Shows
How We BloomDutch Floral Adventure - Tulip Tour of The Netherlands w/ Sharon McGukinSend us a textJoin floral expert Sharon McGukin and flower friends who share memories of a breathtaking tulip tour through The Netherlands. From vibrant flower fields to historic flower auctions, wooden shoes, cheese-making, and world-class gardens like the iconic Keukenhof. This podcast shares a rich blend of Dutch culture, floral history, and personal behind-the-scenes moments from a petal-filled tour that’s sure to inspire your next floral adventure.How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do th...2025-05-2213 minHow We BloomFrom 'Vase to Venue' - Delivery Solutions w/ Christine FoleySend us a textEvery florist knows the struggle, designing the perfect arrangement, then stressing over how it’s delivered. Frustrated by last-minute disasters that can turn a beautiful creation into a logistical nightmare. Say goodbye to delivery stress! Christine Foley, of Caddy Up Solutions, designed The Flower Caddy to transport floral arrangements safely, efficiently, and stress-free. Learn how she turned a common floral frustration into an eco-friendly, Made-in-USA solution that saves time and money. A solution created by a florist, for florists – assisted by the Nati...2025-04-0238 minHow We BloomFloral Design Techniques w/ Sharon McGukinSend us a textVincent van Gogh once said, “A floral designer is a master of transformation, turning humble flowers into extraordinary works of art.”Join us for this podcast episode, as we explore Floral Design Techniques - the art of creatively organizing floral material placements to transform simple arrangements into stunning masterpieces."How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to do things differently. We listen, learn, explore new opportunities and that's how we bloo...2025-02-2411 min
2 Fat Guys Talking FlowersEp. 152 - Class is in Session: Higher Learning & Vitamin F with Renee Tucci, AIFD, PFCI, AAFSend us a textThis week on 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers, we're joined by the delightful and super-talented Renee Tucci, AIFD, PFCI, AAF! She’s not only a floral design powerhouse but a true advocate for the power of positivity and education. Renee takes us on a journey through her career—from getting her degree in ornamental horticulture to pivoting from designer to manager and, eventually, finding her calling as an educator.In 2019, Renee went all in on freelancing, wrote a book, and started teaching floral design classes that have ignited a spark in countless futu...2025-01-311h 152 Fat Guys Talking FlowersEp. 150 - The Countdown to NextGen Live Dallas: Sneak Peek w/ Amanda, Jenny T, Erin B and Laura W.Send us a textIn this fresh episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking About Flowers, we’re joined by Amanda Jedlinksky from the Society of American Florists. Amanda brought along some special guests to talk about the upcoming Next Gen Live event in Dallas this February.On this Next Gen episode, we’re excited to feature Jenny Thomasson, the current Next Gen Rising Star, Erin Bruno of McNamara Florist (who might as well be an honorary co-host by now!), and future Dr. Laura Walsh from Smithers Oasis. These incredible women will be sharing insights on the hot...2025-01-1757 min
The Flower School Business Podcast From Kays Flower SchoolHow to Become a Florist - Jenny Thomasson Flower JourneyDeirdre is delighted to chat with Jenny about her flowery journey, from starting out parttime in a flower shop during her college days to running her own successful florist and then stepping into education and of course representing the United States in the Interflora World Cup,
You can find and follow Jenny at the links below #
www.Jennytfloristry.com
Jennytfloristry@gmail.com
IG: Jennyt.floristry - https://www.instagram.com/jennyt.floristry/
FB: Jenny Thomasson - https://www.facebook.com/jenny.thomassonaifdcfd
Jenny Th...2025-01-1328 minHow We Bloom'Flowers take the Runway,' New York Fashion Week w/ Julia RoseSend us a textAustralian floral designer Julia Rose had a bold dream—to showcase her outrageous creativity with live botanicals on the New York Fashion Week runway. That dream became reality.Draping stunning models in breathtaking couture crafted from fresh flowers, Julia brought her vision to life. As her floral masterpieces graced Runway 7 and lit up Times Square, the audience responded with awe and applause.Now, hear Julia Rose share the story behind her groundbreaking collection and the journey that made it all possible. Tune in to discover how she turned her pa...2025-01-0745 min
The Business & Pleasure of Flowers2025 Trend Predictions: Insights from Ellie LaFeverEpisode 261: Ellie LaFever, PFCI joins Lori and Vonda again in this episode to delve into trend predictions for 2025 sourced from Pinterest. Ellie shares key insights on upcoming trends and the three discuss how some of these trends can impact the floral industry. Join the conversation as they explore the latest trend predictions and give them your "love it" or not. Pantone Color of the YearColor Trend Thursd. Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep School2024-12-2338 min2 Fat Guys Talking FlowersEp. 145 - Floral Consulting with Style that lead to Sales with Jackie Lacey AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI.Send us a textWe've got a fun surprise on this week’s episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers! A mystery Secret Santa sent us a tasty treat, and you won’t want to miss our reactions as we taste-test it, courtesy of one of our favorite "Fatties." After that, we dive into an amazing conversation with one of the best-dressed gentlemen in the floral industry, Mr. Jackie Lacey.Jackie shares his incredible journey from accountant to floral entrepreneur, owning three shops by age 26—across three different markets! He explains how running shops with distinct target...2024-12-131h 19How We BloomFrom FFA to Floriculture w/ Randy Wooten - Empowering the Next Generation of Floral DesignersSend us a textDiscover the rewarding career paths in floriculture available to FFA members! From floral design and horticulture to event planning and marketing, the floral industry offers diverse opportunities to FFA members. This blog shares insights from Randy Wooten and Sharon McGukin about mentoring FFA students, building essential life skills, and participating in the many programs like the Georgia Floral Design Clinic discussed here. Whether you're a florist or simply passionate about floriculture, learn how you can make an impact by guiding the next generation in their floral careers. How we Bloom2024-11-2019 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersWhy Professional Certification? With Renee Tucci AIFD, CFD, PFCIEpisode 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 personal and professional skills. They explore the significance of becoming a Certified Floral Designer (CFD) and a member of the prestigious American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Lori poses insightful questions to Renee and Vonda, uncovering the motivations behind pursuing these certifications and the path to achieving them.From discussing the advantages, both personal and professional, of o...2024-11-1940 min2 Fat Guys Talking FlowersEp. 138 - J Schwanke: Bringing Life in Bloom to TV—Where Fun with Flowers Takes Center Stage!Send us a textGet ready to tune in for a good time on this week’s episode of 2 Fat Guys Talking Flowers! We’re channeling our excitement as we sit down with the one and only J Schwanke, AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI—the creative mastermind behind J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom. J's hit show airs nationwide on public television, bringing floral magic into over 415 markets across the USA. With six seasons and 81 episodes in rotation, J’s show is quickly becoming a classic, earning him comparisons to TV icons like Bob Ross a...2024-10-251h 30The Business & Pleasure of FlowersBehind the Scenes: Lessons from Working with Top Video and Design TeamsEpisode 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. Join them as they reflect on their experience at the Benz Institute on the Texas A&M Campus in College Station.From overcoming challenges to embracing highlights, Julie and Vonda share what they learned from working with these talented teams and how it has impacted their own approach to their profession. Tune in to hear about the wonderful lessons a...2024-10-2229 min2 Fat Guys Talking FlowersEp. 137 - Seeing Opportunities with Donald Yim, AIFD, CFD, PFCISend us a textIn this episode, we're thrilled to chat with the one and only Donald Yim! From his humble beginnings as a delivery truck driver in his sister's flower shop in Hong Kong to becoming an award-winning designer and educator, Donald shares his incredible journey. With over 35 years of experience, Donald’s story is packed with inspiration, optimism, and practical tips like the importance of being prepared and the power of social media. Tune in as we dive into his fascinating career, his passion for floral education, and why he’s still loving the industry toda...2024-10-181h 13How We BloomAI & ChatGPT for Florists w/ Brandy FerrerSend us a textRevolutionize Your Floral Business with AI & ChatGPT!You don’t have to be tech-savvy to explore AI solutions for your floral business. Join Sharon McGukin and Brandy Ferrer as they discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the floral industry. Discover how AI tools, like ChatGPT, can empower florists by streamlining tasks, tracking trends, enhancing marketing strategies, creating social media campaigns, and aiding in employee training without replacing the artistry that defines your floral designs. Sharon and Brandy guide you through practical ways to integrate AI into your flo...2024-10-1640 minHow We BloomThe Principles & Elements of Design w/ Sharon McGukinSend us a textLearn the Principles & Elements of Design with Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI Pablo Picasso said it best, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” While it may seem simple enough to drop flowers in a vase and call it an arrangement, even more pleasure can be derived once you’ve learned the fundamentals of design. These guidelines, the Principles and Elements of Design, are the technically correct manner of placing materials in a design. Learning th...2024-08-2221 min
The Trunk Show with RW Elephant0303: From Mom and Pop to One Stop Shop with HotHouse Design Studio + PropHouse Rentals and StylingOver the last 18 years, Mandy Majerik has turned her mom and pop flower shop into a key player for floral production in the southeast. She also founded and operates PropHouse which offers boutique prop rental to her clientele. Mandy has both her AIFD and PFCI certifications. She has a custom build shop, a custom paint shop and is opening a custom print shop. She’s got the heart, the hustle, the history and the headspace to successfully operate her growing businesses of 30 employees.What’s in this episode:What Mandy does after taking over...2024-08-2153 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersA Different View of AIFD Symposium EmergeEpisode 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 task of working behind the scenes for 10 days alongside her co-chair and partner in floral, Julie Poeltler, in a well-oiled Flower Workroom.Vonda offers her thoughts on the event, including what went on behind the scenes and the hard work that goes into making such an event successful. Tune in to hear what Vonda has to say...2024-07-0930 minHow We BloomPartnering with your Wholesaler w/ Lenny WalkerSend us a text"Solve problems to create new business," suggests Lenny Walker, VP of sales and operations at Kennicott Brothers Company. Like many business models, the floral industry is changing. Sharon McGukin and Lenny discuss viable ways to enhance your floral business by “Partnering with your Wholesaler.”Consider their suggestions for communicating with one another, focusing on growing the business and industry together, and reminding consumers of the value of flowers – in order to inspire success. “One flower bunch or stem at a time.”How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of f...2024-06-0641 min2 Fat Guys Talking FlowersEp. 112 - How to level up on Empathy with Lori Wilson, PFCI of Flower CliqueSend us a textBy popular demand, we're thrilled to welcome back the delightful and insightful Lori Wilson! Lori, who serves as the Director of Customer Success at Flower Clique, wowed audiences with her compelling presentation on leading with empathy at SAF Next Gen. Her impactful talk left attendees moved to tears, bursts of laughter, and deep introspection about their own levels of empathy. Using movie and show clips she demonstrated real-life scenarios that moved the Next Geners. In this episode, Lori engages in a candid conversation with the 2 Fat Guys Team, delving into the r...2024-04-261h 18How We Bloom"Amazing!" The Philadelphia Flower Show w/ Abel Gonzalez MencioSend us a textA Texas Cowboy in Philly? You couldn’t miss this Oasis Ambassador.On the last day of the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show, a Texas Cowboy wandered along the flower-fragrant aisles without his horse. Dressed in his Texas cowboy hat, boots, and shirt - with a Texas flag and lone star on it, stood Abel Gonzalez Mencio, AIFD, PFCI, TMF of Casa Granada Floral in La Feria, Texas. He wore a banner that read ‘Texas Designer of the Year’ with his name on the back. Abel won an Oasis Ambassa...2024-04-2336 minHow We BloomFloral Mechanics w/ Lea RomanowskiSend us a text“Your foundation is the most critical part of anything you build,” says Canadian florist, Lea Romanowski CAFA, AIFD, CAFD. “If your foundation isn't good, if it isn't strong and true, it will affect the entire outcome of the design.” Lea has learned, through the years, the importance of excellent floral mechanics. Lea - owner of Designing on the Edge, has made an art of pushing the boundaries of design. Lea built the business using her carpentry, painting, metal work and electrical skills earning her the nickname "MacGyver...2024-03-2041 minThe Business & Pleasure of FlowersMaximizing Your Conference Experience: From Attending to PresentingEpisode 220: Join hosts Lori and Vonda as they discuss Lori's recent experiences at SAF Next Gen Live! and GLFEE conferences, where Lori presented alongside Ellie LaFever PFCI. Both being seasoned presenters as well as lovers of education, they offer insights into making the most of education sessions as attendees and presenters. Discover three practical tips for setting yourself up for success and satisfaction during educational sessions, followed by valuable advice on three essential elements to excel when presenting your own education sessions.Sponsored by: Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist2024-03-1228 minHow We BloomEMC - Creativity meets Business w/Christi Lopez & Tomas De BruyneSend us a textNeed a floral education program where creativity meets business?Consider EMC- European Master Certification, a floral program developed to nurture the creative and business growth of designers worldwide.Design visionary Tomas De Bruyne of Belgium, and business strategist Christi Lopez of Virginia, discuss with Sharon McGukin upcoming EMC trend-setting opportunities. This blended learning concept - online courses, self study, and on-site events helps participants expand their floral design potential. Learn also about ICE – the Infinite Creative Effect. And, details of the upcoming floral event - DUOlogue in Miami...2024-02-0640 minHow We BloomSylvia Cup Success w/ Michael SmithSend us a text"Don't be afraid to step out and educate yourself," says Michael Smith AIFD, AAF, PFCI, FDI, FSMD." Education is the key to success." Michael is a retail florist in Mariana, Florida and winner of the 54th annual Sylvia Cup design competition. He offers sage advice to people who would like to have the opportunity to win a Sylvia Cup or other floral competition.Participation in competitions or evaluations is one of the very best 'classes' you can ever attend, because you can learn so much when it's just you, the ti...2024-01-0434 minThe Business & Pleasure of Flowers2024 Trend Predictions and Product Development Insight with EllieEpisode 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...2023-12-1930 minHow We BloomWorld Cup Top Ten w/ Jenny ThomassonSend us a textJenny Thomason, AIFD, AAF, PFCI, EMC of Dallas, Texas represented USA in the 2023 Interflora World Cup in Manchester, England where she placed in the Top 10. How did she accomplish this feat?“Your first step is to do something every single day." says Jenny. "Study with designers, take workshops, go to symposium, go to conferences, buy books, subscribe to international magazines, practice. Completely absorb everything possible. Expose yourself to a wider range of floristry. Get out there and do it.” Listen to this episode for more valuable tips from th...2023-09-2645 min