The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Episode 324: What do jelly beans, golf course comfort stations, and customer service have in common? More than you might think.

In this episode, Vonda and Lori dive into the subtle habits that build trust with customers - whether you’re working in a flower shop, retail store, or any customer-facing business. Inspired by recent research and real experiences from the floral industry, they explore the small but powerful ways people decide whether they trust you… often within just seconds.

From being fully present with customers to leading with warmth, matching energy, and showing genuine curiosity, these simple behaviors can transform everyday interactions into meaningful connections that keep customers coming back.

You’ll hear practical insights, relatable stories from trade shows and presentations, and a few laughs along the way (including a surprising amount of discussion about jelly beans).

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

Episode 323: In a world where we can learn anything online, is it still worth leaving your shop to attend a floral conference?

After returning from the Great Lakes Floral Expo, Lori shares what truly happens when you step out from behind the counter and show up in person. From unexpected hugs at the booth to meaningful hallway conversations, this episode explores the kind of connection, confidence, and inspiration that simply can’t be recreated on a screen.

Vonda and Lori talk about the unseen volunteers who make these events possible, the designers learning inside the flower room, and the ripple effect that happens when florists gather with open hearts and open minds. They reflect on the energy shift that takes place over a single weekend and the leadership impact of investing in yourself — and your team.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you have the time or whether it’s really worth it, this conversation is your reminder that showing up still matters. When we elevate one another, we elevate the entire industry.

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

Episode 322: What makes you instantly leery of a person or situation - and why does your gut matter more than you think? In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Vonda, Lori, and Ellie unpack the meaning of being “leery,” from fast-talking salespeople and sketchy orders to AI, customer behavior, and everyday red flags we’ve all learned to recognize.

Inspired by everything from Olympic backstories to Valentine’s Day scams, door-to-door sales, restaurant etiquette, and even Mount Everest, this episode explores how lived experience shapes intuition and why being cautious isn’t a flaw, it’s wisdom.

Along the way, they tie it back to floristry and business: trusting your instincts with customers, orders, employees, technology, and relationships, while still staying open-hearted and kind. Plus, a fun rapid-fire game of Leery or Lovely to test your own gut reactions.

If you’ve ever thought, “Something about this doesn’t sit right,” this episode reminds you: that feeling exists for a reason.

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

Episode 321: Broken trust doesn’t just hurt—it reshapes how we see people, relationships, and ourselves. In this episode, Vonda and Lori talk candidly about betrayal in friendships, mentorships, and the workplace, especially during high-stress seasons like Valentine’s Day. They explore why emotional pain mirrors physical pain, how kindness restores psychological safety, and why healing starts with acknowledgment, boundaries, and compassion—for others and for ourselves.

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

Episode 320: Valentine’s Day brings out fascinating human behavior. In this episode, Vonda and Lori unpack bizarre psychology facts, from confidence bias and mood-based judgments to decision-making under stress - and how understanding them can elevate customer service, communication, and sales during the busiest floral season of the year.

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

Episode 319: Kindness is a free investment with the highest returns — so why don't more florists treat it that way? Inspired by Warren Buffett's philosophy, Vonda and Lori dive into how small acts of kindness can transform your customer service, team culture, and productivity. With real-life stories and science-backed insights, this episode will change how you think about what it takes to build lasting loyalty.

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

Episode 318: In this episode, Lori and Ellie sit down for a candid (and slightly unfiltered) conversation we’re calling Clique Conference Confessions. From hydrangea disasters, to needing all the Zofran, to unforgettable field trips, they reflect on past years of SAF's Next Gen conferences – from Miami to San Diego to Dallas – and what to expect this year for Raleigh, coming up on February 22–24, 2026.

We talk honestly about showing up unsure, leaving inspired, and the unexpected magic that happens when education, vulnerability, and connection collide. If you’ve ever wondered whether Next Gen is worth it – or needed a reminder of why investing in yourself or your employee (and the future of our industry) matters, this one’s for you.

Learn more about Next Gen 2026 and get registered here.

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

Episode 317: Valentine’s Day is the busiest and most important holiday of the year for florists, and preparation makes all the difference. Vonda and Lori walk you through a full Valentine’s Day staff meeting, just as they would with their own teams.

From customer service reminders and sales scripts to design productivity, cooler strategy, delivery expectations, and social media ideas, this episode is packed with practical guidance you can use immediately. They cover pricing confidence, upselling with integrity, managing stress, supporting your teammates, and creating a positive, organized environment—even when things get hectic.

Whether you’re a designer, sales associate, delivery driver, or owner, this episode is designed to motivate, align your team, and help you approach Valentine’s Day with confidence, clarity, and a little fun.

You’ve got this—now let’s go sell some flowers.

2026 Valentine's Day Staff Meeting 

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

Episode 316: In this episode, Lori and Vonda flip their 2025 Bingo Cards and reflect on what actually got done, what didn’t, and why that matters.

From surprise home projects and travel wins to the realities of burnout, distraction, and the importance of being “bored,” the conversation turns thoughtful, honest, and relatable. They also look at Flower Clique’s business goals, where progress was made, and where clarity and systems still need work.

The episode wraps with a little industry “water cooler” talk—what conferences are coming up, where the team will be teaching and learning, and why getting out of your shop and into the room still matters.

A candid conversation about intention, reflection, growth, and giving yourself permission to adjust—without guilt.

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

Episode 315:  In this special anniversary episode, Vonda, Lori, Ellie, and Kami gather to celebrate six years of Business & Pleasure of Flowers. They share heartfelt (and hilarious) holiday stories, reflect on how “Amplify” shaped the past year—including the tariff pivot—and brainstorm what Flower Clique’s Word of the Year for 2026 should be. The episode wraps with proud, goosebump moments: member wins, community connections, and the impact that keeps the team energized for what’s next.

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