The Business & Pleasure of Flowers – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Episode 309: In this special episode, Lori and Vonda welcome a very important guest—Ellie—to relive her unforgettable wedding in Rome and pull back the curtain on what it really takes to design an international destination wedding. 

From navigating time zones, laid-back Italian vendors, and cultural differences (“unfortunately…”), to securing flowers through industry connections, planning mechanics for towering broken arches, and transporting hundreds of stems through narrow Roman streets at 5:30 a.m.—they share the wins, pivots, and problem-solving behind the magic.

You’ll hear how vision boards evolved (and had to be “locked”), how a DIY PVC arch frame became a showstopper, why respecting the architecture and history of a venue matters, and how a trusted design team (Tim, Julie, and Vonda) made it possible for the mother of the bride to actually be the mother of the bride on the big day.

Whether you’re a florist dreaming of destination work or just love a good behind-the-scenes wedding story, this episode is full of heart, humor, and practical insight on designing something truly unforgettable.

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

Episode 308: Recorded at peak “end-of-day brain,” Lori and Vonda dive into one of the most overlooked tools in the floral industry: email marketing that feels personal, warm, and human. They break down why florists avoid email marketing, what customers actually want to receive, and how you can write simple newsletters that create loyalty—not pressure.

You’ll learn how to craft subject lines that get opened (“We saw this and thought of you…”), how to balance storytelling with sales, and why emailing once a month is better than not emailing at all. A refreshing, relatable take on marketing from two people who fully admit they’re running on fumes—and yet delivering pure gold.

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

Episode 299: In this lighthearted and thoughtful episode, Vonda and Lori kick things off with karaoke night plans, road trip shenanigans, and a few laughs before diving into something we all wrestle with—morning routines. Inspired by an article on 10 simple habits that quietly make you unstoppable, they share personal stories, practical reflections, and how even small changes like making your bed, stepping outside for a few minutes of sunlight, or choosing three priorities can set the tone for your whole day. Whether you’re running a flower shop, a business, or just trying to start your mornings with more intention, this episode will encourage you to reset, refocus, and bring your best self forward.

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

Episode 210: 
Join us in this special podcast episode as Flower Clique marks four years of blooming success since its inception in January 2020. Lori and Vonda, are joined with Kami and Ellie to reflect on their incredible journey.

In this celebratory episode, the Flower Clique team delves into their professional growth over the past four years.

Listen in as Lori, Vonda, Kami, and Ellie answer thought-provoking questions about their experiences with Flower Clique. Discover what valuable lessons they've gained, the remarkable accomplishments that have defined their path, and the exciting goals they have set for the future.

As they navigate through these reflections, the team also expresses their gratitude for the unwavering support from their community, customers, and each other. Tune in to this inspiring episode filled with wisdom, laughter, and heartfelt moments as Flower Clique celebrates four years of growth, resilience, and floral beauty.

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

Episode 209: 

Episode Description:  Vonda and Lori identify what they believe are the three most crucial areas for personal and business reflection from 2023 as we transition into 2024. Drawing upon their own experiences, conversations with many in this floral industry  and their own insights, Vonda and Lori provide a thoughtful guide for listeners to assess and analyze their own journeys.

Tune in as Vonda and Lori share their perspectives and encourage you to actively participate in this reflective journey. Your personal and professional growth awaits as you engage with the reflections of 2023 and set the stage for a successful and fulfilling 2024.

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

Episode 208: Vonda and Lori welcome back  Ellie LaFever, PFCI. 
Ellie shares her invaluable insights and expertise on the process of creating fresh flower designs for the Flower Clique library of images for member websites. With a focus on the importance of having an open mind, Ellie discusses the key factors to consider when developing new floral products that capture the attention and imagination of customers.

As we look toward the future, Ellie also provides intriguing predictions for the floral industry in 2024. Discover what trends she foresees emerging in the coming years and gain a competitive edge in staying ahead of the curve.

Whether you are an aspiring florist, a seasoned professional, or simply have a love for beautiful blooms, this podcast episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Join Vonda, Lori, and Ellie as they explore the world of fresh flower product development and share their excitement for the future of floral design.

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

Episode 207:  In this episode, Abby Chick, returns  with new excitement to discuss her recent videos as a Mayesh Design Star! She shares with Vonda and Lori  highlights of her clips about sustainability for the retail florist industry.  The conversation focuses on practical ways to incorporate sustainability practices into the day-to-day operations of a florist business that she implements in her own flower shop, Blakemore Flowers, in Virginia.  Abby keeps it real, offering actionable takeaways for listeners to apply to their own florist businesses. Whether you are a florist looking to make your operations more sustainable or simply interested in the topic, this episode is a must-listen. Join the conversation and share your thoughts with our Cliquer community.

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

Episode 206: In this episode, Vonda and Lori discuss the book, "The Retention Revolution: 7 Surprising (and Very Human!) Ways to Keep Employees Connected to Your Company" by Erica Keswin. They highlight some of the key points from the book and relate them to their experiences in the floral industry.

Listeners can expect to gain a few good tips on how to keep employees engaged and connected to their organization. Join Vonda and Lori as they share their thoughts and insights on the "Retention Revolution."

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

Episode 205: Lori and Vonda dive into the topic of setting up for a successful selling season in the floral business. With their expertise and experience, they share their top 3 tips for success during the holiday season.

In addition to their main tips, Lori and Vonda also provide some valuable bonus tips, including one that can make or break repeat sales going forward. Tune in to discover how to make the most of this bustling season and ensure your floral business flourishes during the festive period.

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

Episode 204: Join us for a heartwarming Thanksgiving episode as we gather together a few special family members of Vonda and Lori to share their heartfelt thoughts on this special holiday.

In this episode, we hear from Vonda's granddaughters, Leighton and Campbell Martin, whose youthful energy and enthusiasm add a refreshing perspective to the discussion. 

We also have the privilege of listening to the wise reflections of Lori's son, Davis Wilson. With his thoughtful insights, Davis reminds us to take a moment to pause and appreciate the blessings and meaningful moments that Thanksgiving offers.

And finally, we hear from Esther Wilson, Lori's mother-in-law, who brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the conversation. Her perspective is a testament to the enduring importance of family and gratitude.

Join us as we gather around the virtual table to listen to the voices of different generations, and be inspired by their unique perspectives on Thanksgiving. 

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