The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Episode 275: In this fun and info-packed episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with Paul and Tony Guerrie, the brilliant (and delightfully humble) co-founders of FlowerBuddy, Inc. If you’ve ever wished for a smarter, simpler way to manage the business side of your flower shop—this one’s for you, Cliquers!

The Guerrie brothers talk about how FlowerBuddy was born from real-life floral frustrations (thanks to Tony’s florist wife 👏), their passion for intuitive tech (no spreadsheets, please), and why every florist deserves tools that make life easier—not harder. From recipe creation and labor tracking to real-time production and AI-powered magic (yes, it really works), they break it all down in a way that’s visual-learner friendly and totally judgment-free.
If you’re curious about how to work smarter—not harder—and maybe laugh a little along the way, hit play and meet your new Flower Buddies!

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

Episode 274: Join hosts Vonda and Lori as they chat with Beth O’Reilly, an internationally recognized floral artist and educator. Beth takes us on a journey through her dynamic career—covering everything from retail floristry to product development in China to mass market floral design.

They reminisce about industry mentors, the power of showing up, and how opportunities often bloom from unexpected moments. Beth also shares her insights on floral trends, the behind-the-scenes world of flower breeding, and the importance of self-care in this labor-intensive industry.

If you love flowers and want to hear from someone who’s done it all in the floral world, this episode is for you! Plus, there’s plenty of laughter, a bit of FOMO, and even a “Would You Rather” moment. Tune in, Cliquers! 

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

Episode 273: Vonda and Lori are joined by Flower Clique's other two directors, Kami Martin and Ellie LaFever, in this episode packed with tangible takeaways to help your flower shop thrive this spring. From prepping for Mother’s Day and prom season to tackling pricing concerns and marketing strategies, the team shares expert tips to set you up for success.

They dive into everything from how to name products to ensuring high-quality product photography. Plus, they discuss the importance of training employees effectively and avoiding common pitfalls when onboarding new staff.

Tune in for a mix of industry know-how, real-world examples, and a few unexpected detours—including a heartfelt discussion about eagle-watching! ;)

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

Episode 272: Ever scrolled through social media and cringed at the comments? Vonda and Lori dive into the all-too-common issue of online negativity and how it translates into real-world interactions—especially in the workplace. From handling tough conversations with employees to setting social media boundaries, they share practical steps for engaging with empathy, checking emotions, and fostering productive discussions. Plus, they reveal how a simple shift in phrasing can turn confrontation into curiosity. Tune in for some eye-opening insights, a little humor, and a whole lot of wisdom on keeping things positive in business and beyond!

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

Episode 271: It’s never easy to have that much-needed conversation with an employee who’s disrupting your company culture. Avoiding the issue may seem easier, but it can do more harm in the long run. Lori and Vonda share practical tips to make tough conversations—and letting go—less difficult.

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

Episode 270: In this episode, Vonda and Lori continue their conversation with Sarah Botchick, General Marketing and Purchasing Manager at Pioneer Imports & Wholesale. They dive into the world of floral trend forecasting—how trends are identified, what’s driving consumer preferences, and the evolving role of permanent botanicals in weddings, events, and everyday design. Sarah shares expert insights on mixing faux and fresh florals, common mistakes florists make when purchasing silk flowers, and why every florist should consider adding permanent botanicals to their repertoire. Plus, they discuss must-have varieties, new product innovations, and how florists can use floral installations to tap into new business opportunities. Don’t miss this inspiring and insightful discussion on the future of florals!

Pioneer Imports and Wholesale

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

Episode 269: Grab a cup of coffee and join hosts Vonda and Lori as they sit down with Sarah Botchick, Marketing & Purchasing Manager at Pioneer Imports & Wholesale. Sarah takes us back to the ‘90s when she built the company’s very first website as a high school student—yes, dial-up internet and all! You’ll hear how that humble start evolved into a dynamic online presence that keeps Pioneer Imports competitive today. This laid-back conversation covers the must-dos for maintaining a relevant, user-friendly site, why investing in your online home base matters, and how to keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape. Tune in for real-world stories, practical tips, and a dose of fun along the way!

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

Episode 268: Flowers are known to speak the unspoken sentiments of love, care gratitude and sincerity, but sometimes the accompanying notes have a whole lot more to say – especially at Valentine's Day! In this episode, Lori and Vonda asked Flower Clique members to share the most unusual (and occasionally jaw-dropping) Valentine’s Day card messages they’ve ever received from a customer. Tune in to discover the sweet, the silly, and the truly unexpected ways people say “I love you”—and beyond.

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

Description:  Lori has fun interviewing Vonda and Ellie before Valentine's Day to learn a bit about their personal preferences in terms of design styles and favorite flowers to recounting their most memorable Valentine's Day stories.  

Vonda and Ellie also share tips and guidance for new employees navigating their first Valentine's Day in a flower shop, which is also a really good reminder for seasoned staff.  Discover where they find their inspiration and how they continue to nurture their creativity in this blooming industry.

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

Episode 266: In today's episode Lori candidly shares a heartfelt update on her father, Lenny, with Vonda and listeners. Lori takes us through the emotional journey she faced while simply trying to accomplish a task over the phone, reflecting on the conflicting roles of being both a customer and an expert in customer experience and sales. Through her personal experience, Lori emphasizes the importance of effective communication in shaping the customer's journey. Drawing from her expertise in customer service, she underscores the need for better training and a deeper understanding of customer interactions for employees. Tune in to gain valuable insights into customer service and discover the lessons learned from Lenny's experiences.

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