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We're back with Semia Dunn who first joined us on the BB podcast back in Episode 35, sharing how she bought a flower shop at 22 and later launched Flowers by Semia (which was later rebranded as SEMIA) and then The Floral Reserve, a wholesale flower company (built by a florist, for florists!). In this catch-up episode, Semia returns to reflect on what's changed and what hasn't. She talks candidly about growing her team, breaking into destination weddings, building a new e-commerce system for the wholesale business, and holding onto the values that got her here. It's a grounded, honest look at what scaling a floral business actually takes, and what stays the same no matter how big things get.

• Growing The Floral Reserve from 1,200 to 3,200 square feet
• How the pandemic accelerated shipping and shaped her wholesale business
• Partnering with New York Flower Group to launch a new e-commerce web shop
• Retaining employees long-term, including a 20+ year team member
• Breaking into destination weddings
• The logistics of traveling for weddings
• Growing planner relationships and what percentage of business now comes from planners
• Wholesale pricing, and educating florists on the true cost of flowers
• Confidence and mindset shifts gained through experience
• Current color palette and design trends in the industry
• Revisiting her original definition of success from our interview years ago

You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find Amy on IG at either @botanicalbrouhaha or @bloomtrustco and Natalie at @hey.nataliegill or @native_poppy

This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.

In this episode, we sat down with Bloom Trust Co and Circle member Shelley O'Neill, a former fourth-grade teacher turned florist who recently added a retail shop called Oyster Flower Co. to her existing wedding flower business in Annapolis, Maryland! Shelley walks us through what pulled her into CIRCLE (we talk more about that in the episode), what's kept her in Bloom Trust Co. for three years running, and together we break down exactly what's inside: the resource library, Office Hours, meetups, a private podcast called The Back Room, and the Flowering with Purpose grants.

If you're a florist (and it doesn't matter if you're a retail florist, wedding/event florist, or farmer florist), we built the BTCO community for you! We're in no hurry to expand it beyond the point where we know your name and your business model. We thrive on the connections and relationships built slowly with an attention to trust and accessible floral resources.

When you succeed, we all succeed! We firmly believe that. It's why we do what we do.

• Her path from event planning to full-time floristry to opening Oyster Flower Co.
• Leaving a career as a fourth-grade teacher for flowers
• Opening a retail flower shop and finding the support of the BTCO community along the way
• The real difference between CIRCLE (8-week deep dive, twice a year) and Bloom Trust Co. (year-round community)
• The scope of floral resources inside Bloom Trust Co
• How Office Hours work and why they're never recorded
• The Flowering with Purpose grant and past recipients

You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find Amy on IG at either @botanicalbrouhaha or @bloomtrustco and Natalie at @hey.nataliegill or @native_poppy

This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee. 

In part two (Ep. 151) with Alex Vaughan of FLWR Shop in Nashville, Tennessee we dig into the real, tactical side of her decision to step away from wedding florals. Alex opens up about the politics and power dynamics of working with luxury wedding planners, the financial reality of pivoting to retail and corporate events, and how she and her husband Quinn split the business responsibilities between them. She also gets specific about staffing, delivery logistics, website headaches, and what it actually means to lead a team well.

• Why she stepped back from wedding florals to focus on retail
• Taking a public political stance and the fallout with wedding planners
• The power dynamics between florists and luxury wedding planners
• Advice for florists considering adding planning services to their business
• Rebuilding revenue through a new retail location and corporate events
• Team structure and staffing at a full-service flower shop
• Website and POS struggles (Squarespace, Hana, and exploring Shopify)
• Delivery logistics and staying a day ahead of orders
• How she and Quinn divide roles in the business
• Gift buying philosophy and building a cohesive brand
• Social media approach and staying personally involved with followers
• Making hard financial decisions: layoffs vs. investing in the shop
• Defining good leadership and what it means to be a good boss
• Her new brand and business consulting offering

You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find Amy on IG at either @botanicalbrouhaha or @bloomtrustco and Natalie at @hey.nataliegill or @native_poppy

This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.

Alex Vaughan of FLWR Shop in Nashville built her shop with her partner Quinn from nothing — no family money, no connections, just a rented house, a second mortgage, and a vision for what a flower shop in Nashville could be. In Episode 150, she traces the wild, winding path that took her from a hippie commune in the forest to a flower shop in Boston to celebrity orchid maintenance in LA, and eventually to the city she now calls home. We talk about what it actually took to open a shop, survive a tornado in March 2020, and come out the other side with a business — and a life — she's genuinely proud of.

• Growing up in Miami with zero exposure to flowers
• Falling in love with flowers at a tiny flower shop
• Seeing a peony for the first time
• Working her way through flower shops in Boston, LA, and New York
• Meeting her partner Quinn through a shared courtyard
• Why they chose Nashville
• Moving to Nashville with $3,000 in a shoebox
• Opening their first shop: a Victorian four-square in East Nashville
• Renovating a shop while living upstairs
• Building a brand, not just a flower shop, in a city that didn't yet have one like it
• Losing visibility after losing their retail location to a tornado
• Why physical presence matters for a flower business more than most people think
• Letting go of weddings and why that was the right call
• Why running events and retail simultaneously is really running two different businesses

• Website
• Instagram

You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find Amy on IG at either @botanicalbrouhaha or @bloomtrustco and Natalie at @hey.nataliegill or @native_poppy

This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.

We've waited so long for today's episode to drop (Ep. 149)! We're chatting with Sophie Felts, Founder and CEO of Sophie Felts Floral Co, along with her President and Director of Operations, Erica Gamble. We're thrilled to introduce them as the newest CIRCLE Weddings facilitators — and we think it'll be clear within the first few minutes of the interview that this was worth the wait.

Based in the Washington DC area, Sophie and Erica have spent a decade building a wedding floral business with a team of 15  and a hard-won philosophy around profitability, sustainable staffing, and doing work they're genuinely proud of.

In this conversation, they talk about how they built the business from the ground up, why they said yes to CIRCLE Weddings, and what they're hoping to give back to the floral community that poured into them when they were just getting started.

CIRCLE Weddings isn't a traditional mastermind or course, but rather a small group of ten people that will learn together in real time every Tuesday in July and August 2026. After years of hosting CIRCLE sessions, we believe in building a safe space where confidentiality within the group allows for vulnerability and open discussions about the realities of running a wedding/event flower business. We'd love for you to join us if that sounds like the space you've been yearning for.

Registration is open for the 10 available seats in 2026

You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find Amy on IG at either @botanicalbrouhaha or @bloomtrustco and Natalie at @hey.nataliegill or @native_poppy

This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.

Walt Krukowski didn't set out to become a flower grower for life — he just wanted to grow something, make a little money, and have the winters free to ski in Vermont. Nearly three decades later, Mountain Flower Farm has become a thriving operation across 10 acres, known for its organic peonies, hydrangeas, and the idea that growers and floral designers succeed best when they're genuinely connected to each other. In this conversation (Ep. 148), Walt shares the honest, unhurried story of how the farm evolved, what he's learned about building something that lasts, and why the relationship between farmers and florists matters more now than ever.

• Why Mountain Flower Farm shifted away from annuals and now grows more hydrangea by volume than any other crop
• The ecological balance that comes with decades of organic farming — and why the first five years are the hardest
• What it's really like to farm with a family: the postcard moments, the missed dinners, and the real sacrifices
• How he keeps the farm manageable year-round
• Growing peony roots as a secondary business and the ripple effect of helping new farms get established
• Consulting services Walt offers for aspiring flower farmers, and the free Peony Blueprint resource on the Mountain Flower Farm website
• How to order from Mountain Flower Farm — and what floral designers can expect from the process
• Shipping logistics: why Walt only ships Mondays and Tuesdays, and the case for air shipping as an alternative to FedEx
• Why floral designers who build direct relationships with growers tend to see their businesses grow
• The most popular peony varieties right now for wedding florists, including a surprising answer about what outsells everything else
• Tips for conditioning peonies after arrival

You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find Amy on IG at either @botanicalbrouhaha or @bloomtrustco and Natalie at @hey.nataliegill or @native_poppy

This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.

Sarah Donjuan didn't set out to become a florist. In 2018, fresh out of business school and looking for a creative side hustle, she landed on a 1967 Volkswagen flower truck — and accidentally started a floral business with staying power in Atlanta. In this episode (Ep. 147), Sarah walks us through the full arc of JJ's Flower Truck and Shop: from a curtained kiosk at Ponce City Market to a 1,500-square-foot Dunwoody dream shop, and from a one-woman operation to a full, talented team. She's honest about the highs, the lows, and everything in between — including what it really takes to build a business that can run without you.

• Starting a business with no industry experience and a "figure it out" mindset
• Growing from a pop-up model to a brick-and-mortar shop
• Listening to customers to decide what to offer next
• Building and sustaining a team — hiring, firing, and building culture
• Launching national flower shipping
• Competing with large floral brands in the online marketplace
• Balancing entrepreneurship with marriage and children
• The long-term vision: satellite shops in Chicago, LA, NYC, and Austin
•  

• • Website
  • Instagram

You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find Amy on IG at either @botanicalbrouhaha or @bloomtrustco and Natalie at @hey.nataliegill or @native_poppy

This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.

In this episode (Ep. 146), we sit down with Colleen Raney, founder of Songbird Seed Co and Diadem Flower Co. If you love a great story, this one's for you. Colleen's path into the flower world is anything but conventional. From studying aerospace engineering and training as a professional actor, to performing Irish music internationally, to building a flower farm in Maine, to moving the farm to Washington—and ultimately launching a specialty sweet pea seed company—Colleen's story is full of pivots, curiosity, and entrepreneurial strategy. And don't even get us started on her sense of humor!

Colleen shares how a season of burnout and big life shifts led her to the garden—and how a simple fascination with sweet peas slowly grew into a thoughtfully built seed company. Our conversation wanders through topics like creativity, business strategy, and the realities of building something in the floral world, all anchored by the sense of wonder that keeps pulling us back to flowers.

• Starting a flower farm in Maine and building a thriving local floral business
• Moving back to the West Coast and adapting to a different flower market
• Why sweet peas became the foundation of her seed business
• The process of researching and launching a niche seed company
• Branding, packaging, and storytelling as marketing tools
• Growing seed stock and preserving rare varieties
• Identifying your ideal customer and staying focused on a narrow market
• Managing comparison, visibility, and self-doubt as a creative entrepreneur
• Shifting away from "content creation" toward documenting real work on social media
• Building authentic community around a niche product

You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find Amy on IG at either @botanicalbrouhaha or @bloomtrustco and Natalie at @hey.nataliegill or @native_poppy

This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.

Linda D'Arco returns to the Botanical Brouhaha podcast nearly five years after her first appearance to share what's changed since we last spoke. Based in northern New York, Linda is the founder of Little Farmhouse Flowers and Ampersand Bulb Co., and she brings a valuable, behind-the-scenes perspective on importing flower bulbs, ethical sourcing, and sustainable supply chains. Drawing from firsthand experience as a bulb importer, Linda breaks down how tariffs work, why they've dramatically increased costs for small farms, and how these policies affect the future of local flower production in the U.S.

This conversation goes far beyond bulbs. Along the way, we explore what it means to let go of offerings you love, build businesses that reflect your values, and take responsibility for the ripple effects of your work.

• Letting go of offerings to make room for more aligned work
• Building a wholesale flower bulb company
• Ethical sourcing, sustainability, and supply-chain transparency
• How flower bulbs are grown—and why they take years to produce
• How tariffs affect American flower farmers and florists
• The environmental tradeoffs between importing bulbs vs. cut flowers
• Frozen agricultural grants and their downstream impact on farms
• Using your business as a vehicle for values and advocacy
• Choosing your audience—and being okay with who opts out
• Parenting, boundaries, and designing a business that supports real life

• • Little Farmhouse Flowers
  • The Tulip Workshop
  • Ampersand Bulb Co.

You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find Amy on IG at either @botanicalbrouhaha or @bloomtrustco and Natalie at @hey.nataliegill or @native_poppy

This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee. 

In this bonus episode, Amy and Natalie take a deep dive into Bloom Trust Co. CIRCLE—what it is, why they started it nearly five years ago, and how it's evolved since that very first session in 2021. They reflect on how CIRCLE grew from just an idea about how to connect with other florists into a trusted, small-group community for florists who want a safe, candid space to talk about the real work of owning a flower business. They cover how CIRCLE works (and why it's not a course), the importance of community, transparency, and talking about numbers. And they discuss the unexpected impact it's had helping businesses develop systems strong enough to allow them to sell when the time was right. Whether you're thinking about opening a shop, wanting to take the next step to expand and grow your retail business, or just curious what CIRCLE really is, this episode gives you an honest look behind the scenes. If you are interested in joining either CIRCLE Retail or CIRCLE Weddings, you can contact Amy directly through email or DM to find out more. 

You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find Amy on IG at either @botanicalbrouhaha or @bloomtrustco and Natalie at @hey.nataliegill or @native_poppy

This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 144), we're visiting with Evelyn Krebs, a Swiss florist, shop owner, and creative entrepreneur with nearly three decades of experience in the floral industry. As founder and owner of Stil & Stiele in Zurich, Switzerland, Evelyn shares what 25 years of shop ownership taught her about growth, courage, and building a business that actually supports your life.

We talk about her unconventional path—from apprenticing in the late 1990s to owning a long-running flower shop in Zurich, launching a concept-driven retail store, and reimagining what a sustainable, values-aligned floral business can look like. This conversation explores courage, redefining success, and building a business that truly serves your life—not just industry expectations.

Whether you're a florist questioning traditional shop hours, dreaming of a different retail model, or simply craving permission to do things your own way, this episode offers thoughtful perspective and real-world insight.

• her journey into floristry and opening her first flower shop in Zurich
• using farmers markets as a high-end marketing and client acquisition tool
• balancing creative work, management, and personal health
• the impact of staffing, scale, and "growth at all costs" thinking
• why fewer employees can sometimes mean higher profit and less stress
• building a second, non-floral concept shop with higher margins and fewer demands
• flexible staffing models using shared calendars and trust-based systems
• selling emotion and experience rather than just products
• redefining success over a long career
• courage, boundaries, and opting out of the hamster wheel
• self-service flower shops and retail models in Switzerland

• TimeTree App – Shared scheduling tool
• Poschtilädeli – Evelyn's second shop

• Website
• Instagram
• Evelyn's second shop, Poschtilädeli

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. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 143), we're visiting with Evelyn Streeter, founder and owner of Eve Floral Co in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our conversation follows Evelyn's deeply personal and inspiring journey as a florist who grew up in the middle of the hum of her mother's small-town flower shop in Michigan.

What began as a family trade became both a lifeline and a legacy when Evelyn unexpectedly took over the business after her mother's passing. Years later, she built her own thriving floral company in Cincinnati—complete with a studio, retail space, and loyal community. But now, standing at a crossroads, Evelyn is considering something few florists ever talk about: selling her business. This conversation unfolds like a love letter to the flower industry—its grit, its heart, and the quiet courage it takes to know when to keep growing and when to let go.

• Her family roots in Detroit and the flower shop that shaped her path
• Taking over her late mother's shop as a young college student and learning business by survival
• The emotional and financial realities of running a business solo
• What it's really like to consider selling your flower business—and why it doesn't mean failure
• How she's preparing her shop and team for a future beyond her own ownership
• The practical process of valuing and selling a small floral business
• Why success can sometimes mean walking away with gratitude

• Website
• Instagram
• Eve Floral Co Shop Instagram

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. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 142), we're visiting with Diane Szukovathy, co-owner of Jello Mold Farm in western Washington and a founding member of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market Cooperative. Diane shares her decades of experience as a flower farmer and cooperative leader, discussing the realities of small-scale farming, the importance of industry standards, and the newly released Floral Standards Book — a groundbreaking resource that compiles practical, research-backed post harvest care information for more than 230 crops. From her love of plants and an art background to her insights on pricing, sustainability, and cooperation, Diane offers a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to build a resilient flower business and community.

• Her journey from artist to flower farmer and the origins of Jello Mold Farm
• The founding and evolution of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market
• Why the Floral Standards Book was created and how it serves farmers and florists
• What the Floral Standards Book reveals about dahlia varieties, including vase life testing
• The role of quality standards in creating fair pricing and cohesive products
• Cooperative business models — how they function and benefit small-scale farms
• Challenges in U.S. flower farming: land access, climate change, and market pricing
• Lessons learned over two decades: finding niches, doing enterprise math, and taking time off
• The importance of abundance, generosity, and community in a sustainable floral future

• Dr. John Dole – North Carolina State University professor, researcher, and post harvest expert
• ASCFG (Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers) – professional organization for flower farmers
• Robin Wall Kimmerer – author of Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry, cited for her perspective on abundance and reciprocity
• Downloadable Case Study: Portrait of a Cooperative Pioneer (The Seattle Wholesale Growers Market Cooperative)

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. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 141), we're visiting with Amanda Theodoropoulos of Twisted Willow Flowers in Princeton, New Jersey. What began as Amanda's teenaged plea for a summer job unexpectedly blossomed into a thriving floral design business that now supports two households - hers and her mothers. In this episode, Amanda shares how she and her mom transformed a small-town flower shop into a sought-after wedding and event studio. From working alongside her mom (who bought the shop on what Amanda remembers as a whim) to navigating the leap from retail to luxury weddings, Amanda takes us through the twists, risks, and family bond that shaped their journey. You'll hear about late-night design sessions, tough decisions, unexpected turns—including setting up a wedding just four days postpartum (she doesn't recommend it)—and the deep joy she still finds in flowers after all these years.

• How her high school job led to owning a flower shop with her mom
• The leap from retail floristry to exclusively weddings and events
• Balancing artistry, family, and business growth
• Building relationships with planners and other vendors
• Their client process, from first inquiry to wedding day
• The emotional highs and lows: favorite parts of the work and the heartbreak of floral waste
• Looking ahead: workshops, mentorship, and the future of Twisted Willow Flowers

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. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 140), we're visiting with Juliana McWilliams, owner of Sweet Memories Flowers in Visalia, California. Julia grew up in her mother's shop, where she began experimenting with floral design at just 11 years old—using leftover materials and eventually reverse-engineering corsages when customers began asking for them. What started as childhood curiosity evolved into a full-fledged career, as she eventually stepped into ownership of the shop herself. Rooted in family legacy and shaped by years of hands-on learning, Juliana has built a floral business that blends tradition with innovation. From navigating the challenges of COVID and shifting to a home studio, to reviving the retail shop with a simplified, intentional retail model—including her now-signature grab-and-go cooler—her story is one of evolution, resilience, and heart.

• Learning floral design without YouTube (aka creative problem-solving as a kid!)
• The challenges and beauty of growing up in a family business
• Navigating the transition from daughter/employee to shop owner
• Taking bold steps during Covid-19 to help her business survive and return strong
• Developing a simplified retail model with a highly effective grab-and-go cooler
• The importance of community, mentorship, and continuing education
• Respecting traditional floral mechanics and learning from older generations

• Max Owens
• Chapel Designers
• Sinclair & Moore
• Bloom Trust Co
• CamFlor

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. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 139), we're visiting with world-renowned floral artist Kiana Underwood and her husband and business partner, Nate Underwood. Eight years after their first appearance on the Botanical Brouhaha podcast, we invited them back to reflect on the massive evolution of their business, Tulipina—from planting bulbs on their New York farm to becoming a global floral powerhouse with a 10,000-square-foot studio in Lake Como. They open up about building a business in Europe, navigating the luxury wedding industry with integrity, and finding balance between creativity, family, and ambition. It's a powerful conversation about values, resilience, and the courage to dream big while staying grounded.

• Life changes since their first podcast appearance, including an empty nest and evolving dreams
• Moving to upstate New York and establishing a second home and business in Italy
• Behind the scenes of building Tulipina's European presence post-COVID
• The challenges and opportunities of working in the "luxury" floral market (although Nate isn't fond of the word luxury!)
• How they structure their business to support creativity and profitability
• Why they don't do design renders—and how they protect creative freedom
• Honest reflections on industry dynamics and staying true to your values
• Kiana's design process from ordering flowers to wedding day improvisation
• Favorite projects, including the epic Paris Opera House wedding
• Thoughts on what luxury and success truly mean—and what's next for Tulipina

• Rachel Birthistle | The Lake Como Wedding Planner
• Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
• Color Me Floral: Stunning Monochromatic Arrangements for Every Season (by Kiana Underwood)
• Tulipina's Floral Fantasy: Magnificent Arrangements and Design Inspiration from World-Renowned Florist Kiana Underwood
• The Paris Opera House wedding

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. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 138), we're visiting with Janelle Gerestein—better known as Janie of Flowers by Janie—a Calgary-based floral designer whose career spans over two decades and multiple continents. From her early dreams of becoming a wedding florist to launching a successful business in Bolivia, then rebuilding from scratch in Canada, Janie's story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and community.

We're excited to dig into her business strategies, her signature seasonal workshops (flowers + desserts = genius!), and how she weaves purpose into everything she does—including donating wedding florals to women in transitional housing. You'll walk away inspired by her thoughtfulness, practical insights, and generous heart.

• Starting a floral business in Bolivia (and its unexpected success!)
• Rebuilding her business from scratch after moving to Calgary
• Scaling up with strategy: from 100+ weddings to a curated 30
• The importance of knowing your numbers and setting minimums
• Hosting wildly successful flower + dessert workshops
• Hiring and working with family, freelancers, and a marketing intern
• Winning the Bloom Trust Co Flowering With Purpose grant
• The intersection of faith, generosity, and business values
• Educational experiences and favorite workshops from around the world
• Designing flowers for mountain weddings

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. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 137), we're visiting with Wilfred de Wit, founder and CEO of iBuyFlowers where florists and event planners can shop online for wholesale flowers directly from 100+ farms in both the US and abroad. Will shares his background in the floral industry and the challenges he witnessed, leading to the inception of his company. The conversation covers the importance of transparency, ethical sourcing, and customer education. Will also talks about his hopes for the role AI will eventually play in personalizing orders for iBuyFlowers customers.  If you're looking for a company who believes in building strong relationships with their growers and customers, this episode will be insightful. Will's goal is to educate his customers about the benefits of ordering directly from growers, which can significantly improve the quality and longevity of their flowers.

Get $100 off a first order over $200. To claim this offer, use Voucher Code:

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. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 136), we're visiting with Rachael Lunghi, owner of Siren Floral Co based in Southern California. Siren Floral Co was born out of a wedding and event planning company Rachael founded initially. Her love of flowers led her to eventually focus on floristry full time. Since that time, Rachael has developed a style all her own that's easily recognized and sought after by clients. Leaning into her love of travel, she gradually carved out a destination weddings and events niche for Siren Floral Co. We're honored to bring this conversation to you!

• her experiences with destination weddings and travel logistics
• pricing strategies for floral services and transparency with clients
• balancing work and family life as a new mom
• her aesthetic and design philosophy
• lessons learned from past business experiences, including closing a retail shop
• advice for aspiring wedding planners and florists on contracts and goal setting
• the importance of building a supportive team and community

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. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 135), we're revisiting Chloe Murray, CEO/Creative Director of MUD Urban Flowers in Glasgow, Scotland and our second guest ever back in 2017 (Ep. 3) when the BB Podcast was just getting started.

