Flower Power Podcast

Warning - this episode may make you want to take two weeks off of work to pursue a creative calling! This is exactly what Aileen Ju, a UX and graphic designer, did when she took a vacation from work to learn from the best as a student at the Madrid Flower School. Aileen talks all about the 10 day program, what she learned her favorite flowers and her plans for the future. Inspiring and sweet Aileen encourages us all to take our own creative sabbatical and see where that leads us. 

Follow Aileen on Instagram at @Aileenmakesstuff and reach out to her by direct message for the discount code for the school.

For more info about Madrid Flower School or to sign up for their next session visit https://madridflowerschool.com/en/

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Stacy Borelli of Ethos Flower Events tells her story. She talks about the designers and farmers who have influenced her and shares what is blooming on Ethos the Farm. Stacy's farm is located west of Richmond, Virginia. In our conversation she gives great growing advice and shares her growing goals for the future. 

Stacy will be teaching again this year at Flower Fest (Sept 12, in Vienna, VA) alongside two other designers (myself and Ellen Frost.)  If you'd like to purchase a ticket to Flower Fest to see her demonstrate her unique design style and get hands-on help from Stacy check out the Flower Fest details here.  Stacy is on a mission to spread joy through flowers and loves giving, growing and deep diving. :) 

Check her out at Ethos Floral Events. Follow Ethos the Farm on Instagram. 

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In this episode I talk with Shilpa Reddy, an established floral designer in the UK who founded the London School of Floristry!  Shilpa shares her best tips for using social media, her favorite vessel and mechanics and how she loves using fruits and veggies in a tablescape. Shilpa is a teacher by heart and has an eye for design and details. Follow her for more floral inspo and tips at Shilpa Reddy Flowers. See you at the Chelsea Flower Show, Shilpa!   

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In this podcast I speak with Jen Cavender, owner of Nectar & Bloom. Jen is a floral artist and floral educator based in San Diego. In this episode Jen shares with us her journey as an artist and some great design tips. We do a floral tarot reading and talk about why she created her book Tarot of Flowers. Follow Jen on social media and be sure to purchase your own copy of Tarot of Flowers for you and your most flower-loving friends! Jen is also the host of Called to Bloom so check it out for some inspiration and self-love practices.

Jen's Called to Bloom Podcast

Check out Jen's Tarot of Flowers book and card deck

Nectar & Bloom website https://www.nectarandbloomfloral.com/ 

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Joshua David Bishop, of Nature Boy & Co, in L.A. tells us of his journey in the floristry industry and how he first got the idea to build flower castles in the sand. Be sure to check out his page on Instagram and tag him the next time you go to the beach to build a flower sandcastle of your own. He wants to start a movement, after all!  And if you are a celebrity - have him do your proposal or wedding! 

Instagram: @natureboyandco

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On this episode I talk to Oren Falkowitz, founder of Area 2 Farms, an urban farm with a mission to get healthy, fresh food to the surrounding communities. We talk about how he runs Area 2 Farms farm, the benefits of urban farming and his plans for the future. Really excited to spread his message. Visit their website or email [email protected] to get in touch with Oren and his super team of local growers and agents of change.

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Laura Dowling served as the White House Chief Floral Designer from 2009-2015 during the Obama administration. In this episode she shares her favorite White House projects and tips for holiday decor.  I loved hearing about her experience interviewing for the job at the White House. Inspiring and honest, I loved every minute of this conversation!  Laura's latest book, Designing Christmas, will be out this fall and I can't wait to order it.

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Martha Brettschneider is an experienced gardener, nature photographer, a positive intelligence mental fitness coach and a mindfulness teacher. In this conversation she talks about the role gardening has played in her life and how this relationship has evolved over the years. Martha is the author of Blooming into Mindfulness - How the Universe Used a Garden, Cancer and Carpools to Teach Me that Calm is the New Happy. I loved every moment of this conversation and can't wait to be present again in my garden as soon as I can get out there.

Bio

Martha Brettschneider is a certified PQ® Mental Fitness Coach, mindfulness teacher, and author dedicated to helping individuals transform stress into strength and embrace their evolving potential. A former international economist, she guides clients to cultivate resilience, clarity, and purpose through the power of presence and daily mental fitness. Her business, Damselwings, LLC, also includes a visual mindfulness arm—creating nature-inspired wall art that brings grounding energy into homes, offices, and wellness spaces. Whether through coaching, teaching, or photography, Martha empowers others to reconnect with their inner wisdom and lead from a place of trust, calm, and authentic strength. Her book Blooming Into Mindfulness: How the Universe Used a Garden, Cancer, and Carpools to Teach Me That Calm Is the New Happy chronicles her journey, including the central role that her garden played. 

Sign up for Martha’s mailing list and receive a free meditation download here: https://damselwings.com/meditation-optin/

Websites : https://damselwings.com/  and https://www.damselwingsphotography.com/

Upcoming Programs

30-Day Mindfulness Meditation Challenge Starting May 5 LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE

Sage Photography Retreat May 17-18 in Blueridge Mountains, Woodville, VA LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE

Deeper work of tending to our inner garden and strengthening our root systems through Positive Intelligence Mental Fitness coaching SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY CALL WITH MARTHA HERE

Email: [email protected]

Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Blooming-into-Mindfulness-Universe-Carpools/dp/0996935223

Follow Martha on Instagram @marthabrett and @the_sage_photography_project

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I learned so much about owning a successful floral design business from Oscar Andrade of Petals to the Metal. After 8 years owning this business and growing up working in his aunt's flower shop in Miami, Oscar has floristry in his blood.  During our conversation Oscar gives some great advice to new and experienced floral designers. He also describes working with wire service providers and explains how he sources most of his flowers. Be sure to follow Oscar on social media and reach out if you need a mentor or want to partner up with him!

Instagram- @petalstothemetalfloristdc

Website: www.districtpetals.com

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In this episode I interviewed Sangeeta Sarkar of Renzinnia Farms. We talked about succession planting, money saving tips, sunflower varieties and the benefits of working in the soil.  Sangeeta has wanted to own a farm since her childhood and in 2020 purchased a beautiful 22-acre property about 30 minutes from her home. Enjoy this conversation and all the lessons Sangeeta has for you.

Follow them on Instagram:
@renzinnia_farms

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