The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Hosted by Vonda LaFever & Lori Wilson

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Episodes

360

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Join Vonda LaFever and Lori Wilson as they share expert advice, insider tips, and a whole lot of fun on all things floral. While everyone loves flowers, running a floral business can come with its fair share of challenges that might make you lose sight of the joy it brings. In this engaging and informative podcast, Vonda’s wealth of floral expertise pairs perfectly with Lori’s background in teaching, sales training, and life coaching to deliver valuable insights you can use right away. From industry trends and the flower shop of the future to overcoming obstacles like boosting sales and building a stellar customer service team, they’ve got you covered. Discover how small shifts in your mindset and approach can create big transformations in your business and life. Hit subscribe to put the pleasure back into your life, go back to loving flowers, find fresh inspiration, and bring the joy back to your business!

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60 recent

November 3, 202630 min

Marlin, Tell Us How You Really Feel! Holiday Hacks & Hot Takes (Part 2)

Episode 358: Marlin Hargrove is back, and he’s not finished sharing his holiday decorating secrets! In Part 2 of our Holiday Hacks series, Marlin joins Vonda and Lori for even more clever tricks, practical advice, and plenty of laughs to help you survive the holiday hustle. This time, we’re talking tools, mechanics, safety, and storage. From miniature glue guns and zip tie holders to protecting your arms, saving your back, and keeping your holiday decorations organized, Marlin shares the little things that can make a BIG difference during the busiest decorating season of the year. We also get into the business side of holiday installations, including why investing in good help pays off, how to work more efficiently, and why a few great team members are worth their weight in gold. But then things take a turn when Lori introduces a new segment: “Marlin, Tell Us How You Really Feel!” And trust us, he does! We’re getting Marlin’s unfiltered opinions on everything from flocked trees and oversized bows to sentimental ornaments, tinsel, multicolored lights, and the holiday decorating trends he’d happily leave behind. Plus, we find out what Christmas looks like inside Marlin’s own home and whether professional designers secretly judge your Christmas tree. (Spoiler alert: They do!) Whether you’re a florist tackling holiday installations, a designer looking for smarter ways to work, or someone who just loves Christmas decorating, this episode is packed with useful takeaways and a whole lot of personality. Grab your favorite holiday drink, get comfortable, and prepare to laugh, learn, and maybe rethink a few of your Christmas decorating decisions! Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

October 27, 2026Episode 35733 min

Marlin’s Holiday Hacks: Big Impact, Less Labor & Lots of Laughs (Part 1)

Episode 357: The holidays are coming, and we’re bringing in the big guns! Christmas decorating expert and longtime friend Marlin Hargrove joins Vonda and Lori for a laugh-filled episode packed with clever tricks, time-saving techniques, and a few holiday decorating confessions. From Christmas trees and oversized ornaments to mantels, garlands, wreaths, and ribbon, Marlin is sharing the tried-and-true hacks he’s learned from years of professional holiday decorating. And trust us, you’ll never look at zip ties, laundry baskets, or binder clips the same way again! We’re talking about how to create bigger visual impact with less labor, repurpose materials you already have, protect your clients’ homes, and make those holiday installations more efficient and profitable. Plus, Lori gets a little personal about her sentimental Christmas ornaments, Marlin shares some hilarious lessons learned the hard way, and Vonda discovers a few tricks she’s ready to put to work immediately. Whether you’re decorating for clients, merchandising your flower shop, or tackling your own Christmas tree, this episode is full of practical ideas you can use right away. And this is just Part 1! Marlin has so many holiday hacks that we couldn’t fit them into one episode. Grab your zip ties, pour yourself something festive, and get ready to work smarter this holiday season! Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

October 20, 2026Episode 35637 min

Kelly Clarkson and the Brooklyn Bird: A Customer Service Disaster Every Retailer Can Learn From

Episode 356: What do Kelly Clarkson, a $15,000 mechanical bird, and a small Brooklyn business have to do with retail florists? More than you might think! This week, Lori and Ellie dive into the controversy between Kelly Clarkson and a Brooklyn boutique over a $15,000 mechanical bird. What started as an uncomfortable shopping experience quickly turned into a public relations disaster, raising some big questions about customer service, first impressions, and how business owners respond when things go wrong. From judging customers by their appearance to doubling down on a bad experience, Lori and Ellie break down what went wrong and, more importantly, what florists can learn from it. They also discuss another shocking small-business controversy involving a wedding venue, a grieving bride, and a $16,000 deposit. Through it all, one powerful reminder stands out: The customer isn’t always right, but their experience is always real. Whether you’re selling a $75 bouquet or a $500 arrangement, the way you make customers feel can determine whether they come back - or tell the world why they won’t. Plus, before getting down to business, Lori and Ellie share their latest adventures involving an all-you-can-eat ice cream museum, college football, and some unforgettable people-watching. Tune in for plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and a few customer service lessons that could save your flower shop from becoming the next viral cautionary tale. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

