to-be-published book. She emphasizes the importance of slow, sustained effort and resilience in achieving long-term success.00:00 Introduction to Rotted Agritourism00:19 Reflecting on 2025: Achievements and Challenges02:28 Building a Thriving Business: The Journey06:46 Overcoming Community Challenges08:46 Exciting Plans for 202611:39 Upcoming Goals and Final ThoughtsSave $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourismPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.comFarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

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

Send us a textHappy New Year, Freshies!!!  On this special 2026 New Year's episode of The Fresh Bunch, Jimi the Tulip, Mimi, and Ryan ring in the New Year with the help of a few of our favorite Freshies. Starting with Holly Haverman of Kennedy Flowers, on her 2nd year designing at the Rose Bowl Parade. Then we called in the big guns for some 2026 fresh perspective from Lori Wilson of the Flower Clique, and author and motivational speaker, Barry "The Goat" Gottlieb.  Plus, wisdom from Cameron "Positive Pappy" Papas of Norton's Florist, and a brief 2026 trends report from Juliana Bustilo of Ora Agency. We wind the episode down with Jet Fresh's top 10 products and rose varieties of 2026, and a final farewell to 2025 with Mike.Enjoy and Happy New Year!

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

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

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

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

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

As the year comes to a close, it's tempting to rush straight into goal setting, vision boards, and big plans for the new year. But in this episode of the Floral CEO Podcast, Jeni challenges that approach and invites florists to do something far more powerful first: reflect.This episode is all about how intentional end-of-year reflection can help you build a floral business that is not only more profitable—but also more sustainable, aligned, and fulfilling.If you're a florist who feels stretched thin, stuck in survival mode, or unsure what to focus on next, this episode will help you slow down, assess what truly worked in your business, and make smarter decisions for 2026.

Do you feel like you're constantly waiting for the “perfect time” to finally sit down and work on your big business ideas? Welcome to the club, flower friend — because almost every florist I coach thinks they need huge blocks of uninterrupted time to build momentum.But here's the truth: your life will probably never give you endless hours of quiet, focused time…And you don't need it.In today's minisode, we're diving into Micro Momentum — the simple, doable, wildly effective approach that has helped me build my businesses, stay consistent, and keep moving forward even during the busiest, messiest seasons of life.Whether you're a florist, a mother, running multiple businesses, navigating neurodivergence, or simply overwhelmed by your to-do list — micro momentum is how you create progress right now, not someday.

In this episode, Jennifer Pearson — ceramic designer and creator of the Halliesphere, a sustainable flower-arranging tool — shares the real journey behind bringing a completely new product to market. If you're a product creator or e-commerce business owner, you'll get so much from hearing how she took an idea from her dining table to partnering with the last remaining fine china manufacturer in the UK.Jennifer talks about:Validating an idea through real customers — and what consistent demand at craft fairs taught her. tcaling a handmade product and navigating the challenges of finding the right manufacturer Sticking to your ethics and values when building a brandPricing, positioning and protecting your idea, including how she approached trademarks and design rights.Marketing a product no one knew they needed yetUsing Etsy effectivelyJennifer's honesty about the ups and downs of product creation makes this a relatable listen — especially if you're building something original and wondering how to get it out into the world.USEFUL RESOURCESHalliesphere Website: https://www.halliesphere.com/Halliesphere Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Halliesphere/Halliesphere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halliesphereJennifer Pearson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-susan-3848802ba/Halliesphere Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HalliesphereLET'S CONNECTJoin my free Facebook group for product makers and creatorsFollow me on YouTubeFind me on InstagramWork with me Buy My Book: Bring Your Product Idea To LifeIf you enjoy this podcast, and you'd like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/supportMentioned in this episode:Support this podcast for the price of a coffeeif you loved this episode please consider sending me a one-off tip. It helps me to keep bringing this podcast to you, for free. If you'd like to support this podcast, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

In today's episode, Jeni gets real about one of the least talked about but most important topics in the floral industry: paying yourself.So many florists are creating beautiful work, serving their couples like magic… and quietly paying themselves almost nothing.This episode breaks down why that happens, how to shift it, and the exact framework (Profit First) Jeni uses to make sure florists are paid fairly and consistently.Whether you're a new florist still feeling “grateful to be chosen” or a seasoned designer carrying years of undercharging, these strategies will help you build a business that actually supports your life — not drains it.

If you've ever wondered how florists actually get in with wedding planners, this mini episode is going to change the way you think about networking forever. Today, Jeni breaks down the fastest, simplest, zero-salesy strategy to get on a planner's radar — and it's something you can do in less than five minutes a day.Wedding planners are one of the most powerful referral sources you can have as a floral designer. They work with dream clients, they influence design decisions, and they often book 15–50 events per year. But many florists hesitate to reach out because they fear being judged, ignored, or coming off as too “salesy.”This episode is your reminder that you are providing a service their clients actively need. You're not selling a gimmick — you're offering a solution.And the simplest way to start building that relationship?Thoughtful, consistent engagement on their content.Not emojis. Not spammy comments. Not cold DMs.Just genuine, human interaction that helps you stand out in a crowded industry.Jeni walks you through:✨ Why engagement works better than pitching✨ The exact steps to thoughtfully interact with planners online✨ How the algorithm can actually work for you✨ What familiarity and name recognition can do to accelerate trust✨ Why this strategy mirrors real-life networking (but is way less awkward)You'll leave this episode with a clear, doable action step that builds what Jeni calls micro-momentum — tiny daily actions that snowball into real relationships and real bookings.

In this week's episode of The Floral CEO Podcast, Jeni digs into one of the most powerful — yet most underutilized — growth strategies in the floral industry: working with wedding planners, corporate planners, and niche event planners.If you aren't intentionally cultivating relationships with planners, you are missing out on major revenue, warm referrals, aligned clients, and the “easy button” that can completely shift the trajectory of your floral business.Jeni breaks down exactly how planners have transformed her own business — including corporate events booked with two weeks' notice, five weddings from a single planner relationship in one season, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual revenue directly tied to her planner network.In this episode, you'll learn how planners actually work behind the scenes, the different types of planners florists should be targeting, what content attracts planners, and how to build genuine relationships that lead to consistent bookings.What You'll Learn in This Episode

You don't need a 3-hour content planning session to market your floral business. In this episode, Jeni breaks down her simple 10-minute Instagram marketing routine — the one she does from the bathtub — and shows you how to turn random scrolling into intentional, revenue-supporting activity.Instead of getting lost in kitten videos and wainscoting reels (relatable

When Michael Jacobson took over his uncle's barely-profitable flower shop in 2018, many saw a sinking business — he saw potential. Through a mix of technology, obsessive customer care, and operational discipline, he turned what was doing roughly $600K a year into a $9.5M+ powerhouse. Today, French Florist isn't just surviving — it's preparing to scale nationally through franchise expansion. In this episode, Michael walks us through the behind-the-scenes rebuild: from modernizing outdated systems, rethinking margins, and making flowers a product people rely on, to proving that even a flower shop can be built like a high-growth business. Make sure to check out French Florist at https://www.frenchflorist.com/   Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Register for Starting Small Summit 2026: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmallsummit Watch our mini-doc - Starting Small: The Raw Truth Behind Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: https://youtu.be/eHuq93wIxs0?si=eDB-ycngvWNapRLO Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle   Thank you to this episodes mid-break sponsor, Suri. a sleek, travel-friendly sonic brush that delivers 33,000 vibrations a minute for a deep clean, has plant-based heads you can recycle for free, and now comes with a UV-C charging case that wipes out 99.9% of bacteria at the touch of a button. Brush better. Help the planet. And skip the landfill guilty-conscience — because SURI treats your teeth like the everyday essential they are. Explore it now at https://www.trysuri.com/en-us

In today's episode, Jeni dives into one of the biggest misconceptions she hears from creatives, florists, and women building businesses: “I'm just not disciplined.”Spoiler:Lack of discipline isn't what's holding you back — misaligned identity and missing strategy are.Jeni shares how our bodies cling tightly to old identities, why change feels like danger, and how trying to bulldoze your way into new habits with sheer willpower is the reason most goals collapse.Instead, she walks through the exact process she's used in her own life to rebuild her identity — from quitting a 1600-calorie-a-day Mountain Dew habit, to losing weight, to becoming someone who actually likes working out, to managing a family, a farm, and a business without constant overwhelm.Inside this episode you'll hear:

Conflict is one of the hardest parts of running a business, being in community, and honestly—being a human. In this episode, Jenna breaks down a healthy, grounded, four-step framework for having hard conversations without spiraling into anger, passive-aggressiveness, or resentment. After witnessing multiple conflict blowups in a single week, she wanted to share the exact method she personally uses (and teaches) to approach conflict with clarity and compassion.Most people avoid conflict because they're afraid of how the other person will react. But conflict doesn't have to be chaotic or destructive. In fact, when handled well, it can strengthen relationships, clean up misunderstandings, and create a healthier foundation in both your personal life and your business.Jeni walks you through:✨ The 4-Step Conflict FrameworkLead with how you feltWhy starting with your emotional experience (not accusations) sets the tone for a productive conversation.Share the behavior or situation you observedHow to frame what happened without blaming, attacking, or assuming intent.Invite their perspectiveThe importance of listening, seeking clarity, and truly hearing how they understood the situation.Collaborate on “How can this feel good for both of us?”The step most people skip—and why it's the actual key to resolution and long-term trust.Jeni also shares insights on:The exhaustion of carrying angerWhy passive aggression (hello, Minnesota!) doesn't get you anywhereWhen conflict patterns show you it's time to walk away from a relationshipThe importance of emotional self-regulation, especially as a leaderThe only two things you ever truly have control over in a conflict: how you feel and how you reactThis episode is an invitation to hold your power, speak honestly, and build relationships based on truth—not assumption. Whether you're navigating conflict with a client, coworker, partner, or friend, this simple process will help you approach the conversation with confidence and compassion.

In this episode of Franchise Marketing Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Michael Jacobson, CEO of French Florist. Michael shares his journey from corporate consulting to revitalizing his uncle's struggling flower shop by adopting European floral culture and modernizing operations. He discusses overcoming industry challenges like outdated technology and high commissions, and explains French Florist's focus on […]

CarneyShow 11.20.25 Live from Walter Knoll Florist, Oliver Platt, Brendan Wiese, Paul Kopsky by

In today's episode, we're breaking down how to market your business when you barely have time to breathe — let alone create content.If you're working a full-time job, raising kids, managing a household, and building a floral business on top of it all… this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale.Because the truth is:Marketing doesn't require perfection.It requires consistency.I'll walk you through the simple, realistic marketing system I teach florists who are stretched thin — a 10-minute routine that actually moves the needle. You'll learn what to post, how often, and what truly matters when time is limited.This isn't strategy for the “perfect” business owner with unlimited hours.This is for you — the real person doing real life while building something incredible.✨ In This Episode, We Cover:Why marketing feels overwhelming when you're short on timeThe myth of “needing to be perfect” to show up onlineWhat clients actually need to see from you (it's only 3 things)The easiest content to create when you're exhaustedHow to stay visible in 10 minutes a dayWhy messy, imperfect content often performs betterHow posting in the margins of your life still builds massive momentumA simple weekly marketing commitment you can actually stick to

If you're having one of those days (or one of those weeks)… this minisode is exactly what you need.In today's episode, I'm walking you through a simple, accessible 5-minute overwhelm reset—a grounding process I use whenever my brain feels like it has 47 tabs open and none of them are loading. Whether the kids need you, the orders are piling up, your phone won't stop dinging, or you're juggling life, business, and everything in between… this reset is for you.This isn't an hour-long retreat, a full spa day, or a perfectly quiet house. This is something you can do right now in the middle of the chaos—while driving, designing, hiding in your pantry, or between client emails.

In this episode of The Floral CEO, Jeni gets real about the seasons in business and life that feel hard. When everything—from getting out of bed to keeping up with weddings, kids, clients, and life—feels like climbing uphill, how do you keep going?Jeni shares raw stories from a recent wedding that tested her patience (and creativity), reflections on gratitude from her farm life, and the deep reminder that micro momentum—those small, consistent actions—are what truly move your business forward.This episode is for the florists, creatives, and entrepreneurs who feel like they're spinning their wheels. It's a mix of honest talk, practical mindset shifts, and tough-love encouragement to do it anyways.You'll hear:Why “trying” is actually winningHow micro momentum builds unstoppable growthThe difference between grace and excusesThe power of believing your success is inevitableWhy you must choose the “hard” that moves you forwardA gentle reminder: you don't need a perfect season to grow a beautiful businessBecause no matter how hard it feels — you're still building something beautiful.

In this week's minisode of The Floral CEO, Jeni dives into a word that makes many creatives cringe — profit. For too long, the floral industry has treated profit like a dirty word. We've been told that doing something we love and making money from it can't coexist. But that couldn't be further from the truth.Jeni shares why it's time to unlearn the mindset that “busy equals successful” and start building floral businesses that are sustainable, profitable, and joy-giving. She opens up about how shifting her focus toward profit created more freedom in her business — fewer weddings, higher margins, and more creativity.You'll walk away from this episode with a fresh perspective on money, mindset, and the true purpose of profit in your floral business.

Este jueves volvemos a sintonizar 'Radio Lindo' con la escritora y periodista Elvira Lindo para hablar sobre la hiperpaternidad. Abrimos una edición especial de La Ventana del Arte desde el Museo Guggenheim de Bilbao con su directora, Miren Arzalluz, y Miquel del Pozo. Nieves Concostrina nos trae un nuevo paseo por la historia. Nuestro pianista, Juan Pérez Floristán, vuelve al piano de 'La Ventana' para aclararnos algunos conceptos como el de la apropiación cultural o la música clásica.

In this week's episode, Jeni dives deep into one of the most profitable and creatively fulfilling parts of floral design — installations.She shares how installations have generated over $100K in revenue for her business and breaks down exactly how to make them a powerful, consistent income stream in yours.

Stephen Continues his discussion with Michael Jacobson about how he help save and ultimately revive his uncle's business. Dave Young: Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I'm Stephen's sidekick and business partner Dave Young. Before we get into today's episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it's us, but we're highlighting ads we've written and produced for our clients. So here's one of those. [Travis Crawford Ad] Rick: Told you, Brian. Brian: Told me what? Rick: This is part two of last week's episode. Brian: Oh yeah. And it was getting good. Rick: And if you missed it, you can always listen to the first one. Just back up to last week's episode. Take it away fellas. Stephen Semple: In my TEDx Talk that I did, the very, very first slide, the very first slide is win the heart and the mind will follow. Michael Jacobson: That's exactly right. We're humans. We're emotion lead. That's exactly right. Stephen Semple: Even engineers make decisions emotionally. We are wired to make decisions emotionally and connect with things emotionally. So you're 1,000% correct on this. Michael Jacobson: Thank you. Yeah, I mean, so far so good. So ultimately, the market will decide if that's true or not, but I tend to believe that that is true. Stephen Semple: Well, it's already voted that way with you so far. Michael Jacobson: Yeah, I mean, it's coming that way. And so we really focus our brand on making the client feel like the hero because they are. Buying flowers from us should feel as good as receiving the flowers. It is a remarkable act to send flowers to somebody. You are literally creating a more loving world. Stephen Semple: Yes. Michael Jacobson: And I don't know what the meaning of life is, Kay, but when I ask people, a lot of times the response is it's human connection. Or if they want to go even deeper, the meaning of life is love. And so that's the business we're in. And if you're leveraging flowers, the most meaningful gift you can give to tell somebody that you love them, you should be praised for that. And so we make our centers feel very good about that as they should be. Stephen Semple: Well, if you think about it, your business is very, very similar. Let's just look at the emotional part. Your is very similar on the emotional level as engagement rings. The person who gives an engagement ring, yes, they want the person that they're giving the ring to feel good, but it's that I give this beautiful ring to this person. They feel good. I feel good in return. So you're absolutely right. The gift of giving when it's done right both end up getting positive emotional feelings about it. The receiver feels great. And when it's done right, the giver feels great as well. Here's the other thing that people discount in gift giving, it now actually creates a shared narrative. Michael Jacobson: That's right. Stephen Semple: Because we've actually shared in that gift, even if it's thousands of miles away, even if I never talk to the person, even if the person's in a coma and it goes to the hospital, I still have a shared experience now with that individual through emotionally taking that act. You're absolutely 1,000% correct on these things. Michael Jacobson: Yeah, thanks. It bothers me because we would not be doing what we're doing if somebody else was. We never had the ambition. So I want to answer your question on my franchise. We wouldn't franchise, we wouldn't even expand corporate locations if there was somebody in our industry that was doing it as well as we thought it should be done. But nobody is. Our market leader is 1-800-FLOWERS, and my job is not to bash the competitors. We shine our own lamp.

