Episodes
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Episode 283: Join Lori and Vonda as they dive into the highs and lows of this yearâs Motherâs Day sales, share their thoughts on how technology is making us all a bit lazier (and maybe dumber!), and discuss their busy summer ahead. They also reflect on how GPS and AI tools like ChatGPT might be impacting our critical thinking, this candid episode covers it all.
They also chat with special guest Ralph Giordano about the upcoming Florida State Florist Association Conventionâthink tropical vibes, hands-on workshops, and no fancy black-tie stress! Plus, get the lowdown on their summer travel plans, including Texas State Floral Expo, customer service and sales webinars, and the AIFD Symposium in Palm Springs.
Packed with real talk, laughter, a few valuable tips for florists and creatives alike, this episode is a perfect listen whether youâre designing, delivering, or just dreaming about flowers!
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Flower Clique
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Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 282: In this episode, Vonda admits her struggle with staying focused (and awake) while readingâand Lori steps in with practical, real-life strategies and successes for actually remembering what you read. From turning chapters into movies in your mind to handwritten notes and the power of audiobooks, they cover it allâplus, how these techniques apply not just to personal growth, but to leadership, training, and even flower shop handbooks. Whether youâre a highlighter hero or a âjust give me the audioâ type, this episode will help you learn smarter, not harder.
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Flower Clique
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Missing episodes?
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Episode 281: What do the Pope, memory care planters, and your favorite steakhouse have in common? More than you think. In this episode, Lori and Vonda take a thoughtful (and often funny) dive into recent global eventsâthe passing of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV âand what it reminded them about unity, leadership, and the power of actions over words. From emotional crowd scenes to boutique service lessons, and even Bob âwateringâ the garden box, this oneâs packed with reflection, humor, and a few truths we all need to hear.
Register Here for the Webinar: Weed out worry, Grow your know
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Episode 280: Itâs just us this timeâback to a catch up with Vonda and Lori. Weâre catching up on everything from awkward customer service stories to deep confessions (like sitting at the kidsâ table⊠on purpose). Plus, Lori shares the latest with Lenny and his big fishing tournament that wasnât quite what it seemed. Itâs funny, heartfelt, and exactly the breather we all need post-Motherâs Day.
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Flower Clique
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Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 279: Get ready for a heartwarming ride! Vonda is joined by flower friends Tim Farrell AIFD and Julie Poeltler AIFD as they share stories (and lots of laughs) from their unforgettable trip to Holland. From wandering endless tulip fields to creating floral art and making new lifelong memories, this episode is a celebration of friendship, flowers, and the simple joy of adventure. Come for the blooms, stay for the love and laughter!
Listener Takeaways:
How seeing flower fields in person transforms your appreciation for each stem of flowers.A reminder to make time for joyful experiences, because life (and flowers) move fast.How small moments â like a shared meal or a canal cruise â become the memories you cherish most.Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 278: Todayâs guest is the one and only Mike Black, âHead Coachâ of Jet Freshâand if you know Mike, you know heâs way more than just a title. Lori and Vonda sit down with him to talk about mentorship in the floral industry and generational leadership. Mike shares stories from his early days in the flower biz, his take on todayâs younger generation (spoiler: heâs a fan), and the exciting projects brewing at Jet Fresh. Oh, and thereâs also Miss Piggy, golden tickets, and a few strong feelings about Skype.
This oneâs packed with wisdom, laughs, and a whole lot of heart.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 277: This week, Lori and Ellie sit down with floral royalty â the dynamic father-daughter duo of Botanica Design Studio, Ian Prosser AIFD and Zoe Gallina. From Scottish flower shops to high-end luxury weddings, these two share the behind-the-scenes of growing a family business over nearly four decades. They talk trends (goodbye blush, hello meadows), share hilarious client stories (yes, thereâs a floral phallic centerpiece request), and get real about what it takes to work with family (and how to be good at it.)
Expect wisdom, humor, and a little sass â all wrapped in a beautiful blooming chat. Whether youâre team âtimeless eleganceâ or âclean bespoke,â this is a special one for you, Cliquers. đ
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
In this special impromptu episode, Lori sits down with Ellie and Abby Chick, retail florist & advisor from Blakemore Flowers, to unpack the âT-wordâ thatâs on everyoneâs lips: tariffs. With pricing pressures mounting and Motherâs Day around the corner, this candid conversation explores what florists can actually control in the face of supply chain unpredictability.
From wholesaler confusion to confident pricing strategies, Abby shares how sheâs navigating rising costs, team communication, and creative product offerings. Expect laughter, real talk, and practical ways to stay grounded and proactiveâeven when everythingâs changing daily.
đĄ Youâll hear:
âą What to do before raising prices
âą How to communicate with customers without panic
âą Creative gift ideas beyond flowers
âą Why nowâs the time to empower your teamWhether youâre a seasoned shop owner or new to retail floral, this episode will leave you informed, encouraged, and ready to take action.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 276: Lori, Vonda, and Ellie get real about the not-so-glamorous side of floral lifeâaching feet, long days, and the absolute need to take care of YOU (and your team). From surprising celeb sightings at Round Top to stocking the perfect florist fuel station, we dive into practical (and fun!) wellness tips to keep you healthy, happy, and productive through Motherâs Day and beyond. Youâll laugh, youâll stretch, and you might even be inspired to put your feet in the grass. đż
Bonus: Download Ellieâs free florist wellness checklist here: https://www.dropbox.com/t/BzbmgAUlqfZ2AG38
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
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 youâve ever wished for a smarter, simpler way to manage the business side of your flower shopâthis oneâs for you, Cliquers!
The Guerrie brothers talk about how FlowerBuddy was born from real-life floral frustrations (thanks to Tonyâs florist wife đ), their passion for intuitive tech (no spreadsheets, please), and why every florist deserves tools that make life easierânot 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 thatâs visual-learner friendly and totally judgment-free.
If youâre curious about how to work smarterânot harderâand 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 OâReilly, an internationally recognized floral artist and educator. Beth takes us on a journey through her dynamic careerâcovering 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 whoâs done it all in the floral world, this episode is for you! Plus, thereâs plenty of laughter, a bit of FOMO, and even a âWould You Ratherâ 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 Motherâs 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 detoursâincluding 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 interactionsâespecially 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!
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Flower Clique
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Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 271: Itâs never easy to have that much-needed conversation with an employee whoâs 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 conversationsâand letting goâless difficult.
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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 forecastingâhow trends are identified, whatâs 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. Donât miss this inspiring and insightful discussion on the future of florals!
Pioneer Imports and Wholesale
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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 â90s when she built the companyâs very first website as a high school studentâyes, dial-up internet and all! Youâll 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 â especially at Valentine's Day! In this episode, Lori and Vonda asked Flower Clique members to share the most unusual (and occasionally jaw-dropping) Valentineâs Day card messages theyâve ever received from a customer. Tune in to discover the sweet, the silly, and the truly unexpected ways people say âI love youââand beyond.
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Flower Clique
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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.
Learn more about Flower Clique
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Flower Clique
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Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 265: Lori and Vonda guide you through personalize and essential steps to a successful Valentine's Day in your flower shop. They emphasize the importance of having a properly educated and trained team to ensure everything runs smoothly. From preparing flowers to optimizing your website layout and effectively communicating shop policies, they provide valuable insights to help you make the most out of this romantic holiday.
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Flower Clique
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