The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Hosted by Vonda LaFever & Lori Wilson

Business Education Arts DesignInterviews guests

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Episodes

340

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 16, 2026Episode 33829 min

Behind the Blooms: How the American Floral Endowment Supports Every Florist

Episode 338: Most florists have seen the AFE logo, but many don’t realize just how much the American Floral Endowment impacts their business every day.In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with Debi Chedester, Executive Director of the American Floral Endowment, to uncover the research, scholarships, internships, grants, and industry initiatives happening behind the scenes that help florists succeed.Debi shares her unique journey into the floral industry, what surprised her most about the people who make it special, and how AFE has spent 65 years investing in the future of flowers. From flower quality and consumer research to sustainability, travel grants, and recruiting the next generation of industry professionals, this conversation highlights why AFE matters to every florist, whether you realize it or not.In this episode you’ll learn:What the American Floral Endowment actually doesHow AFE research improves flower quality from seed to consumerFree resources available to florists right nowTravel grant opportunities for industry eventsThe growing importance of sustainability and SustainabloomWhy consumer and Gen Z research matters more than everHow AFE is preparing the industry for the next 5–10 yearsWays florists can support and get involved with AFEWhether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, grower, designer, or simply passionate about the floral industry, this episode offers a fascinating look at the organization quietly working behind the scenes to help flowers - and florists - thrive.Because when we invest in the industry together, everyone blooms. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

June 9, 2026Episode 33735 min

Blossoms & Bourbon: How Mark Frye Built a Floral Brand, a Business & a Global Audience

Episode 337: In this episode, we sit down with Mark Frye of Creative Occasions Flowers and Events to talk about his unexpected path—from speech pathologist to lumber salesman… to owning a flower shop for over 30 years.Mark shares the real story behind the leap—the fear, the risk, and the early days of figuring it all out, including managing a team for the first time and learning to let go of control. What started as a side hustle quickly grew into a full-time business, shaped by faith, persistence, and a willingness to keep evolving.We also dive into his YouTube series Blossoms & Bourbon, why teaching others actually grows your business, and his honest take on today’s wedding market—from working with all budget levels to where florists are leaving money on the table.If you’re building a business, navigating change, or wondering what’s next, this conversation will remind you that the most unexpected paths often lead exactly where you’re meant to be.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

June 2, 2026Episode 33636 min

When Your Dream Job Doesn’t Feel Right Anymore: Career Clarity & Courage in the Floral Industry

Episode 336: What happens when the dream you’ve been working toward for 20 years suddenly doesn’t feel right anymore?In this episode, we sit down with Kate Delaney from the Society of American Florists to talk about leadership, career pivots, and the quiet courage it takes to walk away from what you thought was “the plan.”Kate shares her unexpected journey—from a part-time flower shop job to being on the path to ownership—and the moment everything shifted. What she thought was fear turned out to be something deeper: misalignment.We dive into:The difference between fear and intuitionWhy ownership isn’t the only path in the floral industryRecognizing the “heaviness” that signals something isn’t rightHow to evaluate whether to persist or pivotThe power of community and connection in this industryAsking the right questions (the “5 why” method) to find clarityIf you’ve ever questioned your next step, felt stuck between staying and leaving, or wondered if there’s another way forward—this conversation will meet you right where you are.Because sometimes the bravest move isn’t pushing through… it’s choosing something better aligned with who you are.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

May 26, 2026Episode 33527 min

What Sticks With You: Grandbabies, Mentors & the Lessons That Last

Episode 335: This week, Lori is back and fresh off one of the most meaningful experiences of her life: meeting her new grandson.As the conversation unfolds, what starts with sweet stories of new life and family quickly turns into something deeper. Together, Lori and Vonda reflect on empathy, growth, and the people who shape who we become, often without us realizing it in the moment.They revisit last week’s conversation about mentors and life lessons, sharing personal stories of the individuals who challenged, encouraged, and quietly influenced their paths. From college professors to unexpected opportunities, it’s a reminder that the experiences we have, and the people we encounter, often lead us exactly where we’re meant to go.The conversation also weaves into real-life business moments, from preparing for a major floral photo shoot to navigating creativity, trends, and the balance between personal taste and what truly serves your customers.It’s heartfelt, honest, and full of those “aha” moments that make you pause and think about your own journey.Because sometimes, the things that shape us the most… don’t make sense until we look back.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

May 19, 2026Episode 33424 min

The Hidden Impact of People in Your Life (and Your Business)

Episode 334: This week’s episode is a solo, heartfelt reflection as Vonda takes the mic while Lori enjoys the first precious days with her new grandson.What begins as a simple story about gardening and a neighbor turns into something deeper—a reminder that the people who enter our lives often shape us in ways we don’t fully understand in the moment. From mentors who challenge us, to employees who test us, to customers who lift us up or wear us down, each experience leaves its mark.Vonda shares honest, real-life moments from her journey—lessons in leadership, team dynamics, and the quiet awareness it takes to protect the culture of your business. She reflects on the hard decisions, the unexpected teachers, and the growth that comes from both joy and difficulty.This episode is about perspective. It’s about recognizing that even the most challenging situations are preparing you for what’s ahead. And it’s about understanding that every person who crosses your path has something to teach you—if you’re willing to listen.Because in the end, it’s all shaping who you are becoming.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