October 13, 2026Episode 35536 min

Sustainability Without the Overwhelm: Small Steps That Make a Big Impact

Episode 355: When you hear the word sustainability , do you immediately think of composting, eliminating floral foam, or making expensive changes to your flower shop? What if you’re already doing more than you realize? In this episode Vonda and Lori welcome Amanda Solliday, Senior Manager of Sustainabloom, an initiative of the American Floral Endowment , for a refreshing conversation about what sustainability really means for the floral industry. Spoiler alert: It’s about a whole lot more than being environmentally friendly! Amanda breaks down the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—and explains why taking care of your employees, reducing waste, and building a profitable business are all part of the bigger picture. Together, they explore: Why sustainability is a mindset, not just a checklist. Simple things your flower shop may already be doing that count as sustainable practices. How sustainability and profitability can work together. Why composting isn’t necessarily the best place to start. How Sustainabloom’s FREE FLOWS planning framework can help you identify opportunities without feeling overwhelmed. The importance of starting small, celebrating wins, and choosing changes that make sense for YOUR business. Plus, you’ll hear a few laughs about skincare serums, recycled Nespresso pods, and Lori’s latest fascination with the Biltmore Estate! The biggest takeaway? You don’t have to do everything to make a difference. Start with one thing, make it work, and build from there. Whether you’re just beginning to think about sustainability or looking for ways to do more, this episode will leave you with practical ideas and a fresh perspective on creating a floral business that’s good for your people, your community, and your bottom line. Learn more about Sustainabloom and explore their free sustainability resources: www.sustainabloom.org Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

October 6, 2026Episode 35431 min

Same Business, Different Lens: Building Flower Clique as Mother & Daughter

Episode 354: What happens when your daughter becomes your business partner and the person challenging you to see things differently? With Lori out this week, Vonda and EllieJo sit down for a candid conversation about what it’s really like to build Flower Clique together as mother and daughter. They look back at their earliest days working side by side in the flower shop, the shift from parent-and-child to true business partners, and the moments when learning to trust each other’s strengths changed the way they worked together. From generational differences and giving up control to technology, relationships, boundaries, and the occasional Saturday Slack message, they share the challenges, risks, and unexpected rewards of working with family. They also explore one of the things that makes their partnership work so well: they don’t always see the business through the same lens. Vonda brings decades of floral industry experience, practicality, and an instinct for what will actually work in a flower shop. Ellie Jo brings a consumer perspective, branding, technology, and a constant eye toward what’s next. Somewhere in the middle, the best ideas tend to emerge. It’s a conversation about family, entrepreneurship, trust, and the value of surrounding yourself with people who see your business differently than you do. Because sometimes growth doesn’t come from agreeing—it comes from being willing to listen. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

September 29, 2026Episode 35331 min

Do It Even If Your Voice Shakes: Turning Fear Into Fuel

Episode 353: What if the thing holding your flower shop back isn’t the economy, your customers, or your competition—but fear? In this episode, Vonda and Lori get real about fear: from childhood worries about quicksand and stuffed animals coming to life (thanks, Scooby-Doo) to the very real fears that show up when you own a business. What if I raise my prices and customers stop buying? Can I really afford to hire someone? What if I show up on social media and people judge me? What if I make the wrong decision? But there’s another question we don’t ask nearly enough: What happens if I don’t do it? Vonda and Lori share some of the business decisions that scared them most, why fear can sometimes disguise itself as “being responsible,” and how shifting fear into excitement can help you move forward. They also talk about using your numbers, your support system, and even AI to separate actual facts from the scary stories running through your head. Because courage doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid. Sometimes it simply means deciding that what’s on the other side of the fear matters more. So here’s the question for every flower shop owner: What decision are you avoiding because you’re calculating the risk of doing it - but not the risk of doing nothing? Do it anyway. Even if your voice shakes. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

September 22, 2026Episode 35229 min

Think One Level Up: How to Become the Employee Everyone Wants on Their Team

Episode 352: What does it actually look like to think like a leader—even when you’re not the boss? In this episode, Vonda and Lori unpack the idea of “thinking one level above your current role” and what that looks like in the real world of flower shops and the floral industry. It’s not necessarily about getting a new title or climbing a corporate ladder. Sometimes, moving up means becoming the person your team can count on—the one who spots a problem before it becomes a crisis, brings a possible solution instead of just pointing out what’s wrong, and understands how their role affects the entire business. Vonda and Lori talk through practical ways to develop that mindset, including making decisions without escalating every little thing, knowing when to ask permission and when to take initiative, seeking out opportunities instead of waiting for them, and learning to see the bigger picture beyond your own job description. They also tackle the other side of the equation: owners and managers have to create enough trust and freedom for employees to actually step up. Whether you’re an owner, manager, designer, salesperson, or aspiring leader, this conversation will challenge you to look beyond the tasks in front of you and ask: Am I simply doing my job—or am I already thinking at the next level? Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

September 15, 2026Episode 35125 min

You Can’t Control the Storm, But You Can Control Your Mindset

Episode 351: What do flight delays, a rainy team retreat, flower shop ownership, and a ship taking on water have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, Vonda and Lori are fresh off the Flower Clique team retreat and reflecting on what happens when you step away from the day-to-day, spend real time with your team, and create space for honest conversations. From one-on-ones that helped team members feel seen and heard to the reminder that everyone has their own little quirks, the retreat reinforced just how important connection is to building a strong team. Then the conversation turns to mindset and one powerful idea: all the water in the world can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside. As business owners, there will always be things we can’t control: tariffs, rising costs, employee dynamics, difficult customers, travel delays, the news, and plenty of opinions about what we should or shouldn’t be doing. We need to be aware of what’s happening, but we don’t have to give every outside influence permission to take up space in our minds. Vonda and Lori talk about learning to separate thoughts from facts, focusing on what you can control, and recognizing when it’s time to simply put a thought “on the train” and let it keep moving. Because protecting your mindset doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It means refusing to let the things you can’t control become the anchor that keeps you and your business from moving forward. Guard your mind. Protect your focus. And keep the water out. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

September 8, 2026Episode 35036 min

Stop Competing and Start Profiting: The Numbers Every Florist Needs to Know with Derrick Myers

Episode 350: What does it really take to run a profitable flower shop? In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with floral industry CPA Derrick Myers of Crockett Myers to talk about the numbers that can make, or break, a flower shop. After more than 40 years working with florists, Derrick has seen firsthand where shops are losing money, where opportunities are being missed, and what the most profitable owners do differently. Derrick shares the unlikely story of how he went from studying chemistry to becoming one of the floral industry’s best-known accounting experts, including the legendary tiki hut that helped him build his business one florist (and frozen margarita) at a time. Then, the conversation gets down to business. They dig into the three areas every florist should be watching closely: cost of goods, labor, and delivery. Derrick explains why rising flower costs can’t simply be absorbed, why your landed cost matters, how often you should be evaluating pricing, and why worrying about what the flower shop down the street charges could be costing you money. They also talk delivery fees, labor percentages, website delivery matrices, wire services, and the financial benchmarks Derrick uses with more than 160 flower shops across the country. But his biggest piece of advice has nothing to do with a spreadsheet: profitable owners learn to work ON their business instead of spending every day buried IN it. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re charging enough, spending too much, or truly making money on every order, this episode will give you a whole new way to look at your flower shop. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

September 1, 2026Episode 34934 min

Book the Ticket: Building a Flower Shop That Can Run Without You with Jenny and Charles Ingrum

Episode 349: What would happen if you actually left your flower shop and took the vacation? In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with floral industry power couple Jenny and Charles Ingrum (Jenny Ingrum AIFD • PFCI • EMC • AAF • CEJ and Charles Ingrum owner of Dr. Delphinium Dallas, TX) for a conversation about creativity, business, leadership, and building a life beyond the shop. Charles shares how he went from software and numbers to purchasing Dr. Delphinium—and how learning to work on the business instead of in it helped him build a team that doesn’t need him to make every decision. From intentional delegation and clear roles to empowering employees to take care of customers without asking permission, he explains what it really takes to create a business that can thrive when the owner isn’t in the building. Jenny brings the creative side of the equation, sharing how her career as a floral designer, educator, competitor, and former shop owner has evolved—and how she and Charles have influenced each other’s perspectives on both business and design. They also talk about the importance of staying curious, recognizing potential in young designers, stepping back up to the design bench when the team needs you, and why floral professionals can benefit from experiencing both the creative world of AIFD and the business education and community of SAF. And, of course, there’s the question every overworked flower shop owner needs to hear: Can you really take the vacation without everything falling apart? Charles and Jenny say yes. Start small. Empower your people. Look at your numbers. Find the slow week. And then? Book the ticket. Because sometimes the best thing you can do for your business—and yourself—is give your team the opportunity to figure it out without you. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist