Episodes
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In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 132), we're visiting with Layla Robinson, a creative force in the flower industry known for her specialization in dried flower arrangements and installations.
This conversation is specifically for you if: 1) you're interested in dried flowers or 2) you're struggling to find your niche in the floral industry.
Layla's journey into the flower industry began over 15 years ago with fresh flowers. Living in the UK, she was inspired by the "buy local" movement and saw an opportunity to start a business that could be managed alongside raising her children. However, the challenges of growing, harvesting, arranging, and marketing fresh flowers while managing small children soon became apparent.
To extend her offerings throughout the year, especially during the cold Welsh winters, Layla began exploring dried flowers. She started foraging for materials like ivy, dried hydrangeas, and rose hips to create winter wreaths and arrangements. This exploration led her to appreciate the beauty and versatility of dried flowers, which allowed her to take her time with arrangements while her children played around her.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment for Layla. The cancellation of a wedding she had been planning for a year made her realize that the pressure of fresh flowers was no longer what she wanted. She decided to fully commit to dried flowers, a significant leap that brought her a sense of freedom and joy.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust. Click here to learn more.You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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We're visiting with Jen Lagedrost Cavender, owner of Nectar & Bloom.
After studying English and creative writing in college, Jen found herself teaching Literature and Creative Writing at a university. But, she felt something was missing and longed to reconnect with her creative side. Inspired by women business owners in the floral industry, she decided to explore flowers as a viable business model.
Ultimately, Jen found fulfillment by aligning her work with her passions for flowers and writing. She created a business model that resonates with her values and allows her to express her creativity. She believes strongly in the importance of self-care and creating space for rest and introspection. And she’s created various avenues to teach, encourage, and support floral designers and creative business owners in pursuing self-care in order create a sustainable career.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust. Click here to learn more.You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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We're visiting with Cameron Hardesty, owner of Poppy, a wedding floral business based in the Washington, DC area that has seen rapid growth and success.
A transformative experience volunteering at the White House ignited Cameron's passion. We walk through her transition from a career in corporate communications to becoming the founder of a company that empowers nearly 900 freelance floral designers, offering them flexibility and opportunities to showcase their creativity.
If you've ever wondered what it takes to move a business idea from concept to execution and then scale it quickly, you'll find this conversation enlightening. Cameron shares insights into the fundraising journey, including participation in the Techstars Accelerator program and raising $1.65 million+ in seed funding. She's keen on sharing the knowledge and experiences she's gained over the years in hopes of supporting and encouraging others.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust. Click here to learn more.You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In today’s episode, we’re visiting with flower farmer Grant Winkelmann, owner of Winkelmann Flowers, in Lindale, Texas.
Grant shares not only how he’s built a farm producing sought-after blooms, but he also shares what it took to pull off his family’s recent relocation to a new farm. Grant discusses the challenges of moving, including the logistical hurdles and the emotional impact of leaving behind a supportive community. He shares insights into his farming techniques, the importance of his partnership with his wife Carrington, who runs a floral design business called The Farmer & I, and their collaborative efforts in the flower industry.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust. Click here to learn more.You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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Sullivan Owen's journey into the floral industry is as unique as her designs. With a background in retail merchandising, Sullivan transitioned into floristry in 2009 while planning her own wedding. Her distinct style and dedication quickly earned her recognition, leading to a successful career in luxury weddings. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes, prompting Sullivan to explore new creative outlets, including gardening and ceramics. In this episode, we catch up with Sullivan just in time for the inaugural release of her new vase collection which leads to a fascinating conversation about the behind-the-scenes process of developing a product and bringing it to market. This episode will definitely get you thinking about that dream you've held close and wondered if it's feasible!
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower SchoolYou can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In this BB Podcast episode, Amy (Botanical Brouhaha) chats with Natalie & Meg (co-owners of Native Poppy) about the importance of creating a brand that sticks – meaning it continues to draw in ideal customers year after year. Drawing on Amy's recent experiences trying to find new service providers after relocating her business and life out-of-state, the conversation focuses on the lessons she's learned that can be applied to the other small businesses in the floral profession. Amy, Natalie, and Meg share what they believe has helped them build brands that have flourished at Native Poppy and Botanical Brouhaha.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower SchoolYou can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In Part 2 of this two-part podcast episode, co-hosts Amy and Natalie visit with Sarah Daken and Tom Precht of Grateful Gardeners and Floraponics, who transitioned from careers in law and neuroscience to flower farming. Tom discusses their innovative aquaponics system and the challenges they've faced in securing funding. The couple emphasizes their commitment to sustainable practices and the systemic barriers in agriculture. They advocate for policy changes and support other farmers on topics like grant navigation. Their story highlights the difficulties and triumphs of pursuing a passion-driven, environmentally conscious business.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower SchoolYou can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In Part 1 of this two-part podcast episode, co-hosts Amy and Natalie visit with Sarah Daken and Tom Precht of Grateful Gardeners and Floraponics, who transitioned from careers in law and neuroscience to flower farming. Sarah shares her journey from legal burnout to finding joy in growing flowers with her husband, Tom. Tom discusses their innovative aquaponics system and the challenges they've faced in securing funding. The couple emphasizes their commitment to sustainable practices and the systemic barriers in agriculture. They advocate for policy changes and support other farmers on topics like grant navigation. Their story highlights the difficulties and triumphs of pursuing a passion-driven, environmentally conscious business.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower SchoolYou can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In this episode of the Botanical Brouhaha podcast, Amy and Natalie talk with Anna Stouffer, owner of Urban Petals in Greer, South Carolina about her transition from a working in a law firm to becoming a successful floral designer. Anna shares her journey, starting with wedding floristry and eventually adding a retail component to her business. She discusses the challenges of managing both aspects, the support from the floral community, and the impact of motherhood on her business. Anna shares how creating a calming store environment and balancing her work with her personal life are of utmost importance to her as a business owner. The episode highlights the importance of authenticity and compassion in building a successful floral business.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower SchoolYou can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In this podcast episode, Emily Patrick, owner of Carolina Flowers, shares her journey from journalism to flower farming. She discusses the challenges and successes of starting and running her flower farm, including her approach to business, design, and financial management. Hosts Natalie and Amy engage Emily in a lively conversation about the evolution of Carolina Flowers, sustainable practices, and industry trends. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring flower farmers and floral business owners.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower SchoolYou can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In this episode, we visit with Imelda Ramos, owner of Cali Wholesale. Imelda shares her journey as the founder of a woman-owned company from starting as a small wholesale flower business to expanding her business and her footprint at the flower market. She discusses the importance of team training, effective communication with customers, and the challenges of sourcing flowers. Imelda also highlights the significance of managing expectations in the floral industry. Despite the demanding nature of her work, Imelda's passion for flowers and dedication to her business are evident, offering inspiration and insights into the complexities of running a wholesale flower business.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower SchoolYou can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In this podcast episode, Sylvia Bustamante Gubbins, the founder of Madrid Flower School, shares her inspiring story of starting a new career in floral design at 48 and following the dream to open a flower school. As Sylvia continues to grow Madrid Flower School, she’s introducing new educational opportunities for floral designers to study the art and business of floristry. With the recent addition of Madrid Blooms Congress, we thought it was time to visit with Sylvia again! She shares how she’s creating a 5-star experience for you to study floristry in the beautiful city of Madrid, Spain.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: CIRCLE RETAIL Simple Soulful Connection Limited seats still available! Click here to learn more.Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha.
You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In episode 120, we have the pleasure of reconnecting with the incredible Francoise Weeks, whose hands weave magic with woodland designs. She's back with a treasure trove of wisdom in her new book, Wonder of the Woodlands: The Art of Seeing and Creating with Nature. It's a visual feast over 200 pages long, and trust us, it's a must-have for your collection. Francoise's zest for life is contagious. We're fortunate that she not only inspires us through her floral artistry, but also with her determination to overcome fear in order to live a life worth celebrating. In this conversation, she shares her secrets to staying active and maintaining a positive mindset, proving that age is just a number when it comes to living a full and vibrant life.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust. Click here to learn more.Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha.
You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In this episode, Natalie & Meg, co-owners of Native Poppy, take us behind the scenes of their retail shops in San Diego, where they've created an immersive experience for their customers. In an effort to explain the price gap between flowers bought at locally-owned flower shops vs. large grocery store chains, they speak about the unique characteristics of their shops including the extensive training their team undergoes to become skilled floral artists and the seasonal art installations that transform their spaces into magical environments. This level of detail and dedication comes with significant costs, which Natalie and Meg are transparent about, especially considering the high expenses of operating in a city like San Diego.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust. Click here to learn more.Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha.
You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In this episode of the Botanical Brouhaha podcast, Amy McGee and Natalie Gill, the co-hosts, interview Marsha Parker, a seasoned teacher with a passion for history and culture. Marsha shares her experiences teaching around the world and her personal battle with cancer as a 3x survivor. She discusses how these experiences influenced her floral business, Refined Gatherings, which specializes in creating floral experiences for cancer survivors and others facing health challenges. The conversation explores Marsha's transition from teaching to floral design, her dedication to creating meaningful experiences, and her commitment to integrating beauty and healing into her work. The episode highlights Marsha's resilience, her fight for peace over fear, and her desire to impact lives positively through her craft.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust. Doors open March 4-6, 2024. Click here to learn more.Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha.
You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In this podcast episode, flower farmer and author Lennie Larkin of B-Side Farm discusses her experiences in the flower farming industry, her book Flower Farming for Profit, and her educational initiatives for other farmers. She talks about her transition from other careers to farming, the financial aspects of the business, and the importance of strategic planning and efficiency. Larkin also reflects on the personal challenges of relocating her farm and starting over in a new community. The episode includes a conversation about the value of data and business education in farming, as well as Larkin's vision for her website as a resource hub for flower farmers. If are a flower farmer or dream of being one someday, this conversation is packed with helpful information and resource recommendations.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: BLOOM TRUST CO. A curated collection of floral resources you can trust. Click here to learn more.Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha.
You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In this podcast episode, Amy and Natalie visit with flower shop owner Stacy K Ercan of Stacy K Floral in Rochester, New York. She shares about her shop expansion and business model which includes a collaborative space with a coffee counter, retail offerings, and a subscription service. Stacy also talks about how her background working with tents, events, and trade show exhibits helps her have an edge when bidding on events in her community. She discusses employee motivation, financial strategies, and the importance of diversifying revenue streams. And finally, she reveals some of her successful marketing strategies.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by:THE FLOWER FREELANCE INTENSIVE
MARCH 18-22, 2024A 5-day course for aspiring & experienced freelancers and floral design team members. Click here to learn more!
Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha.
You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In this episode of the BB podcast, Amy and Natalie talk with Lucy Hunter about her 20+ year career in landscape design and her newest book The Flower Hunter: Creating a floral love story inspired by the landscape. Lucy shares openly about her past burnout, her shift towards flower design, and her return to the landscapes that inspire her creativity. This conversation delves into the impact of age on creative confidence and the pressures of social media. Lucy shares how routines inspire her new ideas, while also detailing the logistics of a long-term landscape project that laid the foundation for her successful career. The episode reflects Lucy's belief that creatives need to carve their own path in the creative world.
Leave us a voice or text message at https://fanlist.com/botanicalbrouhaha.
You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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In this podcast episode, Amy & Natalie conclude Season 7 with a Q&A session centered around listeners' questions. Natalie shares insights on pricing strategies, staff payment, and the benefits of an a la carte menu in the floral industry. She also discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood and business. And, finally, Amy and Natalie emphasize the importance of networking, reviews, and open discussions about industry topics. A special thanks to Madrid Flower School for collaborating with Botanical Brouhaha in 2023 to bring Season 7 to fruition.
This episode of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast is brought to you by: Madrid Flower SchoolLeave us a voice or text message at https://podinbox.com/botanicalbrouhaha.
You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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Floral designer Carrington Winkelmann, owner of The Farmer & I in the Texas Hill Country, shares her journey from college days dreaming to starting her own flower business with her flower farming husband, Grant. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running a business, including managing inventory, managing client expectations, and pricing her services. Carrington shares her dream for the future, which includes housing all parts of her business with her husband on one piece of land where they could also offer agritourism experiences. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and purpose for her business, and shares how the slowdown during the pandemic allowed her to rediscover her love for flowers and the purpose they serve in connecting people.
Leave us a voice or text message at https://podinbox.com/botanicalbrouhaha.
You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find the BB Podcast co-hosts on IG @botanicalbrouhaha and @hey.nataliegill.
This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
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