The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Episode 117: Today's session is a subject that was totally unplanned, however,  one that Vonda and Lori feel holds a lesson for most everyone. Life experiences sometime bring us to a place that we need to dig deep into an emotional situation to why we feel so deeply after an uncomfortable conversation. Emotional Labor is real and education and knowledge will help you prepare and not get blind...

Episode 116: Vonda and Lori make it a goal to have their pulse on the floral industry. With their  ears to the ground and eyes scrolling through social channels (mostly Lori!), they have found two subjects that have a been getting a lot of chatter. Prom prices and delivery charges. They share some insight and ideas from Flower Clique members. Pioneer Imports and Wholesale Trend Report ~watch it on...

Episode 115: Today we have a replay of an earlier  episode, but it is very relevant coming off of such a busy time in the workplace. Conflict and disagreement in your life and workplace are inevitable. It's not easy, or comfortable to resolve your differences and make peace, but oh, so necessary! Vonda and Lori identify the 5 types of conflict in the workplace and share 5 Tips for resolving t...

Episode 114: Lori and Vonda have their pulse on the industry and have been hearing a lot of chatter (post Valentine's Day) about the challenges businesses face.  It goes back to what you can control to keep your business of the profitable side. You'll hear those three areas of focus and how it affects your bottom line. Here's a link to a Flower Clique Valentine's Day Roundtable...

Episode 113: Vonda and Lori are joined by Sahid Nahim, founder of New Bloom Solutions. We discovered that Flower Clique and New Bloom Solutions have several core goals in common, and at the top of the list are the desire to innovate and move the floral industry forward. Transparency and connectivity are key words that both embrace as they work with different aspects of the industry. Listen in an h...

Episode 112: Valentine's Day is a huge holiday in the flower business. It's the single busiest day of the year for the retail florist. Now that Valentine's Day 2022 is in the books, we asked Ellie LaFever, Creative Director at Flower Clique (and our expert on self-care and work-life balance) to share some ideas of what you can do to stay healthy and avoid burnout during busy seasons...

Episode 111: Clear communication is essential in customer satisfaction in any sale, but flower sales can be even more challenging. Simple words or phrases that are used and understood daily in a flower shop might have a total different meaning to a flower buyer.  Vonda and Lori share a few of these and offer suggestions on how to clarify your message. Our sponsors: Flower Clique Flower Prep School...

Episode 110: It's always a challenge to know how to market products to the next generation of consumers, and flowers are no different. In this interview, you'll hear Lori chat with two special guests, Davis (millennial) and Reece (gen Z), about their thoughts on flowers. Our Sponsors Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep Schools Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life...

Episode 109: This is the "rest of the story" as Ellie LaFever turns the table on Eddie Farrer of Barstool Sports Chicago. One year ago Vonda and Ellie were on his podcast, The Dog Walk, and talked about the flower business. In this episode, Eddie shares his thoughts on receiving flowers for the first time, along with insight on some challenges men face when they want to order flowers. Yo...

Episode 108: In a digital workshop this week, The Flower Clique Gals presented some really valuable information to prepare for Valentine's Day 2022. Vonda, Lori, and Kami shared a LOT of information, from projecting sales and preparing your sales staff, to website must-knows and marketing ideas. You'll find the short version here, but if you want to take a deeper dive, click here for the...

Episode 107:  We all want to have a pulse on upcoming trends, and this is the episode for you to get started! In this interview, Vonda and Lori talk with Sarah Botchick, General Manager and Marketing Strategist at Pioneer Imports and Wholesale, about upcoming trends. She shares incredible insight on what you should be looking for in your market. We also discuss an important message: silk and fresh...

Episode 106: Vonda and Lori are joined with Kami Martin and Ellie LaFever to celebrate and look back on the past 2 years of Flower Clique. In business, we have a vision of what we want -  and set goals based on that vision. This is our story. Lori asks some specific questions about the goals achieved and those missed or shifted, and you might be surprised at the answers. Our sponsors: Flower Cliqu...

Episode 105: The Great Resignation, or Big Quit is real and the predictions for 2022  call for more of the same. Lori and Vonda share questions that can help employees feel valued and not want to be a part of this trend.  With the challenge of hiring the right person, maintaining a quality employee is even more important than ever! Our sponsors: Flower Clique Flower Prep School Sales Prep School S...

Episode 104: The week before Christmas Vonda and Lori take time to reflect on traditions,  both past and present personal favorites, along with the history behind some well know holiday traditions shared by many.  Memories can also trigger grief. Lori shares wisdom and advice from her friend and author, Mindy Corporon, which might be helpful to navigate the holidays for some. Our Sponsors: Flower...

Episode 103: Do you ever think about the next few generations of flower buyers? We've all heard that the success of the brick and mortar flower shop might be in question. YOU have the opportunity and responsibility to encourage your next generations of customers.  Vonda and Lori sit down with Leighton and Campbell Martin, Vonda's granddaughters',  to hear about some of the experienc...

Episode 120: Our monthly Cliquer Spotlight features Janet Woloszyk, owner of McCandless Floral in Pittsburgh, PA. Her journey is unique and Janet shares how passion for flowers, kindness to others, and sharing of one's self are satisfying for all involved.  A friend of both Vonda and Lori, Janet knows the importance of empowering others to help you achieve a higher level of success.  Our Spon...

Episode 101: The Bill Doran Company continues to grow in number of locations to better serve the floral industry.  Listen in as Vonda interviews Bill LaFever, President of the Bill Doran Company, about the exciting growth in new markets, recently expanding to Mexico. They also cover the changing and challenging flower availability, the increasing demand for flowers and what to expect for Valentine...

Episode 100: Vonda and Lori have hit a  milestone with this episode ~ number 100! The goal was to help others with "Business and Pleasure" advice about flowers  and the feedback shows that they have created a bit of a positive ripple!  Happy dance here! Listen in as they share 4 ways you can make a difference in your everyday life.  A favorite quote from Mother Teresa says it all "...

Episode 099: Flower Clique and Bill Doran Company hosted two live events in Houston and Dallas last week. It was great to get back out and share education and listen to the needs of flower shop owners. After returning, we thought that if so many attendees have the same questions that perhaps you do too! These are the four frequently asked questions from the two events. Our sponsors: Flower Clique...

Episode 098: As a leader, or boss of your team, it's important to take time for self reflection. Lori and Vonda share five questions you should take time to ask yourself to make you a better leader. It's not easy, but necessary, especially if your employees are not performing and your team is not working at their full potential. There are some great take aways here! Our sponsors: Flower...

Episode 097:  Our Cliquer Spotlight this week features 2 members, Jan Taylor from Malone Flower Shop in Canonsburg, PA and Judy Hebert from Flowers & Leaves LLC in Oshkosh, WI. One question we always ask our Flower Clique  member is, "How did you get started in the flower business?" You never know what you're going to hear! Listen in for these stories and join us in our Facebook...

Episode 96: In part 2 of our interview with special guest,  Amy Balsters, known as the Flower Coach, we discuss mindset and how it truly is life changing in so many ways. You'll learn more about her Bouquet Bootcamp and what we tell ourselves can hurt our personal growth.  Amy is a beautiful person inside and out and she's the "real deal" ~ very authentic! Click here to learn m...

Episode 95: If you're in the floral business, you probably have helped others in one way or another. Our guest today, Amy Balsters, known as the Flower Coach, makes it her mission and business to help others on their journey. Her passion is teaching others how to make lush, lightweight hand-tied bouquets full of loose and airy movement that clients are asking for, with confidence and speed! I...

Episode 094: Is this the right time for you to retire? Sometimes you're emotionally ready, but might not be financially ready to retire. Vonda interviews Kane McGukin, a wealth management specialist, who has knowledge of the flower business. Kane shares great insight, tips and must know info on retirement readiness, whether you plan to retire tomorrow or 5-10 years from now. About Kane McGuki...

Episode 093: When Jeannie Myers wanted something to do many years ago, and she decided to buy a flower shop. Her story is one of hard work, dedication and love of people. Listen as Lori and Jeannie chat about her surprising decision to buy a flower shop, her key to success and why she still loves it after so many years in business.  Jeannie Myers Town and Country Flowers and Gifts Our Sponsors Flo...