The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Episode 043: Vonda had a nice coffee chat with Julie Poeltler AIFD  PFCI, IMF, CAFA  chat  about the importance of Education in the floral industry.  Julie shares why even the most educated and best designers need to continue to learn.  Julie is the owner of Julie's Fountain of Flowers in Lone Tree, IA. Julie is one of the instructors in Flower Prep School and the Strategic Creative Director...

Episode 042: Having covered Comparison and Conflict, now Vonda and Lori discuss an even more important "C" word, Communication. With the holidays quickly approaching, open, two way communication with your staff couldn't be more important. More information about our Podcast and Our Sponsor, Flower Clique Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 041: Vonda and Lori chat with Audrey Kristoff, a co-worker at Flower Clique and the product specialist. Audrey talks a bit about what she does for the company, thoughts on customer service and and shares in really cool insight on her perception of flower shop owners. Learn more about Flower Clique and check out our podcast page Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Lif...

Episode 040: Vonda has a delightful and insightful interview with Jenny Thomasson AIFD, PFCI, EMC ~ Artist, nationwide speaker and educator in the floral industry. Jenny shares a bit of herself, from where she draws inspiration to her biggest challenge. You won't want to miss this interview! Check out Jenny's website, Jenny T floristry and her new book, Perishable Poetics For more inform...

Episode 039: 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 those conflicts. More info about Vonda LaFever AIFD, PFCI and Lori Wilson Director of Customer Success at Flower Clique a...

Episode 038: We start life being compared to others by our parents, teachers, and coaches ~ then it shifts to us comparing ourselves to others. From our personal life to all aspects of business there are comparisons that drive us or can cause our defeat. Vonda and Lori talk about some of these dangers, and share 5 Things to remind ourselves when we start comparing ourselves to others. For more inf...

Episode 037: Vonda interviews Ken Senter AIFD, owner of the Senterpiece in Houston, TX about his floral journey and those who have inspired him through the years, such as Buddy Benz, Jim Johnson AIFD and Frankie Shelton AIFD and the challenges he faces from the effects of shutting down large gatherings. Ken also shares great words of wisdom for other in similar situations. You don't want to m...

Episode 036: Vonda and Lori chat with Renee Tucci AIFD, PFCI about her floral journey. Renee is a talented floral designer from the suburbs of Philadelphia and loves all things flowers. As a floral educator she loves to share her knowledge with students and novices alike, and at the same time says she will never, never stop learning! Renee is very active in the floral industry and tells about her...

Episode 035: Celebrating their 35th episode, Vonda and Lori, answer some of the FAQ's that have come up from the Cliquers. They are joined by Kami Martin, Director of One Clique and Ellie LaFever, Creative Director of Flower Clique. This episode is packed with information and at the same time, a lot of fun and personality! You will learn a bit more about Flower Clique, One Clique, Flower Prep...

Episode 034: The subscription business model is one that is loved by both customers and business owners. Join Vonda and Lori as they take a look at the types of subscriptions and touch on a few suggestions to get you started with flower subscriptions. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 033: Studies find that ordinary and usually sensible people are getting angry at families and colleagues, buying junk food at the grocery store when the never do that, or spurge on unusual retail items because of something called Decision Fatigue . Join Lori and Vonda as they share 4 ways to help make better business decisions. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Lif...

Episode 032: Lori and Vonda discuss 11 of life's important realities and how they relate to business, as well as life. With Lori's newfound perspective, post Covid, she shares how some of these have recently changed. Some of these might surprise you! For more information:  https://www.thebusinessandpleasureofflowers.com/ Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Ret...

Episode 031: Listen as Vonda takes a walk down memory lane and shares a bit about her AIFD Journey and some words of wisdom from Industry Icons. The AIFD circle continues to grow and 3 new members, Lenzee Bilke AIFD, Joanna Kalina AIFD and Iraema Carranza AIFD share a glimpse of their story of why AIFD, and encourage you to "just do it"! For more information on AIFD: https://aifd.org/ or...

Episode 030: What are some of the changes we will see in the Flower shop in the years to come, and are you in?  Join Ellie LaFever as she interviews Vonda about some of the changes in a flower shop, from technology to shopping experiences. They will discus Vonda's 2018 AIFD main stage program, The Flower Shop of the Future, and recap some of the changes we've already experienced in just...

029:  Vonda reached out to a few AIFD members, and asked, "Why is AIFD membership important to you?" or "Why should someone become an accredited member of AIFD?" Join in to hear the answers of Sharon McGukin AIFD, PFCI, Renee Tucci AIFD, PFCI, Tim Farrell AIFD PFCI, Bill McKinley AIFD, Dr. Jim DelPrince PHD, AIFD, PFCI, Hitomi Gilliam AIFD, Chris Norwood, AIFD, PFCI, and Joyce...

Episode 028: AIFD month continues with Vonda interviewing Jody McLeod AIFD, PFCI about leadership. Jody presented a main stage program at AIFD Symposium "Discover" in Washington DC (2018), titled, Discovering the Art of Leadership. Jody defines the 4 leadership types and discusses the important part each plays in a flower shop organization. The video is available as well, on Vimeo.  http...

Episode 027: This month we are dedicating to our podcast episodes to AIFD. (The American Institute of Floral Designers) We kick off the month with an interview with president Jackie Lacey, AIFD, PFCI, AAF, CFD. He and Vonda discuss the advantages of the professionalism of AIFD accredited membership and talk about all of the exciting things symposium 2021 will have to offer in Washington DC. Lori s...

Episode 026: It's never easy to have conversations with employees, or anyone for that matter!  Lori shares I.D.E.A.L.S. which is a foundation script used in most tough conversations. The I.D.E.A.L.S. conversation (which takes seconds to have) focuses on the facts, establishes accountability and looks forward (and not backward) to find solutions.   Vonda and Lori share the steps and the way it...

Episode 025: Are you like a turtle and want to stay inside to stay in your safe space, inside your shell, for a little while longer? It might just be the time to move forward! Vonda and Lori share thoughts what we can learn from the fable of the Tortoise and the Hare, Jaws the Animal planet turtle and share the 4 lessons we can learn from a blog by Ian Brookes.  For more information: https://www.t...

024: Join Vonda and Lori as they discuss how you can find joy in the craziness of what's happening with the Covid-19 challenges and answer the question, What influences our joy? Listen to find out what you can do to lead a more joyful life.  At Flower Clique, members are very joyful and appreciative as they have passed off tasks and responsibilities that they found were zapping their joy. Lea...

Episode 023: Vonda sits down with Ryan Freeman, founder and CEO of Strider, Inc. an online website marketing and development company. Ryan grew up in the flower business but floral design was not his thing, so he discovered what he loved to do and it involves making a florist online presence stronger and more profitable.  A problem solver, avid learner, and all around great guy, you won't wan...

Episode 022: A meeting of the inspirational minds of Vonda LaFever, Lori Wilson and special guest, Ellie LaFever.  We all find inspiration in difference places, at different times and from different people. Listen as the gals share their source and story. Do you share a common source?  For more information:  https://www.thebusinessandpleasureofflowers.com/ Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique...

Episode 21: Vonda has a 1:1 interview with Sharon McGukin, internationally known floral designer and educator known for teaching others to “celebrate life with flowers”. Listen as Sharon shares insight and advice for these challenging times as shops emerge from Covid-19. Her three important take aways will give you food for thought and help encourage you to move in the direction that is best for y...

Episode 020: In this timely interview Vonda and Lori ask Leslie about responding to reviews, post Mother's Day. It seems so easy, but there are key points that need to be included to establish trust and bring in new customers. We also cover Google My Business (GMB) and the importance of being proactive online.   For more information visit:https://www.flowerclique.com/ Sponsored by: Flower Cli...

Episode 019: Vonda and Lori have a casual conversation about Mother' Day. Starting with a little flower care, to childhood memories and onto memories of Mother's Day in the flower shop. The stories might be just like yours.  For more information visit: businessandpleasureofflowers.com Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist