The Business & Pleasure of Flowers
Vonda LaFever and Lori Wilson join forces to share advice, insider knowledge, and fun tips on everything floral. Everyone loves flowers, but the floral business comes with challenges that sometimes make you forget about the rewards. In this fun and informative podcast, Vonda’s extensive floral knowledge and experience, along with Lori’s teaching, life and sales training expertise, you will learn what’s trending in the industry and what the flower shop of the future might look like. In addition, they will discuss how to overcome obstacles, from in-store and online sales, to how to build a great customer service team. Discover how a bit of knowledge and one small change in your mindset can take you to new levels in your life and business. Hit subscribe, so you can put the pleasure back into your life and go back to loving flowers and what you do even more!
Episodes
262 episodes
Overcoming Business Challenges with Positive Perspective
Episode 260: Vonda and Lori discuss how common negative narratives surrounding sales projections and the economy can drain our motivation and energy. They provide insights and strategies on maintaining a positive mindset to navigat...
•
Episode 260
•
22:08
Navigating Trade Policies and Tariffs with Insights for Valentine's Day 2025
Episode 259: In this episode, Lori and Vonda are joined by Bill LaFever, President of the Bill Doran company, to dive into crucial issues impacting the floral industry. Bill sheds light on the recent advocacy efforts in Washington DC, le...
•
Episode 259
•
45:12
How to Master Your Customer Experience in 7 Days
Episode 258: In this episode, Vonda and Lori are joined by Ellie to discuss the powerful connection between exceptional customer experiences and effective sales training. As instructors of SalesPrepSchool, they delve into the highlights ...
•
Episode 258
•
34:18
Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Episode 257: Vonda is on her own in this week as important personal business takes Lori away for a much needed day off. With Thanksgiving this week, Vonda looks at the saying "If everyone put their cross in a pile, you would take your own...
•
Episode 257
•
19:10
Why Professional Certification? With Renee Tucci AIFD, CFD, PFCI
Episode 256: Vonda and Lori sit down with special friend, Renee Tucci AIFD CFD PFCI AAF, President Elect of AIFD, to discuss the importance of foundational education in floral design and how it is the key to growing and developing your pe...
•
Episode 256
•
40:56
Decoding SEO: Expert Insights & Strategies with Ryan Freeman
Episode 255: Vonda and Lori as they sit down with Ryan Freeman, President of Strider and a seasoned expert in the fields of SEO and online marketing. Ryan sheds light on the overwhelming landscape of SEO, cautioning businesses against mak...
•
Episode 255
•
43:26
The Cut Foliage Business: Challenges and Opportunities with David Register from FernTrust
Episode 254: In this episode, hosts Lori and Vonda are joined by special guest David Register, the Executive Vice President at FernTrust, Inc. located in Seville, FL. David provides insights into the cut foliage business, discussing the product...
•
Episode 254
•
31:14
The Unseen Challenges of Being a Manager or Leader
Episode 253: Lori provides an insightful look into the less glamorous aspects of being a manager that are rarely discussed. She shares interesting and surprising insights about the challenges that managers experience and often keep to themselve...
•
Episode 253
•
33:42
Behind the Scenes: Lessons from Working with Top Video and Design Teams
Episode 252: In this episode, host Lori Wilson PFCI sits down with her co-host Vonda LaFever AIFD PFCI CFD and friend Julie Poeltler AIFD PFCI CFD to discuss their recent collaboration with a top-notch video production and design team. Jo...
•
Episode 252
•
29:41
Find Your "Sparketype" with Ellie and Lori | BONUS Team Retreat Recap!
Episode 251: Lori and Ellie reflect on Flower Clique's first in-person staff retreat, which prioritized team bonding and relaxation. The retreat featured a session on 'Sparketypes', which provides insights into team members’ personality ...
•
Episode 251
•
34:40
Navigating Customer Service Challenges with Empathy
Episode 250: Customer service can be a challenging field, especially when emotions come into play. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of customer interactions, particularly when dissatisfaction or complaints arise.Lor...
