The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Episode 192:  In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Martin, Vonda’s son and a seasoned flower buyer, who shares his experiences growing up in a flower shop. Tyler shares his thoughts on business locations and highlights some of the challenges and pitfalls that consumers often experience when trying to purchase flowers at a brick and mortar location. Furthermore, Tyler emphasizes the importance o...

Episode 191: As a floral business owner, it can be challenging find the time and have the expertise to price your designs competitively and profitably, especially in the online market. In this episode Kami Martin, Director of One Clique at Flower Clique, joins Vonda to discuss the important considerations to price your designs correctly on your website and how to avoid worrying about your direct c...

Episode 190: In this episode, Lori and Ellie take a deep dive into the successful marketing campaign behind the release of the Barbie movie and discuss ways that retail florists can implement similar tactics and strategies to boost their own businesses. From innovative social campaigns to creative collaborations, we break down the recipe that allowed Barbie capture the hearts of everyone this summ...

Episode 189: In this thought-provoking episode of "The Bridge Between Eras," join your host, Lori Wilson, as she lets Vonda have a day off while she hosts Cameron Pappas and Ellie LaFever. These two Millennials sit down with Lori and delve into the fascinating and ever-relevant topic of generational communication and succession in the business world. Together, they explore the challenges...

Episode 188: There is a lot of buzz about a mindsets and the importance of it in our businesses. Much of what we know and understand comes from studies found in the book Mindset by Carol S. Dweck, Ph. D.    Lori and Vonda discuss fixed and growth mindsets in relationship to new ideas and ways to grow in your business. Lori shares her own way to decide if an idea is worth sharing, calling it her P....

Episode 187: In this episode, we'll hear the inspiring story of Faye the Florist, a shop owner who is fighting a fierce battle with cancer. Despite the odds, Faye's cancer diagnosis has not hindered her passion for her business. Faye shares with us the growth of her business over the years and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way. Her determination and positive attitude w...

Episode 186:  Vonda and Lori chat with their friend and Cliquer, Abby Chick, owner of Blakemore's Flowers in Harrisonburg, VA,  to get the inside scoop on the workshop we're hosting on July 19th. She shares a whole new perspective on substituting flowers in your designs. It’s called The Subtle Art of Substitutions, and the purpose is to educate our industry on  the art and science behind...

Episode 185:  Join Lori and Ellie as they sit down with our good friend, Sam Bowles, the General Manager and Creative Director of Allen's Flowers in beautiful San Diego, CA. Get ready for an inspiring episode that will leave you motivated and eager to take your floral business to new heights! In this captivating conversation, Sam shares his incredible journey from being a middle-school educat...

Episode 184:  Vonda and Lori step back from the business of flowers to reflect and respect our country and share some little known facts about the 4th of July. In this family friendly episode, we encourage you to share it with your family and friends. Celebrate safely!  Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 182: What qualities do you look for in a leader? We believe it starts with leading by example, however, do you notice the subtle signs of a leader? Lori shares eight signs that will give you food for thought and get the wheels turning on who the leaders were / are in your life, while Vonda challenges you to take action.  Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retai...

Episode 182: Next Gen Live! is an event held by SAF (Society of American Florists) for floral pros age 45 and under,  from all segments of the floral industry. It was held in Miami June 11-13, 2023 and was a huge success! Ellie and Lori attended and enjoyed every bit of it. Vonda interviews Lori and Ellie, who attended and represented Flower Clique, to hear their favorite takeaways.  Sponsored by:...

Episode 181: Handling employee conflict in the workspace seems to be a subject that's not talked about often and not because it doesn't happen! Vonda and Lori share stories of real life experiences as well as tips as to when and how to intervene if necessary.  Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 180: Setting your new hire up for success in the beginning is essential to keeping and retaining your team. In this rewind from 2022, Vonda and Lori share a check list that you'll find helpful in the onboarding process as well as retaining your current team ~  and can implement right away! Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 179: Respect is defined as admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements. Oftentimes respect is combined with liking a persons' personality and their abilities, when, especially in the workspace, personal feelings should be set aside. Vonda and Lori chat about the What and How of workspace respect and then Lori jumps in as Devil's advo...

Episode 178: Lori takes an opportunity to pitch the book, Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect ,  written by Will Guidara to Vonda and you. When it comes to customer service, Lori knows what it takes as she has a great appreciation for creating superior experience. She shares a few of the many stories and recommends the book for both a good read and...

Episode 177:  Vonda has been known to quote Warren Buffet a time or two on the podcast, so it only seems natural that she would want to know all about the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders meeting that was held on May 6th.  Ellie LaFever, PFCI, made the trip to Omaha and we've invited long time attendee Sayer Martin, CFA, who is son and brother, to join us to hear the key takeaways from...

Episode 176: This week Vonda and Lori welcome back Ellie LaFever and Kami Martin. Lori takes the lead as she asks each to share some last minute tips that you can do today to increase visibility and sales for Mother's Day as well as some personal stories. From the high and lows of memories to personal questions that will give you a bit more insight to the lives and personality of the Flower C...

Episode 175: In part two of this interview with Jennifer Barnard, AAF, from Tillie's Flower Shop in Wichita, KS, Lori keys in on the importance of communication and properly preparing your people - your staff - to set them up for success, not only for the holiday but year round!  Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 174:  2-part podcast alert! So much to cover, it needed to be in two episodes. Get the inside scoop on one retail florist's business operations for Mother's Day. Lori sits down to chat with Jennifer Barnard, AAF, from Tillie's Flower Shop in Wichita, KS.  They chat about how Jen's business prepares for upcoming holidays. In the first of this 2-part series, they cover im...

Episode 173: Vonda and Lori chat about what's happening outside and inside the flower shop and encourage you to mark your calendar to attend an educational event, such as SAF or AIFD, one that best serves you.  With a few holidays and life events quickly approaching, it's important to keep your attitude in check. Your attitude and reactions create the culture in the workplace.  Join the...

Episode 172: Vonda and Lori continue to focus on the importance of your team.  In this interview with Sarah Botchick, from Pioneer Imports and Wholesale who  generally shares color trends with us,  we talk about another trend. It is the trend of Mental Health and Wellness in the work place. Sarah shares her personal journey as well as ideas for any business owner to afford and provide services for...

Episode 171 :  Have you ever heard of Psychological Safety? Psychological safety  is when individuals are comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fearing negative consequences. It might sound like it's not a big deal, , however, it really makes a difference in the performance of your team.  Vonda and Lori share examples of what it is, why it's important and what y...

Episode 170: It's no secret that we make choices everyday that will affect our future. After talking about the importance of affirmations in the previous episode, Vonda and Lori share some "lessons learned" and how actually taking it in and learning, over a period of time they can lead you to a more fulfilling and happy life.  Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Re...

Episode 169: Lori has always been a big believer in the power of affirmations so you can imagine how excited she was to learn of a study that proved there is science behind the idea that affirmations really do work! Vonda and Lori share a bit about the scientific study, how to create a true affirmations and several examples of self affirmations you might find useful for yourself.  Sponsored by: Fl...

Episode 168: Sixty days ago Flower Clique had a webinar "How to crush the first 60 days of 2023", and now it's time to follow-up. Vonda and Lori share their habit goals and how they've measured up ~ or not!  Book referenced: Atomic Habits by James Clear Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist