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Cultivate
Cultivate episodes
- Is there such a thing as a sustainable florist featuring special guest Rita from the Sustainable Floristry Network
I had the pleasure of speaking with Rita, founder of the Sustainable Floristry Network (SFN) and the No Floral Foam Movement. As a second-generation florist and science writer, Rita shares her insights on the disconnect between the floral industry and sustainability, and how SFN aims to address these challenges. As a member of the SFN, I’m proud to support sustainable practices at April and Fritz, and we discuss how florists can reduce their environmental impact by eliminating floral foam, avoiding single-use plastics, and prioritising local blooms. Join us as we dive into the complexities of creating a sustainable floral business and how we can move the industry toward a more eco-friendly future.
What we cover in this episode:
- How the wasteful nature of floral foam prompted Rita to explore sustainable floristry, launch SFN and begin the No Floral Foam Movement.
- Why sustainability matters in all industries, not just floristry, and why you should care about it as a consumer using florals in an event.
- Whether a sustainable florist actually exists and what responsibilities lay with the consumer versus the florist or event vendor.
- If you need to sacrifice aesthetics in your floral design in the name of being sustainable.
Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time.
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Visit Sustainable Floristry Network’s website: https://www.sustainablefloristry.org/
Connect with SFN on Instagram: @sustainablefloristry
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Enquire for your next event here.
Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz
Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!
49 min - Never settle for small when your business dreams are big
Today's episode is directed at business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone working in a physical space that engages with clients or customers. I'll be touching on what it takes to stand out from the crowd and how to incorporate different elements into your physical business to reach your next level. The reality is: Every moment there are new people coming into your field and challenging you, your clients, your everything. In my view, you need to be noticeable to skyrocket your reputation and attract new clients. With the corporate events that we participate in, what we do is create brand experiences. Some might think they're just flowers but I truly do believe that floral design can offer so much to a space, a business and your brand.
What we cover in this episode:
- How my previous experience working at one of the most renowned global technology companies influenced my understanding of strong brand identity.
- The importance of standing out in business and being memorable through thoughtful design and presentation.
- A real-life example of how my client uses high-impact floral installations in their space to stand out in their industry and leave a lasting impression on their own clients.
- Why you should prioritise standing out to your dream clients to increase brand loyalty, word-of-mouth referrals and ultimately, business growth.
Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time.
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Enquire for your next event here.
Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz
Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!
13 min - "I have never met a florist like you"
From early morning setups to the final touches on the big day, I spend this episode reflecting on the dedication and personalised service that sets April & Fritz apart in the floral industry. This has been inspired by an experience that I had at a client’s wedding recently. I got speaking to this fabulous woman who introduced herself as one of the MCs for the night, who was also related to the couple. After I explained that I was the florist and spoke about everything that I had done for the couple, she said “I have never met a florist like you”. And in that moment, I was really surprised, and it led me down a path of really digging into why she may have complimented me and my service in this way. I wanted to share my insights with you.
What we cover in this episode:
- Building meaningful connections with clients and the joy of going above and beyond to make their special day truly memorable.
- The journey that I take with a couple, from the initial inquiry to the final wedding day setup, and why I think this approach stands out in the industry.
- The value of building relationships with my clients beyond just the flowers.
- Why I am so dedicated to ensuring every detail is perfect on the wedding day, even beyond my floral duties.
Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time.
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Enquire for your next event here.
Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz
Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!
24 min - The event planning pep talk you didn't know you needed
I felt called to do something a little bit different today and step back from my usual structured approach to the podcast. I want to have an honest and heartfelt riff about the challenges of event planning, because it can sometimes feel really, really hard. Event planning requires you to put the building blocks down and lay the foundation for your perfect event with countless decisions and details to be considered along the way. And like anything, not all things go to plan and obstacles can be completely out of your control. So I wanted to share my take on this important topic and share some suggestions on how to best get back on your feet when you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by it all.
What we cover in this episode:
- The inherent imperfections and challenges that come along with event planning.
- Tips for ways to navigate feelings of overwhelm when it comes to the many decisions you need to make for your event.
- Leaning on your vendors for support during the hard times and the importance of asking them for help.
- The power of resilience and creativity in event planning and a reminder to focus on the primary goal of your event instead of perfection.
Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time.
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Enquire for your next event here.
Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz
Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!
19 min - The power of professional training with Myhanh from Melbourne Polytechnic
In contrast to last week’s topic, in this episode we’re talking to floristry Myhanh, the lead floristry teacher at Melbourne Polytechnic and one of my own mentors during my time studying a Certificate III in Floristry, about formal floristry qualifications. With years of expertise as a florist, business owner, and educator, Myhanh reveals how professional training translates into flawless execution, creative confidence, and peace of mind for your big event. We’ll discuss how to spot the difference between a well-trained florist and why that matters when bringing your vision to life and so much more. If you’re planning an event and want to ensure every floral detail is perfect, this episode is a must-listen.
What we cover in this episode:
Myhanh’s insights on the importance of professional training and how this translates into peace of mind for clients by knowing that the person creating the florals for your event is well-equipped to bring your vision to life.
Learn why hiring a professionally trained florist means you’re choosing someone who’s mastered their craft through structured learning, rigorous training, and industry standards - so you can trust that your event’s florals will exceed expectations.
Why continuous learning, training and mentoring after a florist's formal education means that your chosen florist isn’t just "winging it" but has taken the next step to hone their craft.
Myhanh shares her red flags to empower you to make informed decisions, helping them avoid vendors who may not deliver the quality or service you expect.
Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time.
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Check out the Certificate III in Floristry with Melbourne Polytechnic here.
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Enquire for your next event here.
Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz
Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!
50 min - How a self-taught florist can transform your event with Piper and Posie
We are diving into the journey of a self-taught floral designer who has made waves in the Melbourne floristry scene. I’m joined by the talented Piper of Piper and Posie, a flourishing floral designer who has built her business from the ground up over the past five years. We'll be diving into her experience as a self-taught florist and how she’s worked with clients to achieve their dream event, without the need for formal training. Plus, stay tuned for a special guest appearance from Piper's charming bulldog, Pearl!
What we cover in this episode:
- Piper’s journey into floristry and how starting her business during the pandemic proves that creativity and resilience can thrive in any situation (hint: these are qualities you’re going to want in your floral designer!)
- The difference between traditional floristry training and being self-taught, and how embracing a non-traditional path led her to find her own style and unique design approach.
- The importance of connection with your designer and key questions to ask potential vendors to ensure a smooth planning process and greater peace of mind.
- The importance of setting realistic expectations and how a designer who sets clear expectations within your budget helps create a stress-free planning experience and delivers results that meet, or even exceed, your vision.
Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time.
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Connect with Piper on Instagram: @piperandposie_
Visit Piper and Posie’s website: https://piperandposie.com/
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Enquire for your next event here.
Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz
Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!
47 min - Why care about insurance?
Today we are diving into a topic that might not be the most glamorous, but it's absolutely essential - insurance. I’m joined by the lovely Casey from Sparksure, who has over 11 years of experience in the insurance world and a passion for eliminating the stress and confusion that comes with it. From understanding the types of insurance your vendors should have to know how to bring it up during your planning process, Casey lays it all out for us. Whether you're planning a wedding, a corporate event or any special occasion, this episode will help you stay ahead of any potential mishaps and help to ensure your event is memorable for all the right reasons.
What we cover in this episode:
- Why hiring vendors without insurance can lead to complications if something goes wrong on the day of your event.
- The importance of reviewing terms and conditions, as they often include insurance details and warnings that clients may need their own insurance - which can easily be missed.
- Questions to ask your vendors to ensure that you are protected and some potential red flags to keep an eye out for.
- Some risks and unpredictabilities that can arise when working with nature in event design and the importance of clear terms and conditions to manage your expectations.
Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time.
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Please be aware that the content of this podcast episode is general advice and not personal advice. Sparksure can tell you about the relevant products and can collect information from you to determine if we can arrange the product or cover for you. However, Sparksure are not able to tell you if the product or an option within it is specifically appropriate for you, having regard to your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, you need to consider the appropriateness of the general advice given in regards to your personal situation before acting upon it.
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Connect with Casey on Instagram: @spark.sure
Visit Sparksure’s website here.
Connect with Casey on LinkedIn here.
Click to read the Financial Services Guide and Statement of Services.
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Enquire for your next event here.
Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz
Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!
41 min - Your final arrangements with The Funeral Fix
Our podcast explores the art and emotional impact of floral design in creating memorable events - and funerals are no exception. With Dying to Know Day approaching on Thursday the 8th of August, my conversation with Oli and Yaz from The Funeral Fix is timely. The Funeral Fix is a training program for funeral celebrants that they created back in 2021, and is a program that I graduated from before offering funeral floristry at April and Fritz. I wanted to bring Oli and Yaz onto the podcast in the lead-up to Dying to Know Day because this year's theme focuses on discussing final arrangements. In this episode we explore how we can create personalised services and integrate healing rituals in particular with nature. It’s all about understanding how we can support our loved ones through thoughtful planning and creating ceremonies that truly reflect a life well-lived. I hope this discussion inspires you to embrace this important topic with openness, care and positivity.
What we cover in this episode:
- How my partner Rob changed my perspective on death and ways that this shaped my journey with funeral floristry, alongside my learnings from The Funeral Fix.
- Understanding funeral celebrancy & the funeral space, including the role of a funeral celebrant in supporting families.
- The role of rituals in modern funerals and the significance of personalised arrangements, and how this can shift your perspective on end of life ceremonies.
- How you can incorporate nature into rituals to create meaningful end of life ceremonies for your loved ones.
Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time.
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Visit The Funeral Fix website here.
Check out the course outline here.
Read their FAQs here.
Get Yaz’s Funeral Planner here.
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Enquire for your next event here.
Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz
Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!
57 min - Finding dream vendors
When I first started my business, I had a relationship with a vendor who I engaged to help set up some back-end systems for my customer experience. I was inspired to speak on this topic of finding your dream vendors because this experience was far from a dream. I felt like I was running out of time when I chose this vendor, and our relationship went south pretty quickly. There was no communication, I felt strung along and ended up taking legal advice after they ghosted me. After this experience, I swore that I never wanted a client of mine to ever feel this way. So I want to share that all with you in this episode to help you avoid the mistakes that I made and find the vendors that you dream of working with, which will ultimately lead to an incredible event for you.
In this episode, we’ll be diving into:
- My negative experience with a vendor for my own business and how it taught me to approach working with people moving forward.
- The downfalls of being a people pleaser and tips to help you advocate for yourself when a vendor is not communicating well or isn’t keeping up with what you have contractually agreed upon.
- The red flags to look out for when you engage with a vendor for your event and knowing when it’s time to break up with them.
- Practical tips for ending the relationship when your vendor and what mistakes to avoid the next time you engage with vendors.
Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time.
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Enquire for your next event here.
Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz
Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!
42 min - Why we love and hate styled shoots
In this episode we explore the world of styled shoots - a topic that brings both excitement and challenges for you as a client. Styled shoots typically tend to prioritise aesthetics over anything else. By thinking critically about the images in front of you, you can really get a sense of what it is that you're drawn to and pull inspiration from it. We’ll discuss balancing inspiration with practicality, the importance of seeing your potential team’s work in action and how it can reassure you about their capabilities, as well as sharing how these shoots can help you communicate your unique vision to your vendor. I’ll share personal anecdotes and experiences, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating these beautiful yet sometimes impractical events. Whether you’re a client seeking inspiration or a vendor looking to collaborate, this episode is packed with valuable information and tips.
In this episode, we’ll be diving into:
- The behind-the-scenes of a styled shoot and why you may want to pay attention.
- How styled shoots can serve as a visual guide, helping you understand what to expect from your prospective vendor team.
- The common pitfalls and impracticalities of styled shoots, and how to be mindful of this when searching for inspiration.
- Tips on using styled shoot inspiration wisely to create a personalised and practical event.
Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time.
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Enquire for your next event here.
Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz
Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/
Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!
24 min
About Cultivate
From the publisher's feed
This is Cultivate. A podcast for wedding florists, floral designers and creative business owners with the talent, taste and vision to build something extraordinary. Hosted by Bree Michaelas, floral…
designer, writer and business coach, with a forensic interest in how creative women build businesses that reflect the calibre of their work, you can expect conversations on consultations, pricing, marketing, client experience, leadership, and everything else it takes to build a creative business worthy of your ambition.