How We Bloom

Send us Fan Mail  P. Allen Smith, a fifth-generation nurseryman, has parlayed a passion for nature and a southern upbringing into his life’s mission. Becoming one of America’s most talented garden designers. This award-winning designer, Master Gardener, author, and celebrity lifestyle expert, is followed by a worldwide audience. Allen is known sharing for his tried-and-true methods and cutting-edg...

Send us Fan Mail Investing in yourself is essential for continued personal growth.  Learning new skills. Networking with peers. Building confidence. Feeding your passion for the work you do.  As the format of business continues to change, so do our educational opportunities. Which learning strategy works best for you? In this podcast, Sharon McGukin and Jackie Lacey  explore the pros and cons of i...

Send us Fan Mail Are you "Mastering the Art of Floral Paint" in this time of flower shortages, painted foliage trends and on-trend metallics? We see the different types of paint (aka color spray) products on shelves in wholesale supply departments.  Do you know how each is best used?  In this podcast, we explore the latest tips and techniques for using color spray with flowers by asking...

Send us Fan Mail When it comes to floral design - don't just make it pretty, make it profitable. In 'Pricing for Profits," Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD, AAF, PFCI, AzMF offers tips on building a strong foundation for your floral business by pricing professionally. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ rules for numbers, percentages, or price categories. This isn't ‘what to charge,' i...

Send us Fan Mail When advertising exec, Lia Fleming, discovered her budding passion for flowers – she dug in deep. Lia and her family began selling locally-grown flowers from their Flora Fields Farms in New Franklin, Ohio.  Lia shares expert advice for getting your flower farm dream to take root. Branding. Marketing.  Social media positioning. Connecting with the customer. Finding joy in the journ...

Send us Fan Mail "Spoiler Alert! There is no silver bullet for marketing," explains Laura Rich, Marketing Director for Smithers-Oasis North America. "It's a series of small consistent steps that connect you with your customer."  Laura offers practical, actionable tips that you can use to grow your floral business while ‘Marketing on a Shoestring.’ How we Bloom podcast is a...

Send us Fan Mail South African floral designer, Jill Manson, believes in the powerful energy of flowers and plants. “The ‘power of the plant’ can help us heal by offering comfort and calm,” she explains. Based in Johannesburg, Jill offers intuitive hands-on flower arranging classes called “Flower Healing”. Jill shares with her students a thoughtful blend of floral elements with spiritual elements...

Send us Fan Mail  “Less is more"  says Klaus Wagener of Minden, Germany. Explaining the emerging  post-pandemic trend. That doesn't mean doing without. It suggests developing a  lifestyle of "consuming consciously while preserving natural resources." Klaus is the CEO and creative director of BLOOM's Medien publishing house. This  well-respected trends forecaster, floral st...

Send us Fan Mail This newly-released flower trend podcast with Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI interviews enterprising guests who dare to do things differently. They share innovative flower tips, design techniques, personal growth plans, marketing and business ideas.  Brought to you  by Smithers-Oasis, this podcast encourages people who are passionate about petals to listen, learn, grow. "And,...

Send us Fan Mail "Partnering with your customer creates a spirit of collaboration," suggests Drew McGukin of Drew McGukin Interiors - based in NYC.   One of the leading contemporary designers in today’s market, Drew understands the power of connection. Offering client-focused communication techniques, Drew suggests adapting to the client’s vision rather than insisting on your own experie...

Send us Fan Mail While it might be painful, we often grow during challenging times. Personal skills. Business savvy. How can we create successwhile under stress? Commit to Change!  In this podcast, retail florist Todd Bussey AIFD shares insights for how he 'met challenge with  change' for positive growth in his post-pandemic flower shops. He offers practical and profitable steps as easy...