The Florist's Table

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

If you missed our recent "Mornings with Mayesh" live episode, don't worry, we've got you! Yvonne welcomed Mayesh's own globe-trotting flower specialist, David Dahlson, for an eye-opening presentation on new concept wholesale spray garden roses that left viewers buzzing with excitement and inspiration. This recap captures the highlights of that informative session, where David shared his insights on these brand-new varieties—their unique characteristics, growing conditions, and potential applications in floral design. Whether you're looking to incorporate these exceptional blooms into your upcoming projects or simply appreciate the artistry behind rose cultivation, this summary of David's presentation offers valuable knowledge for florists and floral designers. P.S. watch the video replay for best experience.

Visit our blog for the show notes and video replay:

https://blog.mayesh.com/mwm-new-spray-garden-roses

The latest replay of Mornings with Mayesh, features floral design expert Amy Balsters of The Floral Coach! In this episode, we explore the captivating world of color theory and dive deep into Pantone's 2024 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse. Whether you're planning your Valentine's Day collection or looking to stay ahead of design trends, Amy shares expert techniques for incorporating this sophisticated shade into your arrangements. Listen in as host Yvonne Ashton and Amy discuss everything from color psychology to practical design applications that will elevate your floral work.

Visit our blog for the show notes and video replay:

https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mwm-valentines-day-color-theory-amy-balsters

Welcome to Mornings with Mayesh with host, Yvonne Ashton. For those joining us for the first time, this is your go-to destination for all things floral design, industry insights, and inspiring conversations with incredible designers who are shaping our floral community.

We are thrilled to have welcomed Ashley Overholser of Primavera and our final 2024 Mayesh Design Star. We dove into a powerful conversation about the intersection of floristry, creativity, and personal growth. Ashley's journey from discovering flowers as a path to healing to building a successful corporate floral design business is both inspiring and instructive. We explored her creative process, influenced by "The Artist's Way," and get her expert insights into the world of corporate floristry.

Visit our blog for the show notes and video replay:

https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mwm-corporate-floristry-ashley-overholse

NOTE: The video replay is best for this episode due to all the visuals.

Join Yvonne with special guests Joey Azout, President of Alexandra Farms, and David Dahlson, our very own flower specialist. In this episode, you will discover: ✨ Popular Alexandra Farms varieties ✨ Joey's personal favorites ✨ Care & handling tips ✨ Exclusive Mayesh customer promotion Let us know what your favorite Alexandra Farms rose is in the comments below! And don't forget to place your winter standing order by October 25th with your Mayesh sales rep.

Visit our blog for the transcript and video replay: https://blog.mayesh.com/mwm-alexandra-farms-showcase-promo