How We Bloom

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“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. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

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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. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

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"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. Host Sharon McGukin of  Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloom!

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How do flower blooms - fresh from the fields in South America, become the beautiful bouquets we enjoy in North America each day? Paul Miller AIFD, PFCI of Sunshine Bouquet shares the story. Offering insight into the farm … people … and process of growing and importing approximately 1.5 billion flower stems annually. Paul explains how field cut blooms move daily from one continent to another for the pleasure of flower consumers.

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

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How can florists turn chaos into cash this Valentine's Day? Chris Norwood AIFD, PFCI, AAF of Tipton & Hurst in Little Rock, Arkansas offers valuable time and money-saving tips for successful procurement, prep, design and delivery of Valentine flowers. As a bonus, Chris shares his story of making  online followers "Happy!"

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

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Dr. Jim DelPrince loves people and petals. This Mississippi State University floral professor taught students for 23 years. As a Mississippi Extension Service Specialist, he now teaches floral design to consumers. This hybrid online/onsite Master Floral Designer course draws attendees from multiple states. From small children to senior citizens, eager participants learn to create beauty by arranging botanicals. Interested? Click here! Jim shares the details with Sharon McGukin in this podcast.

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

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For your business to thrive “You’ve got to be found,” says Renato Sogueco, Vice-President of Digital Strategy and Education at BloomNet. Renato shares with us practical tips for a holistic approach to “Marketing in a Digital Age.”

 “This requires your business execute a well-planned digital strategy,” Renato explains. Constant change and development in the digital space may make you feel that you’re coming into it late. But, now is a great time to catch up and move forward to the benefit of your business. “Digital strategy does include social media, but social is really a complimentary strategy - not a main strategy of digital,” Renato continues. He offers solutions that are easy even for the lesser tech-savvy. For example, he suggests that to capture the attention of today’s young consumers - video is the medium of the present and the future. Listen now for more tips on “Marketing in a Digital Age.”

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

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 P. Allen Smith, a fifth-generation nurseryman, has parlayed a passion for nature and a southern upbringing into his life’s mission. Becoming one of America’s most talented garden designers. This award-winning designer, Master Gardener, author, and celebrity lifestyle expert, is followed by a worldwide audience. Allen is known sharing for his tried-and-true methods and cutting-edge knowledge with small farm and garden communities. You'll enjoy the entertaining stories he shares today with ‘How we Bloom’ host - Sharon McGukin, from his home at Moss Mountain Farm in Arkansas. You'll want to visit soon!

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

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Investing in yourself is essential for continued personal growth.  Learning new skills. Networking with peers. Building confidence. Feeding your passion for the work you do.  As the format of business continues to change, so do our educational opportunities. Which learning strategy works best for you?

In this podcast, Sharon McGukin and Jackie Lacey  explore the pros and cons of in-person,  virtual, and on-demand classes. 

• Which style of instruction is best for you? 
• What is your style of learning?  Visual learner? Avid reader? People person?
• Why set goals? Goals inspire opportunity.
• How can you create a budget for education? 
• Could your best opportunity be a blend of classes?

Why invest in yourself?  At the fast pace of business today, can you really afford not to? 

Click into this podcast for more insight on how you can continue to grow your skills by investing in yourself.

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

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Are you "Mastering the Art of Floral Paint" in this time of flower shortages, painted foliage trends and on-trend metallics? We see the different types of paint (aka color spray) products on shelves in wholesale supply departments.  Do you know how each is best used? 

In this podcast, we explore the latest tips and techniques for using color spray with flowers by asking the master. Design Master. Education and Creative Director Gretchen Sell of DM joins us to answer our questions.

• Is color spray harmful to fresh flowers?
• Do you paint a vase the same way you spray flowers?
• What is the difference between Just for Flowers and Color Tool Spray?
• How economical is the use of Design Master?     
• What color trends do you forecast for 2023?

Join us for Gretchen's professional tips and techniques that can save you time and money!
Did you know that ....

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