Drawing from her extensive experience, Jeni breaks down the cost analysis per square foot using hypothetical designs and discusses various strategies, including the use of Canva for estimating floral requirements. This episode highlights upcoming training sessions focused on installations, planners, and business goal setting available at floralceo.com/mastermind. This video is a must-watch for florists looking to streamline their workflow and enhance their offerings.00:00 Introduction to Floral Installations00:27 Breaking Down the Installation Process01:49 Calculating Costs and Pricing03:15 Estimating Flower Quantities05:44 Finalizing Retail Prices10:39 Advanced Tips and Upcoming Trainings12:29 Conclusion and Further Learning Opportunities

Send us a textPikmin 4, System Shock (Remake), Assassin's Creed Shadows, Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition, Over the Hill, The Binding of Isaac: Repentance+, Pastry Panic!, Order Up!!, Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil 8, and Resident Evil 9: Requiem, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Kirby Air Riders Direct 2, Bluey's Quest for the Gold Pen, Catto's Post Office, The Florist, Simogo Legacy Collection, Little Samson, Mouse: P.I. for Hire, Biped 2, Viewfinder, BALL x PIT , Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Fire Emblem Shadows update, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, Vampire Survivors Ode to Castlevania Expansion , Persona 3 Reload, No Man's Sky Breach, Shadow Labyrinth update, Factorio Nintendo Switch 2 edition, MARVEL Cosmic Invasion, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Shantae, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road ,Power up your holidays Nintendo Switch 2 trailers, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Metroid Prime 1-3: A Visual Retrospective, Nintendo's creature capturing patent for Pokémon rejected, New Super Mario Bros. Added to Nintendo Music, Mario at the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild vinyl soundtrack, SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide, Hello Kitty Island Adventure - Nintendo Switch 2 EditionThe Gaming BlenderWe mash genres. We pitch games. You question our sanity.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

This week Eric goes back to his roots, Matt gets rolling, GOG and LRG bring back some classics, Resident Evil gets a release date, Animal Crossing gets new content, the Portal levels up, The Florist gets a trailer, IGN shows off some indies, and we end off with bad news! Releases: DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake & Once Upon A Katamari

In this vulnerable and honest episode, Jeni opens up about the mental load of trying to run a business while being a mom, partner, and woman who wants to do it all — and do it well.From juggling wedding setups, client communication, and creative energy to being present for your kids, managing household tasks, and just remembering to breathe — this episode gives voice to the quiet exhaustion so many of us feel but rarely talk about.Jeni reminds listeners that “done is better than perfect”, that it's okay to take up space, and that your business can grow slowly and still be deeply successful. This isn't about hustle culture — it's about building a business that works with your life, not against it.