•
Episode 250
•
36:24
Blossoming Success: Inside the Flower Clique Team
Episode 249: Join Lori as she sits down with Kami Martin, the Director of Membership, and Audrey Kristoff, the Product Manager, from the Flower Clique team. Discover how their roles contribute to the success of flower shop owners and Flower Cli...
•
Episode 249
•
49:11
Overcoming Obstacles: Practicing What You Preach
Episode 248: In this episode, Ellie, Lori, and Vonda share their experiences from an 8-day business trip focused on product development for Flower Clique. From photo shoots to creating videos for Sales Prep School, and even hosting an educ...
•
Episode 248
•
40:20
Unveiling the Art of Exceptional Customer Service with Sam Bowles: Rewind
Episode 247: Vonda and Lori are on the road and picked a great rewind for you. It's a rewind from last summer of Episode 185: Join Lori and Ellie as they sit down with our good friend, Sam Bowles, the General Manager and Creative Director...
•
Episode 247
•
50:37
A Blooming Celebration: Wedding Flowers and Design Insights
Episode 246: Join Lori and Vonda in a heartfelt conversation as they reflect on their recent experience designing wedding flowers for a personal wedding. Though they don't typically work together in this capacity, their shared dedication...
•
Episode 246
•
32:19
Honoring Labor Day: History, Lessons, and Tips for Moving into Fall
Episode 245: Today's episode is short and sweet as we share a brief history of Labor Day and highlights a valuable lesson that continue to resonate today. Learn the important highlights of origins of Labor Day and the impact of the labor ...
•
Episode 245
•
11:56
Quotes That Could Alter Your Mind
Episode 244: Join hosts Lori and Vonda as they delve into a collection of mind-altering quotes by Wayne Dyer. Discover quotes that may resonate with you with a simple "yep" and others that challenge you to truly ponder and potentially transform...
•
Episode 244
•
30:44
Practical Tips to Move the Sustainability Needle in Your Floral Shop
Episode 243: We recap the exciting session at Camp Clique last week and delve into a thought-provoking discussion with industry experts Bill McKinley AIFD from Texas A & M and Abby Chick, shop owner of Blakemore's Flowers in Harrisonburg, V...
•
Episode 243
•
41:05
Highlights from SAF Convention in Miami
Episode 242: In this episode, Vonda interviews Lori about her experience at the Society of America Florist (SAF) Convention in Miami last week. Lori shares her insights and highlights from the convention, from the networking opportu...
•
Episode 242
•
31:22
Blossoming Against All Odds
Episode 241: Join us for an inspiring interview with Stefani and John Goetz, the couple behind 21 Petals in Lafayette, IN. Stefani, a dedicated assistant principal, and John, a law enforcement professional, share their remarkable journey of sta...
•
Episode 241
•
48:03
Flowers Come From Where?! with Williee Armellini
Episode 240: In this episode, hosts Lori and Ellie chat with Williee Armellini, the artist, musician, writer and owner of the Flowers and Cents website and newsletter. Williee shares some fascinating anecdotes about his personal jo...
•
Episode 240
•
37:06
Color Palette Trend Forecast for 2024 (Camp Clique Replay)
Episode 239: In this episode, we'll share highlights from an recent webinar session provided and sponsored by Flower Clique. Join Ellie LaFever as she delves into the exciting world of upcoming color palettes in the floral industry. She ...
•
Episode 239
•
28:21
Leadership Traits That Retain vs. Repel Employees
Episode 238: In this episode, Vonda and Lori explore the impact of different leadership traits on employee retention. They discuss five leadership habits to avoid that can drive employees away and undermine your authority. By self-evaluating an...
•
Episode 238
•
41:44
A Different View of AIFD Symposium Emerge
Episode 237: In this episode, Vonda shares her unique perspective on the AIFD Symposium Emerge, held in Orlando FL while driving home. Though she didn't attend any of the programs, she was able to personally meet the designers. Vonda had the ta...
•
Episode 237
•
30:56
A Favorite Episode Replay: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Episode 236: Vonda and Lori are at AIFD this week, making it the perfect opportunity for YOU to catch up on any podcast episodes you’ve missed! If you need a recommendation, check out Episode 159: “Leadership Lessons: Five Dysfunctions of a...
•
Episode 236
•
30:25