How We Bloom

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Learn the Principles & Elements of Design  with Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI

Pablo Picasso said it best, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” 

While it may seem simple enough to drop flowers in a vase and call it an arrangement, even more pleasure can be derived once you’ve learned the  fundamentals of design. 

These guidelines, the  Principles and Elements of Design, are the technically correct manner of placing materials in a design. Learning the proper principles, elements, mechanics and techniques to achieve floral design mastery will help you expand your skills and truly enjoy the artform. This podcast is a great place to start learning the basics.

How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Hosts Sharon McGukin and Smithers-Oasis North America invite floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

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"Solve problems to create new business," suggests Lenny Walker, VP of sales and operations at Kennicott Brothers Company. Like many business models, the floral industry is changing. Sharon McGukin and Lenny discuss viable ways to enhance your floral business by “Partnering with your Wholesaler.”

Consider their suggestions for communicating with one another, focusing on growing the business and industry together, and reminding consumers of the value of flowers – in order to inspire success. “One flower bunch or stem at a time.”

How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Hosts Sharon McGukin and Smithers-Oasis North America invite floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

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A Texas Cowboy in Philly? You couldn’t miss this Oasis Ambassador.

On the last day of the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show, a Texas Cowboy wandered along the flower-fragrant aisles without his horse. Dressed in his Texas cowboy hat, boots, and shirt - with a Texas flag and lone star on it, stood Abel Gonzalez Mencio, AIFD, PFCI, TMF of Casa Granada Floral in La Feria, Texas. He wore a banner that read ‘Texas Designer of the Year’ with his name on the back. 

Abel won an Oasis Ambassador contest that sponsored his travel to Philly where he volunteered on the international Schaffer Design team. 

“It was amazing!” responds Abel when asked about his first visit to the famous Flower Show. “There’s no other word for it.” When people asked to take photos with him, “I told them a little bit about Texas, Oasis, my Ambassadorship and getting to work with talented designers from around the world.” 

Abel shares more of his “amazing” adventures in this podcast. 

How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Hosts Sharon McGukin and Smithers-Oasis North America invite floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

Send us a text

“Your foundation is the most critical part of anything you build,” says Canadian florist, Lea Romanowski CAFA, AIFD, CAFD. “If your foundation isn't good, if it isn't strong and true, it will affect the entire outcome of the design.” Lea has learned, through the years, the importance of excellent floral mechanics.  

Lea - owner of Designing on the Edge, has made an art of pushing the boundaries of design. Lea built the business using her carpentry, painting, metal work and electrical skills earning her the nickname "MacGyver, a fixer of all things visual." 

She offers tips and techniques for precision floral mechanics in everyday use, or evaluations and competitions, including AIFD’s PFDE. Lea represented Canada at the 2023 Interflora World Cup in Manchester, England and shares highlights of her global experience.

How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Hosts Sharon McGukin and Smithers-Oasis North America invite floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

Send us a text

Need a floral education program where creativity meets business?

Consider EMC- European Master Certification, a floral program developed to nurture the creative and business growth of designers worldwide.

Design visionary Tomas De Bruyne of Belgium, and business strategist Christi Lopez of Virginia, discuss with Sharon McGukin  upcoming EMC trend-setting opportunities. This blended learning concept - online courses, self study, and on-site events helps  participants expand their floral design potential.  

Learn also about ICE – the Infinite Creative Effect. And, details of the  upcoming floral event - DUOlogue in Miami.  

Listen to this podcast for details!

How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Hosts Sharon McGukin and Smithers-Oasis North America invite floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

Send us a text

"Don't be afraid to step out and educate yourself," says Michael Smith AIFD, AAF, PFCI, FDI, FSMD." Education is the key to success." 

Michael  is a retail florist  in Mariana, Florida and winner of the 54th annual Sylvia Cup design competition. He offers sage  advice  to people who would like to have the opportunity  to win a Sylvia Cup or other floral competition.

Participation in competitions or evaluations is one of the very best 'classes' you can ever attend, because you can learn so much when it's just you, the time clock, and the design table. Listen as Michael shares helpful tips for meeting that challenge with success. Learn to trust your talent!

How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Hosts Sharon McGukin and Smithers-Oasis North America invite floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

Send us a text

Jenny Thomason, AIFD, AAF, PFCI, EMC of Dallas, Texas represented USA in the 2023 Interflora World Cup in Manchester, England where she placed in the Top 10.  

How did she accomplish this feat?

“Your first step is to do something every single day." says Jenny. "Study with designers,  take workshops, go to symposium, go to conferences, buy books, subscribe to international magazines, practice. Completely absorb everything possible. Expose yourself to a wider range of floristry. Get out there and do it.” 

Listen to this episode for more valuable tips from this floral expert.

How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Hosts Sharon McGukin and Smithers-Oasis North America invite floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

Send us a text

“There's nothing that changes the energy of a room, like a bouquet of flowers,” says floral professional Jodi Duncan AIFD. In this flower chat with host, Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI, Jodi offers tips for making fresh flowers a part of your healthy, elevated lifestyle. Jodi also introduces us to her new healthy-focused site the Hungry Florist. Check out this new online gathering place for florists (or their friends) who love, eating, cooking, and creating. 

How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Hosts Sharon McGukin and Smithers-Oasis North America invite floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

Send us a text

Every wedding designer has experienced ‘that wedding.’ The one where perfect plans suddenly met with unexpected chaos. Sometimes Mother Nature throws us a few challenges, even for those who are at the top of their game. Regaining control requires focus, finesse, and flexibility. 

Ian Prosser AIFD, AAF, PFCI reminds us to stop, realize there is a solution, and move forward to find it. Even the most challenging weddings can be taken ‘from Disaster to Delight.’ We love for our flowers to be pretty, but this is a story about being prepared.

How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Hosts Sharon McGukin and Smithers-Oasis North America invite floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

Send us a text

"Trends are a fun way to tell a new story" says renowned floral trend forecaster, Talmage McLaurin AIFD. "Trends are not revolutionary, they're evolutionary." Tiny shifts. A movement forward, rather than a disruption. Eye-catching trends capture consumer interest and drive impulse sales. Listen as Talmage shares six floral trends that will inspire us in 2023.

How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Hosts Sharon McGukin and Smithers-Oasis North America invite floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!