Michael Jacobson wanted to help his uncle sell his flower shop, but now it is growing like a weed. Dave Young: Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I'm Stephen's sidekick in business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today's episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it's us, but we're highlighting ads we've written and produced for our clients, so here's one of those. [Seaside Plumbing Ad} Stephen Semple: Hey, it's Stephen Semple here and we are without Dave Young today because we have an opportunity for a really, really special interview. I have with me Michael Jacobson from French Florist and we had a conversation, it was probably about a month and a half ago, and I just thought some of the things that you shared was amazing and I was like, "I got to get Michael onto the podcast." Now, the first question I asked Michael is, what's your title? "We don't believe in titles." I said, "Are you the founder?" "Well, sort of." That's where we'll start. That's where we'll start the story about French Florist in terms of how you came to be the owner and what's happened in the time that the business has been with you. Michael Jacabson: Awesome. Thanks Stephen. This is a generous introduction. I appreciate that. Thank you. When I say we don't believe in titles, we really don't. As we get to be a bigger organization, we brought on a chief operating officer who's a lot smarter in operations than I am. And that's become my job is hire people that are smarter than you and give them the reins, so maybe, I don't know what title that is, but whatever that job is, and she tells me we do need titles because it helps with accountability and that kind of important stuff. I thought it was a little boring, but she did convince me. Stephen Semple: Before we go on, what size are you at today? You're large enough that you brought in a chief operating officer, so how many employees do you have now? Michael Jacabson: We've got just over 100 employees now. Stephen Semple: How many locations? Michael Jacabson: We have 10 locations now and we'll have 17 open by the end of the year. We'll have 60 open by the end of next, so a lot of our employees- Stephen Semple: Awesome. Michael Jacabson: ... right now aren't necessarily for the immediate now, but we're building the infrastructure to support tomorrow. Stephen Semple: That's cool. That's cool. That's amazing. That's amazing growth, so 100 people now, but you're really looking to go to that... You're at 17, going to 60 locations. That's awesome. Going back to the early days of how you found yourself owning French Florist. Michael Jacabson: Oh, gosh. Okay, so I don't know if this will resonate with the audience. Hopefully it does. I've graduated college... You hear the statistics of how many startups fail, whatever it is, 90, 95% of startups. I did- Stephen Semple: Most. Michael Jacabson: Most. And I actually joined a few startups in college that I didn't found but kind of joined their team. All of them, but one failed, so I saw firsthand too. And I took a job in super boring corporate consulting right out of college, paid super well, great opportunity. I could work alongside awesome executives at really awesome companies. That was the pitch. I didn't make it even a year. I made it about one year and it just didn't feed that fire in my belly. That was the wall that my ladder was leaned against and I could sit there and climb that ladder or if I'm not happy, do something about it. And so I had my ear to the ground with different opportunities and I got a call from my uncle one day and he says, "Mike, I've been running my flower shop for 38 years. I'm working six days a week, 60 hours a week or more,

Florist Mauricio Vivas grows marigolds for these reverent altars, and sells them at his store “Tony Rossi & Sons Florist” in Oakland's Fruitvale neighborhood. KALW's Jenee Darden recently spoke to Mauricio in 2024 about the significance of marigolds for Dia de los Muertos traditions.

Being busy doesn't mean you're successful — it just means you're tired.In this episode, Jeni shares the hard-earned lessons from years of chasing “busy” and finally learning that true growth comes from understanding profit, not just bookings.She dives into:

In this powerful episode, Jeni dives deep into one of the most common questions she gets from florists and creative entrepreneurs: “Can I really double my revenue next year?”Spoiler alert — yes, you can. But it requires clarity, commitment, and a plan.Jeni shares:

Tim reflects on Neil Saavedra's wisdom about connecting through casual conversation before celebrating the Broncos' historic comeback — rallying from a 19-0 deficit against the Giants to score 33 points in the fourth quarter and win. Jack in the Box announces it's selling Del Taco for $115 million to refocus on its main brand amid rising costs. Neil returns to talk about Disney's one-night-only Haunted Halloween Experience at the Mansion. The show closes with a shoutout to Candy's Florist in El Monte and Steckler's tongue-in-cheek advice quoting Tim's favorite line: “College grads are the unemployed.”