The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Episode 316:  In this episode, Lori and Vonda flip their 2025 Bingo Cards and reflect on what actually got done, what didn’t, and why that matters. From surprise home projects and travel wins to the realities of burnout, distraction, and the importance of being “bored,” the conversation turns thoughtful, honest, and relatable. They also look at Flower Clique’s business goals, where progress was ma...

Episode 315:   In this special anniversary episode, Vonda, Lori, Ellie, and Kami gather to celebrate six years of Business & Pleasure of Flowers. They share heartfelt (and hilarious) holiday stories, reflect on how “Amplify” shaped the past year—including the tariff pivot—and brainstorm what Flower Clique’s Word of the Year for 2026 should be. The episode wraps with proud, goosebump moments: m...

Episode 314:  Ellie’s back as the resident trend predictor, and this episode is all about what’s coming next for 2026, before your customers start asking for it. Lori, Vonda, and Ellie dig into Pinterest Predicts 2026 (yes, the data-driven one) and compare it to floral-industry trend insights, pulling out what actually matters for florists and flower shop owners. From the internet’s strong opinion...

Episode 313: It’s almost Christmas, the packages are at the mercy of FedEx and UPS, and Lori’s dad is calling two days before the holiday wondering if he should buy gifts for all the grandkids. In other words, peak season energy. In this episode, Lori brings a list she found called “10 signs you’re mentally strong (but may not realize it)” and the conversation turns into a surprisingly relatable l...

Episode 312:  Lori and Vonda lean into the chaos of the holiday season and tackle a topic every florist can relate to, what your customer service voice needs to say vs. what you wish you could say. From last-minute delivery requests to “I don’t care, you decide” customers who definitely care, they share laugh-out-loud moments from the flower shop—and the thoughts that stay safely inside our heads....

Episode 311: In this episode Ellie sits down with Angelique Witcher , Director of Marketing at Accent Decor , to talk all things branding and elevating your business in 2026 – especially if you’re a floral retailer or designer. Angelique shares how her background in fashion, design, and global culture informs Accent Decor’s brand vision, and walks us through their recent rebrand – from clarifying...

Episode 310:  In this heartfelt episode, Lori and Vonda open up about the emotional side of customer service—especially during the busy holiday season. They remind us that not every upset customer is truly angry; some are overwhelmed, hurting, or simply lonely. With gentle guidance and real examples from the floral industry, they share how a simple pause, a calm tone, and a little kindness can com...

Episode 309: In this special episode, Lori and Vonda welcome a very important guest—Ellie—to relive her unforgettable wedding in Rome and pull back the curtain on what it really takes to design an international destination wedding.  From navigating time zones, laid-back Italian vendors, and cultural differences (“unfortunately…”), to securing flowers through industry connections, planning mechanic...

Episode 308:  Recorded at peak “end-of-day brain,” Lori and Vonda dive into one of the most overlooked tools in the floral industry: email marketing that feels personal, warm, and human. They break down why florists avoid email marketing, what customers actually want to receive, and how you can write simple newsletters that create loyalty—not pressure. You’ll learn how to craft subject lines that...

Episode 307:  Lori and Vonda welcome friend and designer,  Marlin Hargrove AIFD,  for a masterclass in holiday home installs—equal parts sparkle and straight talk. From landing residential vs. commercial clients to deciding when to use a client’s décor vs. curating a full package, Marlin breaks down the real-world workflow: consult questions that matter, tree-lighting strategy, toppers (crowns or...

Episode 306 : When it rains, it pours — but even in the busiest, most chaotic weeks, florists know how to make something beautiful bloom. In this lively and laughter-filled episode, Lori and Vonda swap “one-thing-after-another” stories before diving into fresh, practical ways flower shops can thrive this holiday season. From DIY centerpiece kits and bring-your-own-vase designs to holiday workshops...

Episode 305:   In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Lori opens up about one of those weeks — when everything seems to happen at once. From car troubles and family emergencies to the emotional rollercoaster of feeling stretched too thin, they unpack the real-life chaos that comes with balancing work, family, and self. Together, they explore what it means to give yourself grace , delegate when...

Episode 304: This week, Lori and Vonda catch up on life, caregiving, and the whirlwind of a recent Italy wedding trip before diving into the timeless wisdom of Mr. Rogers. Together, they reflect on his lessons of empathy, dignity, and human connection, exploring how to slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover the beauty of wonder in today’s noisy world. This episode is a gentle reminder to pause,...

Episode 303:  Society of American Florist (SAF) CEO Kate Penn joins Lori and Vonda to unpack what’s really happening in floral retail—rising consumer spend, experience-driven shopping, value-aligned buying, and how smart shops are winning with culture, training, and tighter ops. We hit staffing + succession, smaller holidays, practical website/SEO moves, SAF’s advocacy updates, and a sneak peek at...

Episode 302:  One of the questions we hear most often when we're out at shows, conventions, and symposiums is: “So…what is Flower Clique?” In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with Ellie LaFever and Kami Martin to answer that question once and for all. From the why behind Flower Clique’s creation, to the specific ways we help florists simplify inventory, increase profitability, and streng...

Episode 301: What’s it really like to work in a family-owned business? In this episode, Lori chats with Mimi Pacheco, Marketing and Communications at Jet Fresh Flowers, about the unique joys and challenges of being part of companies built on family legacies. From the trust, flexibility, and sense of belonging that come with working in a close-knit environment, to the blurred boundaries, communicat...

Episode 300: Three hundred episodes later—wow! What started as a “let’s try it for a year” experiment has turned into a five-year journey filled with laughter, lessons, and lots of love for the floral community. In this special episode, Vonda and Lori reflect on what they’ve learned along the way: the joy of authentic connection, the quirks of podcasting, and the importance of patience (in busines...

Episode 299:  In this lighthearted and thoughtful episode, Vonda and Lori kick things off with karaoke night plans, road trip shenanigans, and a few laughs before diving into something we all wrestle with—morning routines. Inspired by an article on 10 simple habits that quietly make you unstoppable, they share personal stories, practical reflections, and how even small changes like making your bed...

Episode 298: Lori’s voice is back—and so is the chatter across the floral world. In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with industry leader and President of Bill Doran Company,  Bill LaFever, to unpack the big announcement combining Bill Doran Company and DWF, Denver Wholesale Florist , and what it really means for retail florists. Bill shares his family’s 80-year story—from his grandfather’s o...

Episode 297: In this special solo episode, Vonda LaFever, AIFD, takes us on a heartfelt journey through her 50 years in the floral industry. From her very first Saturday job at a flower shop in Ames, Iowa, to building her own business alongside her husband, to founding Flower Clique, Vonda shares the lessons that shaped her career and her life. She reflects on mentors who taught her the importance...

Episode 296:  Marketing is so much more than pretty Instagram posts – it’s the way your team answers the phone, the words you choose in an email, and the vibe customers feel when they walk through your door. In this workshop-style episode, Ellie LaFever PFCI, breaks down how to create intentional marketing that feels true to your brand and shows up consistently across every touchpoint. If you’ve e...

Episode 295: In this episode Vonda and Lori share their takeaways from the SAF Convention—highlighting programs, conversations, and connections that sparked inspiration. From co-presenting alongside industry leader Tim Farrell AIFD, PFCI, AAF, CFD on growing sympathy profits with intention, to navigating questions about grief, empathy, and how to confidently guide families in honoring loved ones,...

Episode 294:  What happens when three generations come together for a week-long Flower Clique photo shoot? Lori and Vonda are joined by Ellie and Vonda’s granddaughter Leighton for a heartwarming (and often hilarious) conversation about working side-by-side, social media through different generations’ eyes, and the unexpected skills that keep a creative team running smoothly—DoorDash expertise inc...

Episode 293:  In this solo episode, Vonda steps in while Lori waits to see if she is selected for jury duty—and uses the moment to talk about something every florist (and human) deals with: deadlines . From painting before houseguests arrive to preparing a flower shop for fall and holiday events, Vonda shares why deadlines aren’t the enemy—they’re actually a powerful tool for reducing stress, alig...

Episode 292:  Lori returns from her unforgettable trip to Scotland and Ireland—packed with castles, cobblestone streets, walking tours, pub chats, and even an ancient gospel manuscript. She and Vonda reflect on the joy of cultural exploration, the value of unplugging, and the unexpected tug of floral FOMO, even when you’re surrounded by highland cows and Guinness. Back stateside, Vonda shares behi...