The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Episode 341: Fresh from AIFD Symposium 2026, Vonda reflects on the moments that mattered most and they weren’t always found on the stage. In this heartfelt solo episode, she shares why kindness, mentorship, and making first-time attendees feel welcome are essential to the future of the floral industry. Join us for a conversation about community, belonging, and the ripple effect of one encouraging...

What does it really mean to “make it pretty?” In this first Moments with Marlin episode, floral industry favorite Marlin Hargrove joins Lori and Vonda for a conversation that’s about so much more than flowers. Together, they explore the responsibility florists carry as the keepers of the pretty —taking a customer’s vision, interpreting it with care, and delivering something meaningful to the perso...

Episode 339:   In this episode, Vonda and Lori explore a surprising truth about leadership: knowing better doesn’t always mean doing better. Drawing from recent research on behavior change, Lori unpacks why people resist advice, struggle to adopt new habits, and often become defensive when faced with feedback. The conversation dives into the role of empathy, psychological safety, cognitive overloa...

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...

Episode 337: In this episode, we sit down with Mark Frye of Creative Occasions Flowers and Events to talk about his unexpected path—from speech pathologist to lumber salesman… to owning a flower shop for over 30 years. Mark shares the real story behind the leap—the fear, the risk, and the early days of figuring it all out, including managing a team for the first time and learning to let go of cont...

Episode 336: What happens when the dream you’ve been working toward for 20 years suddenly doesn’t feel right anymore? In this episode, we sit down with Kate Delaney from the Society of American Florists to talk about leadership, career pivots, and the quiet courage it takes to walk away from what you thought was “the plan.” Kate shares her unexpected journey—from a part-time flower shop job to bei...

Episode 335:   This week, Lori is back and fresh off one of the most meaningful experiences of her life: meeting her new grandson. As the conversation unfolds, what starts with sweet stories of new life and family quickly turns into something deeper. Together, Lori and Vonda reflect on empathy, growth, and the people who shape who we become, often without us realizing it in the moment. They revisi...

Episode 334:  This week’s episode is a solo, heartfelt reflection as Vonda takes the mic while Lori enjoys the first precious days with her new grandson. What begins as a simple story about gardening and a neighbor turns into something deeper—a reminder that the people who enter our lives often shape us in ways we don’t fully understand in the moment. From mentors who challenge us, to employees wh...

Episode 333: In this episode, we’re diving into everything you didn’t know you needed to know about the AIFD Symposium—and why it’s so much more than just another industry event. If you’ve ever looked at the price tag and hesitated, or wondered if it’s really worth it, this conversation is for you. We break down what actually happens behind the scenes—from immersive design experiences and main sta...

Episode 332:  Mother’s Day is here—and the difference between a decent week and a record-breaking one comes down to how your team communicates with customers. In this episode, Vonda sits down with the floral industry's two most trusted experts in sales and customer service education, Lori Wilson, from Flower Clique and Sam Bowles, the General Manager and Creative Director at Allen's in i...

Episode 331:  What does community really mean - and why does it matter so much, especially in the floral industry? In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Vonda and Lori explore the deeper, more emotional side of community; from the neighborhoods we live in, to the flower shops we run, to the industry circles that support us. Through personal stories (including Lori’s unexpected connection with...

Episode 330: What do forensic science and floral design have in common? For Amy McCord, founder of Flower Moxie, they're both part of the same unlikely journey – one that started with a $100 wedding, a box of Sam's Club roses, and a lot of tears. In this episode, Lori and Vonda sit down with Amy to talk about how she went from working in a biochemistry lab to building one of the most rec...

Episode 329:  This one might sting a little. Lori and Vonda are saying the quiet part out loud—sharing the hard truths flower shop owners need to hear but rarely do. From not knowing your numbers, to blaming your team, to staying stuck in design instead of actually running your business… this episode pulls no punches. If your shop feels chaotic, inconsistent, or like it’s not growing the way it sh...

Episode 328: After Easter reflections (and a few stories involving pools, squirrels, and unexpected repairs), Lori and Vonda dive into a conversation that hits close to home for every business owner - control. From slow seasons in flower shops to tough leadership decisions and the emotional weight that comes with them, they unpack the constant tension between what you can control and what you simp...

Episode 327:  If social media feels overwhelming, confusing, or like one more thing on your already full plate, this episode is for you. Lori and Vonda sit down with Chris Grigas and Karrie Wallace, both from the Bill Doran Company team working from different locations, to have a real, honest conversation about what’s actually working right now on Instagram and Facebook for florists. From struggli...

Episode 326: In this episode, Vonda and Lori welcome Vanessa Leite , Executive Director of That Flower Feeling , for a timely conversation about the industry-wide marketing movement designed to keep flowers top-of-mind beyond the “marrying and burying” peaks. Vanessa shares her nonprofit leadership journey, how the initiative launched with a bold industry investment, and why the goal is bigger tha...

Episode 325:  Registration is officially open — and we’re celebrating with a behind-the-scenes conversation you won’t want to miss. In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with Randy Wooten AIFD, co-coordinator of the AIFD Symposium, to talk candidly about what it really takes to bring Symposium to life. From how the Elevate theme was born, to the three-year planning process, to the responsibilit...

Episode 324: What do jelly beans, golf course comfort stations, and customer service have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, Vonda and Lori dive into the subtle habits that build trust with customers -  whether you’re working in a flower shop, retail store, or any customer-facing business. Inspired by recent research and real experiences from the floral industry, they explore t...

Episode 323:  In a world where we can learn anything online, is it still worth leaving your shop to attend a floral conference? After returning from the Great Lakes Floral Expo, Lori shares what truly happens when you step out from behind the counter and show up in person. From unexpected hugs at the booth to meaningful hallway conversations, this episode explores the kind of connection, confidenc...

Episode 322:  What makes you instantly leery of a person or situation - and why does your gut matter more than you think? In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Vonda, Lori, and Ellie unpack the meaning of being “leery,” from fast-talking salespeople and sketchy orders to AI, customer behavior, and everyday red flags we’ve all learned to recognize. Inspired by everything from Olympic backst...

Episode 321: Broken trust doesn’t just hurt—it reshapes how we see people, relationships, and ourselves. In this episode, Vonda and Lori talk candidly about betrayal in friendships, mentorships, and the workplace, especially during high-stress seasons like Valentine’s Day. They explore why emotional pain mirrors physical pain, how kindness restores psychological safety, and why healing starts with...

Episode 320:  Valentine’s Day brings out fascinating human behavior. In this episode, Vonda and Lori unpack bizarre psychology facts, from confidence bias and mood-based judgments to decision-making under stress - and how understanding them can elevate customer service, communication, and sales during the busiest floral season of the year. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real...

Episode 319:  Kindness is a free investment with the highest returns — so why don't more florists treat it that way? Inspired by Warren Buffett's philosophy, Vonda and Lori dive into how small acts of kindness can transform your customer service, team culture, and productivity. With real-life stories and science-backed insights, this episode will change how you think about what it takes...

Episode 318: In this episode, Lori and Ellie sit down for a candid (and slightly unfiltered) conversation we’re calling Clique Conference Confessions . From hydrangea disasters, to needing all the Zofran, to unforgettable field trips, they reflect on past years of SAF's Next Gen conferences – from Miami to San Diego to Dallas – and what to expect this year for Raleigh, coming up on February 2...

Episode 317: Valentine’s Day is the busiest and most important holiday of the year for florists, and preparation makes all the difference. Vonda and Lori walk you through a full Valentine’s Day staff meeting, just as they would with their own teams. From customer service reminders and sales scripts to design productivity, cooler strategy, delivery expectations, and social media ideas, this episode...