Advertise on podcast: The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

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 Amy Website: flowermoxie.com Instagram: @flowermoxie Pre-order her book: geni.us/BloomsEveryDay Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

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 Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 328: After Easter reflections (and a few stories involving pools, squirrels, and unexpected repairs), Lori and Vonda dive into a conversation that hits close to home for every business owner - control. From slow seasons in flower shops to tough leadership decisions and the emotional weight that comes with them, they unpack the constant tension between what you can control and what you simply have to release. Whether it’s sales, customer reactions, team dynamics, or even your own expectations, learning that difference is where growth really begins. They share real-life experiences from the floral industry, including navigating uncertainty, managing emotions, supporting struggling shop owners, and making decisions that don’t always make everyone happy. Along the way, they explore practical ways to regain a sense of peace - through mindset shifts, gratitude, vulnerability, and focusing on the actions that actually move your business forward. This episode is a reminder that while you can’t control everything, you can control how you respond—and that’s where your power is. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 327:  If social media feels overwhelming, confusing, or like one more thing on your already full plate, this episode is for you. Lori and Vonda sit down with Chris Grigas and Karrie Wallace, both from the Bill Doran Company team working from different locations, to have a real, honest conversation about what’s actually working right now on Instagram and Facebook for florists. From struggling to post and feeling behind on trends to understanding what the algorithm is really favoring, this episode breaks it all down in a way that feels doable. They share why so many shops are missing the mark, how to think differently about your content, and what it looks like to create posts that truly connect with your audience. You’ll hear practical ideas you can use right away, along with a refreshing reminder that social media doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective. In fact, the most impactful content right now is authentic, unfiltered, and human. Whether you love social media or avoid it altogether, this conversation will leave you feeling more confident, less overwhelmed, and ready to show up in a way that actually grows your business. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 326: In this episode, Vonda and Lori welcome Vanessa Leite, Executive Director of That Flower Feeling, for a timely conversation about the industry-wide marketing movement designed to keep flowers top-of-mind beyond the “marrying and burying” peaks. Vanessa shares her nonprofit leadership journey, how the initiative launched with a bold industry investment, and why the goal is bigger than a single campaign—it’s about building everyday flower-buying into modern life. You’ll hear what’s behind the new “Just Add Flowers” campaign, what early performance metrics are showing across major social platforms, and why a third-party test market delivered a notable lift in local floral sales. Vanessa also breaks down how florists can use the free (and contributor-level customizable) marketing assets, why participation matters for long-term industry growth, and what’s coming next—including a mid-year campaign check-in webinar. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 325:  Registration is officially open — and we’re celebrating with a behind-the-scenes conversation you won’t want to miss. In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with Randy Wooten AIFD, co-coordinator of the AIFD Symposium, to talk candidly about what it really takes to bring Symposium to life. From how the Elevate theme was born, to the three-year planning process, to the responsibility (and heart) behind creating a welcoming, inclusive experience for first-timers and seasoned attendees alike—this conversation pulls back the curtain on the people, purpose, and passion driving AIFD Elevate. You’ll hear why organization, people skills, kindness, and collaboration matter just as much as design talent, how presenters are selected, what makes the main stage so powerful, and why Symposium isn’t just for designers—it’s for anyone who loves this industry. If you’ve ever wondered what Symposium is truly about, why Elevate matters, or what kind of experience awaits you when you walk through those doors, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and excited to be part of it. Register Now!  Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 324: What do jelly beans, golf course comfort stations, and customer service have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, Vonda and Lori dive into the subtle habits that build trust with customers - whether you’re working in a flower shop, retail store, or any customer-facing business. Inspired by recent research and real experiences from the floral industry, they explore the small but powerful ways people decide whether they trust you… often within just seconds. From being fully present with customers to leading with warmth, matching energy, and showing genuine curiosity, these simple behaviors can transform everyday interactions into meaningful connections that keep customers coming back. You’ll hear practical insights, relatable stories from trade shows and presentations, and a few laughs along the way (including a surprising amount of discussion about jelly beans). Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 323: In a world where we can learn anything online, is it still worth leaving your shop to attend a floral conference? After returning from the Great Lakes Floral Expo, Lori shares what truly happens when you step out from behind the counter and show up in person. From unexpected hugs at the booth to meaningful hallway conversations, this episode explores the kind of connection, confidence, and inspiration that simply can’t be recreated on a screen. Vonda and Lori talk about the unseen volunteers who make these events possible, the designers learning inside the flower room, and the ripple effect that happens when florists gather with open hearts and open minds. They reflect on the energy shift that takes place over a single weekend and the leadership impact of investing in yourself — and your team. If you’ve ever wondered whether you have the time or whether it’s really worth it, this conversation is your reminder that showing up still matters. When we elevate one another, we elevate the entire industry. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 322: What makes you instantly leery of a person or situation - and why does your gut matter more than you think? In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Vonda, Lori, and Ellie unpack the meaning of being “leery,” from fast-talking salespeople and sketchy orders to AI, customer behavior, and everyday red flags we’ve all learned to recognize. Inspired by everything from Olympic backstories to Valentine’s Day scams, door-to-door sales, restaurant etiquette, and even Mount Everest, this episode explores how lived experience shapes intuition and why being cautious isn’t a flaw, it’s wisdom. Along the way, they tie it back to floristry and business: trusting your instincts with customers, orders, employees, technology, and relationships, while still staying open-hearted and kind. Plus, a fun rapid-fire game of Leery or Lovely to test your own gut reactions. If you’ve ever thought, “Something about this doesn’t sit right,” this episode reminds you: that feeling exists for a reason. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 321: Broken trust doesn’t just hurt—it reshapes how we see people, relationships, and ourselves. In this episode, Vonda and Lori talk candidly about betrayal in friendships, mentorships, and the workplace, especially during high-stress seasons like Valentine’s Day. They explore why emotional pain mirrors physical pain, how kindness restores psychological safety, and why healing starts with acknowledgment, boundaries, and compassion—for others and for ourselves. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 320: Valentine’s Day brings out fascinating human behavior. In this episode, Vonda and Lori unpack bizarre psychology facts, from confidence bias and mood-based judgments to decision-making under stress - and how understanding them can elevate customer service, communication, and sales during the busiest floral season of the year. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 319: Kindness is a free investment with the highest returns — so why don't more florists treat it that way? Inspired by Warren Buffett's philosophy, Vonda and Lori dive into how small acts of kindness can transform your customer service, team culture, and productivity. With real-life stories and science-backed insights, this episode will change how you think about what it takes to build lasting loyalty. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 318: In this episode, Lori and Ellie sit down for a candid (and slightly unfiltered) conversation we’re calling Clique Conference Confessions. From hydrangea disasters, to needing all the Zofran, to unforgettable field trips, they reflect on past years of SAF's Next Gen conferences – from Miami to San Diego to Dallas – and what to expect this year for Raleigh, coming up on February 22–24, 2026. We talk honestly about showing up unsure, leaving inspired, and the unexpected magic that happens when education, vulnerability, and connection collide. If you’ve ever wondered whether Next Gen is worth it – or needed a reminder of why investing in yourself or your employee (and the future of our industry) matters, this one’s for you. Learn more about Next Gen 2026 and get registered here. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 317: Valentine’s Day is the busiest and most important holiday of the year for florists, and preparation makes all the difference. Vonda and Lori walk you through a full Valentine’s Day staff meeting, just as they would with their own teams. From customer service reminders and sales scripts to design productivity, cooler strategy, delivery expectations, and social media ideas, this episode is packed with practical guidance you can use immediately. They cover pricing confidence, upselling with integrity, managing stress, supporting your teammates, and creating a positive, organized environment—even when things get hectic. Whether you’re a designer, sales associate, delivery driver, or owner, this episode is designed to motivate, align your team, and help you approach Valentine’s Day with confidence, clarity, and a little fun. You’ve got this—now let’s go sell some flowers. 2026 Valentine's Day Staff Meeting  Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 316: In this episode, Lori and Vonda flip their 2025 Bingo Cards and reflect on what actually got done, what didn’t, and why that matters. From surprise home projects and travel wins to the realities of burnout, distraction, and the importance of being “bored,” the conversation turns thoughtful, honest, and relatable. They also look at Flower Clique’s business goals, where progress was made, and where clarity and systems still need work. The episode wraps with a little industry “water cooler” talk—what conferences are coming up, where the team will be teaching and learning, and why getting out of your shop and into the room still matters. A candid conversation about intention, reflection, growth, and giving yourself permission to adjust—without guilt. Sponsored by: Flower Clique Flower Clique Prep School Real Life Retail Florist