The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

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

Episode 303:  Society of American Florist (SAF) CEO Kate Penn joins Lori and Vonda to unpack what’s really happening in floral retail—rising consumer spend, experience-driven shopping, value-aligned buying, and how smart shops are winning with culture, training, and tighter ops. We hit staffing + succession, smaller holidays, practical website/SEO moves, SAF’s advocacy updates, and a sneak peek at SAF’s new AI “coach.” Actionable, optimistic, and real.

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

Episode 302: One of the questions we hear most often when we're out at shows, conventions, and symposiums is: “So…what is Flower Clique?” In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with Ellie LaFever and Kami Martin to answer that question once and for all.

From the why behind Flower Clique’s creation, to the specific ways we help florists simplify inventory, increase profitability, and strengthen their digital presence, this conversation dives into what makes Flower Clique more than just a service—it’s a support system. You’ll also hear about the importance of quality product photography, how your website works like a menu, the role of education through our Prep Schools and online courses, and why consistency in branding and social media matters more than ever.

If you’ve ever wondered what Flower Clique is (or how we might lighten the load for your shop), this episode is your answer.

Flower Clique Discovery Call

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

Episode 301: What’s it really like to work in a family-owned business? In this episode, Lori chats with Mimi Pacheco, Marketing and Communications at Jet Fresh Flowers, about the unique joys and challenges of being part of companies built on family legacies.

From the trust, flexibility, and sense of belonging that come with working in a close-knit environment, to the blurred boundaries, communication hurdles, and work-life balance struggles—it’s all on the table. Lori and Mimi share their personal experiences, lessons learned, and advice for anyone navigating the rewarding (and sometimes complicated) world of family businesses.

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

Episode 300: Three hundred episodes later—wow! What started as a “let’s try it for a year” experiment has turned into a five-year journey filled with laughter, lessons, and lots of love for the floral community. In this special episode, Vonda and Lori reflect on what they’ve learned along the way: the joy of authentic connection, the quirks of podcasting, and the importance of patience (in business and in life). From hilarious behind-the-scenes moments to heartfelt takeaways about kindness, customers, and each other, this celebration is both a thank you to listeners and an invitation to keep going—together.

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

Episode 299: In this lighthearted and thoughtful episode, Vonda and Lori kick things off with karaoke night plans, road trip shenanigans, and a few laughs before diving into something we all wrestle with—morning routines. Inspired by an article on 10 simple habits that quietly make you unstoppable, they share personal stories, practical reflections, and how even small changes like making your bed, stepping outside for a few minutes of sunlight, or choosing three priorities can set the tone for your whole day. Whether you’re running a flower shop, a business, or just trying to start your mornings with more intention, this episode will encourage you to reset, refocus, and bring your best self forward.

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

Episode 298: Lori’s voice is back—and so is the chatter across the floral world. In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with industry leader and President of Bill Doran Company, Bill LaFever, to unpack the big announcement combining Bill Doran Company and DWF, Denver Wholesale Florist, and what it really means for retail florists. Bill shares his family’s 80-year story—from his grandfather’s one-station-wagon route to 38 locations  —and why the company’s true engine has always been people and relationships.

We dig into practical takeaways for shops: fresher product through farm-direct procurement, the role of private labels like Doran Direct and Mount Flora, and why “quality, connection, and community” still win. Bill also talks hiring (hire slow, fire fast), leading through change with common sense and compassion, and mindset shifts when news hits your market. Bonus: rapid-fire fun—favorite flowers (hello, lisianthus and roses), live music obsessions, and game-day views.

If you’ve been wondering how this news affects your buying, your rep, and your customers’ experience, this candid conversation will steady your footing—and maybe spark your next move.

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