May 12, 2026Episode 33334 min

More Than a Conference: How AIFD Symposium Can Elevate Your Floral Career

Episode 333: In this episode, we’re diving into everything you didn’t know you needed to know about the AIFD Symposium—and why it’s so much more than just another industry event.If you’ve ever looked at the price tag and hesitated, or wondered if it’s really worth it, this conversation is for you. We break down what actually happens behind the scenes—from immersive design experiences and main stage programs to hands-on workshops and real, practical education you can take straight back to your shop.This isn’t just inspiration—it’s a crash course in growth. You’ll hear about the designers, the energy, the unexpected takeaways, and the kind of “ammunition” that fuels your creativity and business for the entire year.But beyond the classes and content, it’s about something bigger: connection, community, and stepping into a space that challenges and elevates you.If you’ve never been to Symposium, consider this your invitation. And if you have, you already know… there’s nothing else like it.Elevate Registration Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

May 4, 2026Episode 33240 min

Quick - Train Your Team on This Before Mother’s Day Hits

Episode 332: Mother’s Day is here—and the difference between a decent week and a record-breaking one comes down to how your team communicates with customers.In this episode, Vonda sits down with the floral industry's two most trusted experts in sales and customer service education, Lori Wilson, from Flower Clique and Sam Bowles, the General Manager and Creative Director at Allen's in in San Diego, CA, to break down exactly what flower shop teams should be saying (and NOT saying) during the busiest sales week of the year (and beyond!).You’ll hear real, practical strategies you can implement immediately—including:The “GROW” framework for turning conversations into higher-value salesWhat to say instead of “What’s your budget?” (and why it’s costing you money)How to confidently sell $250+ arrangements without feeling pushyThe fastest way to build connection with customers—in under 10 secondsWhy having a “jaw-dropper” arrangement in your cooler can transform your revenueWhat phrases instantly kill a sale (and how to fix them)How to train and course-correct your team during a busy holiday weekThe importance of protecting your team’s energy—and your shop’s standardsThis episode is equal parts strategy, real talk, and behind-the-scenes insight from leaders actively running high-performing flower shops.If you want your team to sound more confident, sell more effectively, and create better customer experiences this Mother’s Day—this is the playbook.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

April 28, 2026Episode 33123 min

Finding Your People: The Power of Community (In and Beyond Flowers)

Episode 331: What does community really mean - and why does it matter so much, especially in the floral industry?In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Vonda and Lori explore the deeper, more emotional side of community; from the neighborhoods we live in, to the flower shops we run, to the industry circles that support us. Through personal stories (including Lori’s unexpected connection with a new church community and Vonda’s reflections on neighborhood interactions), they unpack how community shapes perspective, brings calm, and reminds us what truly matters.They also dive into how community exists at every level, from your local customers to organizations like American Institute of Floral Designers and Society of American Florists, and why stepping outside your daily routine can make you a better leader, business owner, and human.This episode is a powerful reminder that community isn’t just where you belong - it’s what helps you grow, stay grounded, and show up better in every part of your life. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

April 21, 2026Episode 33037 min

From Forensics Lab to Flower Moxie with Amy McCord

Episode 330: What do forensic science and floral design have in common? For Amy McCord, founder of Flower Moxie, they're both part of the same unlikely journey – one that started with a $100 wedding, a box of Sam's Club roses, and a lot of tears.In this episode, Lori and Vonda sit down with Amy to talk about how she went from working in a biochemistry lab to building one of the most recognized floral education brands in the industry. Amy shares the real story behind Flower Moxie, her new book Blooms Every Day, and why she believes the DIY floral space isn't a threat to florists – it's an opportunity.In this episode we cover:How Amy turned a side hustle into a full floral empireThe moment she knew Flower Moxie was really going to workWhat florists can learn from the DIY wedding marketWhy social media is changing bride expectations (and what to do about it)The leadership lessons that transformed her team and her businessBehind the scenes of writing and shooting Blooms Every DayConnect with AmyWebsite: flowermoxie.com Instagram: @flowermoxie Pre-order her book: geni.us/BloomsEveryDaySponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist

April 14, 2026Episode 32933 min

Hard Truths Flower Shop Owners Need to Hear

Episode 329: This one might sting a little.Lori and Vonda are saying the quiet part out loud—sharing the hard truths flower shop owners need to hear but rarely do. From not knowing your numbers, to blaming your team, to staying stuck in design instead of actually running your business… this episode pulls no punches.If your shop feels chaotic, inconsistent, or like it’s not growing the way it should—there’s a reason. And it’s probably not what you think.This isn’t about tearing anyone down. It’s about waking up, getting honest, and making the changes that actually move your business forward.Because at the end of the day, avoiding the truth is far more expensive than facing it.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist