What does it take to build a floral business rooted in whimsy, authenticity, and community? In this episode of Mornings with Mayesh, we sit down with Camille Craig, owner of New Leaf Floral Design in Seattle, Washington, to find out.

Camille's journey into floral design started in her mother's garden, where she'd gather fistfuls of blooms and present them with pure childhood excitement. Twenty years later, that same joy still fuels her work—and you can see it in every textural, colorful, whimsical arrangement she creates.

From leaving a corporate desk job she hated to launching her own business in 2020, Camille shares how she discovered her design identity, built a thriving community of florists and clients, and learned to trust her creative instincts. She also talks about her experience with our Wicked Design Challenge, where she brought her signature style to the emerald greens and sparkling pinks of the Land of Oz.

Whether you're an established florist or still discovering your creative voice, this conversation is full of honest insights, practical advice, and a reminder that it's never too late to follow your passion.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How childhood wonder can help shape your design identity
• Why community is essential to business success
• Balancing client visions with your signature style
• Building trust through practice and portfolio work
• The importance of staying true to yourself as an artist

Show notes, photos, and video replay:

https://www.mayesh.com/blog

Join Yvonne Ashton and David Dahlson for an exciting episode of Mornings with Mayesh as they unveil two game-changing updates for the floral industry.

First, David introduces Mayesh's newest farm partner, Designer Cut Flowers from Guatemala, and their stunning collection of cymbidium orchids. These blooms fill the seasonal gap between New Zealand and Holland's availability, offering florists gorgeous fall colors including burgundies, golds, yellows, and two-tones—perfect for autumn weddings and events. With 8-11 blooms per stem and professional Dutch-style packaging, these orchids are a must-have for your designs.

Then, David shares his hands-on review of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam—the plant-based innovation the floral community has been waiting for. Made entirely from renewable resources with a 56% lower carbon footprint than traditional petroleum-based foam, this sustainable alternative hydrates faster, holds stems securely, and works with all stem types. David discusses its performance, compostability, and why this is an important step toward more sustainable floral design.

Whether you're looking for beautiful new blooms or eco-conscious design solutions, this episode delivers practical insights and exciting new options for your floral business.

Featured in this episode:

• Designer Cut Flowers Guatemala cymbidium orchids
• OASIS® Renewal™ plant-based floral foam review
• Fall color palette and varieties
• Sustainable floral design tips
• Product availability at Mayesh locations and on mayesh.com

Show notes, photos, and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/cymbidium-farm-sustainable-floral-foam

Tired of working six days a week, chasing one-off weddings, and feeling trapped in the seasonal ups and downs of the event floral world? This episode is your roadmap to freedom. Host Yvonne Ashton sits down with Franceska McCaughan, international floral strategist and founder of The Hotel Florist®, who has revolutionized how florists think about sustainable income. From her beginnings in foster care to building a floral empire serving luxury hotels across three continents, Franceska's story proves that complete business reinvention is possible—no matter where you start. In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to break free from the wedding-only cycle that's keeping you stuck
• The key difference between being profitable and just being busy
• Franceska's proven strategies for creating recurring revenue streams
• Why hotels are the untapped goldmine most florists are missing
• How to scale your business beyond your own physical limitations
• The mindset shifts that prevent burnout and build long-term sustainability
• Real strategies from the Hotel Florist® Profit Method that have helped florists generate over $8 million in contracts

Whether you're a seasoned florist feeling burned out or just starting to think beyond weddings, this conversation will completely shift how you approach building a sustainable floral business. Franceska shares practical, proven methods that are working right now for florists around the globe—this isn't just theory, it's a blueprint for transformation. About Franceska McCaughan: Franceska McCaughan is an international floral strategist, hospitality consultant, and the visionary behind The Hotel Florist®. She has helped florists worldwide generate over $8 million in hotel floral contracts and consults with luxury brands on floral strategy. A multiple business founder, best-selling author, and survivor-turned-thought-leader, Franceska is passionate about helping creatives build profitable, purpose-driven businesses without burning out. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Mornings with Mayesh wherever you listen to podcasts!

Show notes, photos, and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/hotel-contracts-building-recurring-revenue-florists

What are the top 6 flowers you absolutely need to know about right now? Join host Yvonne Ashton as she welcomes back resident flower guru David Dahlson for another exciting flower show and tell on Mornings with Mayesh! In this episode, we reveal the top 6 stunning flower varieties that every florist, designer, and flower enthusiast needs to know about.

David shares his expert insights on timing, availability, and care tips for each bloom, including two gorgeous carnation varieties, an exciting new jumbo craspedia, exclusive Degas roses, and two beautiful phlox options perfect for fall arrangements.

Featured in This Episode:

• Carnation Opium Thrill (coming in 3 weeks)
• Carnation Petra with peachy pink tones and impressive 3-4 inch blooms
• New Jumbo Craspedia variety with nearly 2-inch diameter heads
• Limited edition Degas Roses in stunning gold bronze (Mayesh US exclusive)
• Cherry Caramel and Crème Brûlée Phlox varieties with excellent fall supply

NOTE: this episode is best in video format.

Show notes, photos, and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mwm-top-6-flowers-to-know

Missed last week's live stream? Catch the replay! Host Yvonne Ashton sits down with David Dahlson to explore the incredible wave of new varieties from Rosaprima and Floraprima – over 35 introductions in just six months! Discover stunning new roses like Superstition, Champagnier, and Popcorn, plus beautiful ranunculus varieties including Cloni Nuance and Cloni Nebbia. Get the insider perspective from a true floriculture expert, not just catalog descriptions. Essential listening for florists and flower lovers alike.

**For best experience, we recommend watching the video replay.**

Mornings with Mayesh | Originally aired live

Video replay & show notes: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mwm-new-rosaprima-floraprima-roses-flowers-2025

What if flowers could be more than beautiful arrangements? What if they could be community art, television content, and catalysts for human connection in the most unexpected places?

In this episode of Mornings with Mayesh, we sit down with Katie Lila, the visionary Flower Director behind Flowers For People and creator-host of the PBS series "FOLLOW THE BLOOMS." Broadcasting from Spokane, Katie shares her incredible journey from local floral designer to national television personality, and her bold mission to start what she calls a "flower revolution."

Katie takes us behind the scenes of Season 1's most ambitious projects - from underwater mermaid gardens to professional treehouse reveals. But the real excitement comes when she discusses her open call for Season 2 submissions, actively seeking designers, growers, community planners, and artists who share her vision.

In this energizing conversation, we explore Katie's dreams of floral flash mobs in subway stations, floral confetti at sporting events, and partnerships with sponsors who can see the massive potential for flowers as public art. Whether you're a seasoned floral professional or someone with a wild flower idea, Katie's infectious enthusiasm and call-to-action will inspire you to think bigger about blooms.

Topics Covered:

• The making of PBS series "Follow the Blooms" Season 1
• Behind-the-scenes stories from underwater gardens to treehouse reveals
• Season 2 submission process and collaboration opportunities
• Reaching new audiences beyond traditional floral markets
• The business of flowers as public art and community experiences
• How to get involved in the "flower revolution"

Perfect for: Floral designers, event planners, PBS fans, community artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about innovative approaches to floral design. Video replay & show notes: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mwm-katie-lila-of-follow-the-blooms

Join us for an exclusive look at the 2025 AIFD Symposium "Reflection" happening July 12-15 in Palm Springs! We sit down with symposium chair Lori Novak, a 45-year floral industry veteran, and Susan McLeary, who will be presenting at the 2026 symposium. Together, they share insider details about AIFD's 60th anniversary celebration, standout programming, what first-time attendees can expect, and advice for aspiring symposium presenters. Whether you're planning to attend or curious about what makes these events so transformative for floral designers worldwide, this conversation has something for you.

Topics covered: AIFD Symposium programming, Palm Springs venue highlights, registration tips, presenter selection process, and why this milestone anniversary event is generating industry-wide excitement.

Visit our blog for the show notes and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mornings-with-mayesh-inside-aifds-60th-anniversary-symposium

Join host Yvonne for an inspiring conversation with Charity Reel, Vice President of Sales at Mayesh Wholesale Floral Distributors. In this episode, Charity shares her journey from selling freight services to leading national sales operations across Mayesh's 20+ locations in 13 states.

With nearly three decades at Mayesh, Charity offers insights into effective sales leadership in the floral industry, discussing specific techniques that have driven success and the pivotal moments that shaped her approach. She explores how her natural curiosity and love for people have influenced her leadership style, and reveals her philosophy that success, like fine wine, requires patience, consistent ingredients, and passionate nurturing.

Listeners will discover Charity's perspective on balancing traditional relationship-based sales with emerging e-commerce opportunities, her approach to mentoring the next generation of sales professionals, and her vision for the future of wholesale floral distribution. Whether you're a seasoned floral professional or just starting your career, this episode delivers valuable takeaways on sales development, leadership, and the power of authentic connection in the floral industry. Visit our blog for the show notes and video replay:

https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mwm-conversation-with-charity-reel-vp-of-sales

In this illuminating episode of Mornings with Mayesh, we dive deep into the transformative power of continuing education in the floral industry with Kristen Pulcheon, Executive Director of Fiori Florals Design Studio in Central Ohio.

Since launching in January 2020, Kristen has built Fiori into a powerhouse that executes nearly $2 million in events annually. Drawing from her 20-year journey through the wedding and special events industry—spanning luxury bridal fashion, event venues, and finally floral design—Kristen shares candid insights on how ongoing education has been crucial to her team's remarkable success.

As both a seasoned business owner and a bride-to-be herself (with her wedding just days away!), Kristen offers a unique perspective on excellence in floral design. She reveals her strategies for cultivating a learning culture that balances technical skills with creative development, adapting to industry shifts, and measuring the return on educational investments.

Listeners will discover practical approaches to team development that can be implemented in businesses of any size, from solo floral artists to large studios. Kristen also discusses emerging trends in the industry and the skills she believes will be essential for floral professionals in the coming years.

Whether you're looking to scale your floral business, enhance your design capabilities, or simply find inspiration from one of the industry's rising stars, this conversation provides valuable takeaways for anyone passionate about the world of flowers and design.

Duration: 45 minutes

Visit our blog for the show notes and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/how-continuing-education-elevates-floral-design-with-kristen-pulcheon

Join host Yvonne Ashton as she sits down with celebrated floral artist and educator Susan McLeary in this enlightening episode of Mornings with Mayesh. Susan, known for her boundary-pushing floral art and wearables, shares insights into her revolutionary "floral constellation" techniques that are transforming how designers approach wedding personals and wearable pieces.

In this conversation, Sue reveals the inspiration behind her innovative wire armature methods that create floating, shape-shifting designs without traditional wiring, taping, or excessive use of floral glue. She discusses how these techniques produce modern, durable, and long-lasting pieces while offering practical solutions for today's professional florists.

As an author, instructor, and passionate advocate for the floral industry, Susan opens up about her creative journey and provides a sneak peek at what participants can expect from her upcoming workshop with Mayesh. Whether you're looking to elevate your design skills or simply appreciate floral artistry, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the industry's most generous and innovative minds.

Visit our blog for the show notes and video replay:

https://www.mayesh.com/blog/susan-mcleary-innovative-floral-design-techniques

Originally streamed live on May 2nd, 2025.

#MorningsWithMayesh #SusanMcLeary #FloralDesign #FloristEducation