When we last visited, Chloe was only a couple of months into her new business and absolutely on fire! She was seeing quick growth and loving the process. Fast forward to 2025. Today, Chloe has guided MUD Urban Flowers through a pandemic, exponential growth, and significant life changes. And she's still passionate about her business model and the people she serves. And she's done it all without a phone number for her customers from day one! If you wish your flower business was more outside the box, Chloe will get you thinking about the possibilities.

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. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 134), we're visiting with Karla Smith-Brown, founder of Olivee Floral.

Karla's inspiring journey evolved from a career in public relations to becoming a successful floral artist. Her story isn't just about flowers; it's about weaving passion, sustainability, and heritage with personal connections to make a powerful impact.

Starting out, Karla offered pop-up events and hand-tied bouquets, gradually building her brand (named after her great grandmother, Medorah Olivee Wright). With a design aesthetic influenced by her Jamaican heritage, she developed a signature wild yet refined style. As Olivee Floral grew, Karla began to view flowers as a medium for art, not just for traditional events. Now, she works with brands like Vogue, Birkenstock, and Nike, often being sought out because of the strong professional relationships she's built and the unique design aesthetic she's developed.

• the significance of using locally grown and sustainable flowers for funeral arrangements
• addressing the challenges and taboos surrounding discussions of funeral flowers in society
• innovative approaches to creating sustainable funeral flower designs without floral foam
• the role of florists in educating families about sustainable options and practices
• the potential for changing perceptions of funeral flowers to make them more approachable
• the impact of creative and sustainable practices on the floral industry and communities

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. 

In today's BB Podcast episode (No. 133), we're visiting with Carole Patilla, co-founder of the Farewell Flowers Directory and owner of Tuckshop Flowers. She joined forces with Gill Hodgson, founder of Flowers from the Farm, to address a need in the floral industry that is often overlooked and avoided — sustainable funeral flowers.

This conversation will be helpful for you if: 1) you're unsure how to execute your vision to create funeral flowers without traditional flower foam and single-use plastics or 2) you're struggling to educate clients (and funeral directors) about the importance of sustainable funeral flowers.

Carole shares her experiences working with local funeral homes, highlighting how they have embraced innovative approaches to funerals that reflect the wishes of families for personalized services that prioritize sustainable practices.

Carole shares her experiences creating foam free funeral arrangements that can adapt to different surfaces, such as curved caskets lids. She challenges the notion that certain practices are set in stone simply because they have always been done that way. She believes strongly that florists have the power to set their own rules and standards in business.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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!

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

THE FLOWER FREELANCE INTENSIVE
MARCH 18-22, 2024

A 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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

In this podcast episode, a seasoned rooftop flower farmer (yes, you heard that right - she farms on rooftops) shares extensive experience in agriculture. Joanna Letz, owner of Bluma Flower Farm, discusses the transition from traditional farming to rooftop farming, the unique challenges it presents, and the logistics involved. She also talks about her business, which includes a variety of offers such as retail, direct-to-consumer sales, weddings, events, and teaching. Joanna emphasizes the importance of taking risks for personal and professional growth, even in the face of skepticism. Despite the financial challenges faced by farmers, she remains motivated to evolve her business to fulfill her desires.

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. 

In BB Podcast Episode 111, Abby Daigle, owner of Stems Floral Design & Event Styling in Austin, Texas shares her journey from growing up in the events industry at the venue owned by her family to starting her own floral business. She discusses her love for weddings, the services her company offers, and her business model, which includes a showroom for full-service wedding clients and important relationships with industry vendors. She also talks about her team structure, hiring process, and industry role models. And, Abby shares an interesting perspective on centerpiece mockups which she finds to be a powerful tool for building trust and excitement with her clients.

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. 

In this podcast episode, we visit with Rachel Nafis, owner of Psalter Farm Flowers, an urban flower farm in San Diego. Rachel shares a behind the scenes look at her unique business model. She grows flowers in her neighbors' yards and then supplies San Diego shops and florists with her local grown flowers. Rachel discusses the challenges and rewards of farming in an urban setting, the importance of community and connections, and the ecological impact of her work. She also talks about her transition from nursing to farming and the joy she finds in sharing her love for gardening with others. The episode highlights Rachel's dedication and the positive impact her business is having on the neighborhood.

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. 

In Episode 109, Botanical Brouhaha Podcast co-hosts Amy and Natalie welcome guest Graeme Corbett of Bloom & Burn back to the show. They discuss Graeme's shift towards working mostly with British-grown flowers and he reflects on his decision to scale back the number of weddings he accepts while incorporating more teaching into his business model.

They touch on what led to Graeme's decision to move to the Kent countryside with his partner and how he's adapted to a slower pace of life. They also talk about the impact difficult life experiences can have on business operations. Graeme shares how taking time for self-reflection helped him redirect his focus and gain significant traction in his business.

The episode wraps up with details of Graeme's workshops and classes, his aspirations of publishing a book, and the role of social media in his work.

Bloom & Burn Instagram

Bloom & Burn Website

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. 

In the first episode of Season 7, Amy and Natalie (Native Poppy founder) share what led to the strong bond between them which ultimately led to Natalie becoming the co-host of the Botanical Brouhaha Podcast. Setting the stage for their new podcast format, Amy and Natalie dive into their hopes for the podcast including a shared desire for more laughter and deeply honest conversations around topics that impact flower business owners.

They introduce their guest, Rachel Bridgwood, co-owner of Sweet Root Village, who will facilitate Circle Weddings Fall 2023 with her business partner Lauren Anderson. Rachel discusses the challenges and successes of running a floral business and the importance of community and support. The episode concludes with Amy and Natalie inviting listeners to join the Sweet Root Village co-founders in Circle Weddings.

Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha) and Natalie Gill (Native Poppy)

BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Joel McGee

Music Written and Performed by: Landon McGee

After taking a few months off to rest and reflect, the podcast is back! And we have a new co-host you're going to love! The first episode of Season 7 will drop on September 6th and we couldn't be more excited to hit the ground running. We've missed our chats!

• Overcoming the fear of starting and financing a new business idea
• Learning the basics of business startup
• Testing the popup concept
• The importance of packaging at a popup
• Bringing the skill of fashion buying to a flower shop
• The power of asking questions
• Building a team
• Becoming a mother while running a business

• Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising 
• Gansevoort Market
• Tori Burch Foundation
• Fleishman is in Trouble

FOLLOW POPUPFLORIST:

WEBSITE

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Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English.

Host: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha + Bloom Trust Co.)

BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee

Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

If you're struggling to find the words to convey who you are and what you do, today's episode is for you!

We can't wait for you to meet Yasamin Salavatian, Yasi for short. She describes her expertise like this:

"I partner with you to bring words to your vision, leading you to differentiate your brand from the sea of…well, let's face it - drab. As a Storytelling Strategist (and your Partner-in-Communication), my role willfully challenges traditional marketing rhetoric, (re)defining your messaging and positioning to fit you like a glove."

The result? You end up with a dynamic, cross-collateral, custom-made brand communication strategy that grows with you as you evolve with your business.

• Hannah Lowery (Ep. 99) | Edges Wild Studio | Read the Case Study
• Amy Balsters | The Floral Coach
• Tiffany Weinbender | Ida Mayes Floral Design House | Read the Case Study
• Rachel Bridgwood & Lauren Anderson (Ep. 69) | Sweet Root Village
• Emily Ventura Designs
• Upwell Strategies
• Summer Suleiman | Read the Case Study
• Bijou Creative
• Erika Parker Boudoir Photography | Read the Case Study
• Jilliane Yawney | Read the Case Study

• Website
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Linkedin

Host: Amy McGee (Founder: Botanical Brouhaha + Bloom Trust Co.)

BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee

Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee