Episode 313: It’s almost Christmas, the packages are at the mercy of FedEx and UPS, and Lori’s dad is calling two days before the holiday wondering if he should buy gifts for all the grandkids. In other words, peak season energy.

In this episode, Lori brings a list she found called “10 signs you’re mentally strong (but may not realize it)” and the conversation turns into a surprisingly relatable look at mental toughness, what it really means, how it changes with age, and why it matters so much when you’re running a flower shop. From cutting off toxic customers, to forgiving without reconnecting, to saying no without guilt, to not overreacting to one bad review, Lori and Vonda connect real-life growth to real-life business ownership. They also talk about healing privately, staying focused instead of posting everything, and learning to use silence as a strategy—especially in the rare quiet moments between seasons.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 312: Lori and Vonda lean into the chaos of the holiday season and tackle a topic every florist can relate to, what your customer service voice needs to say vs. what you wish you could say.

From last-minute delivery requests to “I don’t care, you decide” customers who definitely care, they share laugh-out-loud moments from the flower shop—and the thoughts that stay safely inside our heads. Along the way, they talk through simple, real-world ways to handle busy holiday calls with confidence, warmth, and leadership, even when you’re tired and running on caffeine.

This episode is equal parts humor and helpful reminders about setting expectations, offering clear options, staying upbeat on the phone, and finding small ways to create memorable moments for your customers—especially during the busiest time of year.

If you’ve ever hung up the phone and thought, “If only I could say what I was really thinking,” this one’s for you.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 311: In this episode Ellie sits down with Angelique Witcher, Director of Marketing at Accent Decor, to talk all things branding and elevating your business in 2026 – especially if you’re a floral retailer or designer.

Angelique shares how her background in fashion, design, and global culture informs Accent Decor’s brand vision, and walks us through their recent rebrand – from clarifying their core customer buckets (flower, plant, and home) to making sure every touchpoint, from website to showroom, feels intentional and elevated. She and Ellie break down how strong branding influences pricing power, customer trust, and perception long before you ever speak to a client.

Angelique also gives a sneak peek into Accent Decor’s upcoming Valentine’s Day promo, new arches and event pieces launching in January, and how they’re partnering with farms to create fresh floral installations in their showrooms.

If you’ve been feeling that your brand no longer matches the beauty of your work, this episode will inspire you to refine, elevate, and show up in 2026 with a look and story that truly reflect your artistry. 🌸

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 310: In this heartfelt episode, Lori and Vonda open up about the emotional side of customer service—especially during the busy holiday season. They remind us that not every upset customer is truly angry; some are overwhelmed, hurting, or simply lonely. With gentle guidance and real examples from the floral industry, they share how a simple pause, a calm tone, and a little kindness can completely change an interaction.

It’s a warm reminder that the way we show up for others matters, and that compassion—especially in stressful moments—can make someone’s day a little brighter.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 309: In this special episode, Lori and Vonda welcome a very important guest—Ellie—to relive her unforgettable wedding in Rome and pull back the curtain on what it really takes to design an international destination wedding. 

From navigating time zones, laid-back Italian vendors, and cultural differences (“unfortunately…”), to securing flowers through industry connections, planning mechanics for towering broken arches, and transporting hundreds of stems through narrow Roman streets at 5:30 a.m.—they share the wins, pivots, and problem-solving behind the magic.

You’ll hear how vision boards evolved (and had to be “locked”), how a DIY PVC arch frame became a showstopper, why respecting the architecture and history of a venue matters, and how a trusted design team (Tim, Julie, and Vonda) made it possible for the mother of the bride to actually be the mother of the bride on the big day.

Whether you’re a florist dreaming of destination work or just love a good behind-the-scenes wedding story, this episode is full of heart, humor, and practical insight on designing something truly unforgettable.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 308: Recorded at peak “end-of-day brain,” Lori and Vonda dive into one of the most overlooked tools in the floral industry: email marketing that feels personal, warm, and human. They break down why florists avoid email marketing, what customers actually want to receive, and how you can write simple newsletters that create loyalty—not pressure.

You’ll learn how to craft subject lines that get opened (“We saw this and thought of you…”), how to balance storytelling with sales, and why emailing once a month is better than not emailing at all. A refreshing, relatable take on marketing from two people who fully admit they’re running on fumes—and yet delivering pure gold.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 307: Lori and Vonda welcome friend and designer, Marlin Hargrove AIFD, for a masterclass in holiday home installs—equal parts sparkle and straight talk. From landing residential vs. commercial clients to deciding when to use a client’s décor vs. curating a full package, Marlin breaks down the real-world workflow: consult questions that matter, tree-lighting strategy, toppers (crowns or subtle?), staffing smartly (lighters, designers, fluffers), and building half-day/full-day rate structures that actually pay. You’ll hear clever marketing moves (neighborhood targeting, blogger partnerships, mailbox-friendly outreach), why take-down is gold for next year’s bookings, and how timing (Thanksgiving to New Year’s) drives your calendar and fees. It’s candid, practical, and a little bit hilarious—yes, including “save-the-marriage” tree installs.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 306: When it rains, it pours — but even in the busiest, most chaotic weeks, florists know how to make something beautiful bloom. In this lively and laughter-filled episode, Lori and Vonda swap “one-thing-after-another” stories before diving into fresh, practical ways flower shops can thrive this holiday season.

From DIY centerpiece kits and bring-your-own-vase designs to holiday workshops, ribbon bow services, and social media marketing tips, they unpack creative, low-cost ideas that help floral businesses stand out and connect with their communities.

You’ll also hear heartfelt stories, clever marketing strategies, and a few moments of pure hilarity (yes, including making bows with your feet). Whether you’re a seasoned florist or just love hearing how creativity meets chaos, this episode will inspire you to tap into your team, think outside the vase, and bloom through any storm.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 305:  In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Lori opens up about one of those weeks — when everything seems to happen at once. From car troubles and family emergencies to the emotional rollercoaster of feeling stretched too thin, they unpack the real-life chaos that comes with balancing work, family, and self.

Together, they explore what it means to give yourself grace, delegate when needed, and let go of guilt, especially for business owners and florists who feel they must always “power through.” Vonda and Lori  share wisdom about finding support systems, communicating transparently with customers, and remembering that storms always pass, often leaving our gardens stronger and more beautiful than before.

✨ Whether you’re a florist, small business owner, or just someone trying to stay afloat during a downpour, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone and that after the rain, the blooms return brighter than ever.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 304: This week, Lori and Vonda catch up on life, caregiving, and the whirlwind of a recent Italy wedding trip before diving into the timeless wisdom of Mr. Rogers. Together, they reflect on his lessons of empathy, dignity, and human connection, exploring how to slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover the beauty of wonder in today’s noisy world. This episode is a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and find joy in the simple, meaningful moments that truly elevate life.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist