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 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 minHow 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 minHow 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 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 minHow 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 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 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 minHow We BloomFlowers for a Healthy Lifestyle w/ Jodi DuncanSend us a text“There's nothing that changes the energy of a room, like a bouquet of flowers,” says floral professional Jodi Duncan AIFD. In this flower chat with host, Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI, Jodi offers tips for making fresh flowers a part of your healthy, elevated lifestyle. Jodi also introduces us to her new healthy-focused site the Hungry Florist. Check out this new online gathering place for florists (or their friends) who love, eating, cooking, and creating. How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of Smith...2023-05-1150 minHow We BloomWeddings: from Disaster to Delight w/ Ian ProsserSend us a textEvery wedding designer has experienced ‘that wedding.’ The one where perfect plans suddenly met with unexpected chaos. Sometimes Mother Nature throws us a few challenges, even for those who are at the top of their game. Regaining control requires focus, finesse, and flexibility. Ian Prosser AIFD, AAF, PFCI reminds us to stop, realize there is a solution, and move forward to find it. Even the most challenging weddings can be taken ‘from Disaster to Delight.’ We love for our flowers to be pretty, but this is a story about being prepared.H...2023-03-3052 minHow We BloomTalmage & Trends w/ Talmage McLaurinSend us a text"Trends are a fun way to tell a new story" says renowned floral trend forecaster, Talmage McLaurin AIFD. "Trends are not revolutionary, they're evolutionary." Tiny shifts. A movement forward, rather than a disruption. Eye-catching trends capture consumer interest and drive impulse sales. Listen as Talmage shares six floral trends that will inspire us in 2023.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...2023-03-0243 minHow We BloomFrom Blooms to Bouquets w/ Paul MillerSend us a textHow do flower blooms - fresh from the fields in South America, become the beautiful bouquets we enjoy in North America each day? Paul Miller AIFD, PFCI of Sunshine Bouquet shares the story. Offering insight into the farm … people … and process of growing and importing approximately 1.5 billion flower stems annually. Paul explains how field cut blooms move daily from one continent to another for the pleasure of flower consumers.How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who...2023-01-1944 minHow We BloomValentine's Day Prep Tips w/ Chris NorwoodSend us a textHow can florists turn chaos into cash this Valentine's Day? Chris Norwood AIFD, PFCI, AAF of Tipton & Hurst in Little Rock, Arkansas offers valuable time and money-saving tips for successful procurement, prep, design and delivery of Valentine flowers. As a bonus, Chris shares his story of making online followers "Happy!"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 bloom!2022-11-1046 minHow We BloomMaster Floral Designer w/ Dr. Jim DelPrinceSend us a textDr. Jim DelPrince loves people and petals. This Mississippi State University floral professor taught students for 23 years. As a Mississippi Extension Service Specialist, he now teaches floral design to consumers. This hybrid online/onsite Master Floral Designer course draws attendees from multiple states. From small children to senior citizens, eager participants learn to create beauty by arranging botanicals. Interested? Click here! Jim shares the details with Sharon McGukin in this podcast.How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of Smithers-Oasis North America interviews...2022-10-0747 minHow We BloomMarketing in a Digital Age with Renato SoguecoSend us a textFor your business to thrive “You’ve got to be found,” says Renato Sogueco, Vice-President of Digital Strategy and Education at BloomNet. Renato shares with us practical tips for a holistic approach to “Marketing in a Digital Age.” “This requires your business execute a well-planned digital strategy,” Renato explains. Constant change and development in the digital space may make you feel that you’re coming into it late. But, now is a great time to catch up and move forward to the benefit of your business. “Digital strategy does include social media, but social i...2022-06-2934 minHow We BloomMoss Mountain Farm with P. Allen SmithSend us a text P. Allen Smith, a fifth-generation nurseryman, has parlayed a passion for nature and a southern upbringing into his life’s mission. Becoming one of America’s most talented garden designers. This award-winning designer, Master Gardener, author, and celebrity lifestyle expert, is followed by a worldwide audience. Allen is known sharing for his tried-and-true methods and cutting-edge knowledge with small farm and garden communities. You'll enjoy the entertaining stories he shares today with ‘How we Bloom’ host - Sharon McGukin, from his home at Moss Mountain Farm in Arkansas. You'll want to visit soon! ...2022-06-2240 minHow We BloomInvest in Yourself with Jackie LaceySend us a textInvesting in yourself is essential for continued personal growth. Learning new skills. Networking with peers. Building confidence. Feeding your passion for the work you do. As the format of business continues to change, so do our educational opportunities. Which learning strategy works best for you?In this podcast, Sharon McGukin and Jackie Lacey explore the pros and cons of in-person, virtual, and on-demand classes. Which style of instruction is best for you? What is your style of learning? Visual learner? Avid reader? People person?Why set goals? Goals inspire opportunity.How can...2022-04-1127 minHow We BloomMastering the Art of Floral Paint w/ Gretchen SellSend us a textAre you "Mastering the Art of Floral Paint" in this time of flower shortages, painted foliage trends and on-trend metallics? We see the different types of paint (aka color spray) products on shelves in wholesale supply departments. Do you know how each is best used? In this podcast, we explore the latest tips and techniques for using color spray with flowers by asking the master. Design Master. Education and Creative Director Gretchen Sell of DM joins us to answer our questions.Is color spray harmful to fresh flowers?Do you pa...2022-02-1446 min
How We BloomPricing for Profits with Joyce Mason-MonheimSend us a textWhen it comes to floral design - don't just make it pretty, make it profitable. In 'Pricing for Profits," Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD, AAF, PFCI, AzMF offers tips on building a strong foundation for your floral business by pricing professionally.There’s no ‘one size fits all’ rules for numbers, percentages, or price categories. This isn't ‘what to charge,' it’s how to ‘calculate’ what 'you need to charge’ for the success of your business.- Fixed price or Calculated price structures for pricing your designs.- How to calculate...2021-12-1641 minHow We BloomLocally Grown - Flower Farming with Lia FlemingSend us a textWhen advertising exec, Lia Fleming, discovered her budding passion for flowers – she dug in deep. Lia and her family began selling locally-grown flowers from their Flora Fields Farms in New Franklin, Ohio. Lia shares expert advice for getting your flower farm dream to take root. Branding. Marketing. Social media positioning. Connecting with the customer. Finding joy in the journey. Lia guides us on 'How We Bloom.'How we Bloom podcast is an oasis of flower ideas. Host Sharon McGukin of Smithers-Oasis North America interviews floral guests who dare to d...2021-10-1641 minHow We BloomMarketing on a Shoestring with Laura RichSend us a text"Spoiler Alert! There is no silver bullet for marketing," explains Laura Rich, Marketing Director for Smithers-Oasis North America. "It's a series of small consistent steps that connect you with your customer." Laura offers practical, actionable tips that you can use to grow your floral business while ‘Marketing on a Shoestring.’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 bloom!2021-09-2351 minHow We BloomFlower Healing with Jill MansonSend us a textSouth African floral designer, Jill Manson, believes in the powerful energy of flowers and plants. “The ‘power of the plant’ can help us heal by offering comfort and calm,” she explains. Based in Johannesburg, Jill offers intuitive hands-on flower arranging classes called “Flower Healing”. Jill shares with her students a thoughtful blend of floral elements with spiritual elements and floral design with personal introspection. “Connecting with nature is a beautiful way to find balance, re-align to your most powerful self, heal and grow,” she continues. “It is possible to find our true nature, through nature.” J...2021-09-0936 min