How We Bloom is an oasis of inspiring ideas for floral professionals and flower enthusiasts alike. Hosted by Sharon McGukin, each episode features conversations with guests who dare to do things differently. We explore challenges, embrace change, and uncover new opportunities. Sowing the seeds of fresh ideas that blossom into success stories. Brought to you by Smithers-Oasis North America, we share insights in floral design and education, sales and marketing, and innovative business strategi ...
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Each month, Yvonne Ashton and her flower friends get together to chat about flowers and floral design, answering your questions, discussing top social media news, and interviewing special guests to help keep you inspired! If you are a floral professional be sure to subscribe to this podcast.
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If you're in the business of flowers, this show is for YOU.🌹 We invite floral professionals across the globe to share their knowledge and passion for flowers and business. Our mission is to inspire and help you be more successful. We love connecting growers to designers, spotting trends when they are just on the horizon and introducing floral professionals to new ideas. Since 1897, Florists' Review has served the global floral industry. We are thrilled to have this podcast medium to help exp ...
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What are the top 6 flowers you absolutely need to know about right now? Join host Yvonne Ashton as she welcomes back resident flower guru David Dahlson for another exciting flower show and tell on Mornings with Mayesh! In this episode, we reveal the top 6 stunning flower varieties that every florist, designer, and flower enthusiast needs to know ab…
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New Varieties from Rosaprima and Floraprima with David Dahlson
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26:10Missed last week's live stream? Catch the replay! Host Yvonne Ashton sits down with David Dahlson to explore the incredible wave of new varieties from Rosaprima and Floraprima – over 35 introductions in just six months! Discover stunning new roses like Superstition, Champagnier, and Popcorn, plus beautiful ranunculus varieties including Cloni Nuanc…
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Floral Design Techniques II: The ‘How’ Behind the ‘Wow’ w/ Sharon McGukin
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14:01Send us a text In this episode of How We Bloom podcast and Floral Hub blog, we explore the art and architecture of floral design by expanding your toolkit of floral design techniques. Design is the “wow” that stirs emotion - technique is the “how” that gives it form. Discover how to use floral mechanics to shape your signature style. Whether you're…
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Starting a Flower Revolution with Katie Lila of 'Follow the Blooms'
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51:55What if flowers could be more than beautiful arrangements? What if they could be community art, television content, and catalysts for human connection in the most unexpected places? In this episode of Mornings with Mayesh, we sit down with Katie Lila, the visionary Flower Director behind Flowers For People and creator-host of the PBS series "FOLLOW…
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Join us for an exclusive look at the 2025 AIFD Symposium "Reflection" happening July 12-15 in Palm Springs! We sit down with symposium chair Lori Novak, a 45-year floral industry veteran, and Susan McLeary, who will be presenting at the 2026 symposium. Together, they share insider details about AIFD's 60th anniversary celebration, standout programm…
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Dutch Floral Adventure - Tulip Tour of The Netherlands w/ Sharon McGukin
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13:33Send us a text Join 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 pe…
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Nurturing Success: A Conversation with Charity Reel, VP of Sales at Mayesh
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47:41Join host Yvonne for an inspiring conversation with Charity Reel, Vice President of Sales at Mayesh Wholesale Floral Distributors. In this episode, Charity shares her journey from selling freight services to leading national sales operations across Mayesh's 20+ locations in 13 states. With nearly three decades at Mayesh, Charity offers insights int…
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How Continuing Education Elevates Floral Design with Kristen Pulcheon
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41:28In this illuminating episode of Mornings with Mayesh, we dive deep into the transformative power of continuing education in the floral industry with Kristen Pulcheon, Executive Director of Fiori Florals Design Studio in Central Ohio. Since launching in January 2020, Kristen has built Fiori into a powerhouse that executes nearly $2 million in events…
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Susan McLeary on Innovative Floral Design Techniques
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41:13Join host Yvonne Ashton as she sits down with celebrated floral artist and educator Susan McLeary in this enlightening episode of Mornings with Mayesh. Susan, known for her boundary-pushing floral art and wearables, shares insights into her revolutionary "floral constellation" techniques that are transforming how designers approach wedding personal…
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If you missed our recent "Mornings with Mayesh" live episode, don't worry, we've got you! Yvonne welcomed Mayesh's own globe-trotting flower specialist, David Dahlson, for an eye-opening presentation on new concept wholesale spray garden roses that left viewers buzzing with excitement and inspiration. This recap captures the highlights of that info…
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From 'Vase to Venue' - Delivery Solutions w/ Christine Foley
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38:46Send us a text Every 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 arrangem…
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Floral Design Techniques w/ Sharon McGukin
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11:42Send us a text Vincent 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…
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Valentine's Day Color Theory w/ Amy Balsters
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56:54The latest replay of Mornings with Mayesh, features floral design expert Amy Balsters of The Floral Coach! In this episode, we explore the captivating world of color theory and dive deep into Pantone's 2024 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse. Whether you're planning your Valentine's Day collection or looking to stay ahead of design trends, Amy shares …
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'Flowers take the Runway,' New York Fashion Week w/ Julia Rose
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45:37Send us a text Australian 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 …
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Welcome to Mornings with Mayesh with host, Yvonne Ashton. For those joining us for the first time, this is your go-to destination for all things floral design, industry insights, and inspiring conversations with incredible designers who are shaping our floral community. We are thrilled to have welcomed Ashley Overholser of Primavera and our final 2…
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Guests: Beth O'Reilly's Journey from Full Bloom and Laura Walsh with Smithers Oasis
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56:14Join us as our guest Beth O'Reilly shares her exhilarating experience as a contestant on "Full Bloom" and the global impact of her artistry. Her story highlights the emotional highs and lows of the competition, including heartfelt moments of missing her family. Beth opens up about how floristry has fostered meaningful connections and inspired many …
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From FFA to Floriculture w/ Randy Wooten - Empowering the Next Generation of Floral Designers
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19:05Send us a text Discover 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…
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AI & ChatGPT for Florists w/ Brandy Ferrer
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40:06Send us a text Revolutionize 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 streaml…
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NOTE: The video replay is best for this episode due to all the visuals. Join Yvonne with special guests Joey Azout, President of Alexandra Farms, and David Dahlson, our very own flower specialist. In this episode, you will discover: ✨ Popular Alexandra Farms varieties ✨ Joey's personal favorites ✨ Care & handling tips ✨ Exclusive Mayesh customer pr…
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The Business of Floral Brand Collaborations
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46:05Dive into our conversation with Erice McNeff of Everboom Floral Design, where we unpack: - Transitioning from weddings to brand collaborations - Pricing strategies that value your work - Navigating "exposure" opportunities - Building a killer portfolio Whether you're a seasoned florist or just starting out, this episode is packed with game-changing…
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NOTE: this episode is best enjoyed via our video replay so that you can see all of the roses. Join host Yvonne Ashton and special guest David Dahlson as they showcase breathtaking new flower varieties from Rosaprima and Floraprima. Discover stunning roses, spray roses, ranunculus, and anemones that are revolutionizing the floral industry. Perfect f…
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The Principles & Elements of Design w/ Sharon McGukin
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21:23Send us a text Learn 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 d…
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Inside NCSFA & Uncovering the Benefits of State Floral Associations
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36:12In this episode of Mornings with Mayesh, host Yvonne Ashton welcomes Lyn Graves, President of the North Carolina State Florist Association (NCSFA), for an eye-opening discussion about the often-overlooked powerhouse of the floral industry: state floral associations. Lyn unpacks the treasure trove of benefits these organizations offer, from skill-bu…
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Petals with a Purpose: The Flowers For Dreams Story
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53:45Welcome to the replay of our latest Mornings with Mayesh episode, where Yvonne Ashton, our Director of Marketing, delves into the heart of the floral industry to bring you inspiring stories and innovative ideas. If you missed our live session, you're in for a treat! In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Madison Lee and Thalia Esparza from…
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Inspiring the Next Generation: Jazmin Albarran of Seed Your Future
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34:10In this exciting episode, Yvonne Ashton sits down with Jazmin Albarran, MBA, the Executive Director of Seed Your Future (SYF), for an in-depth conversation about inspiring the next generation of plant and flower professionals. Discover the incredible work SYF is doing to promote horticulture and expand career opportunities in the field. Jazmin shar…
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Partnering with your Wholesaler w/ Lenny Walker
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41:10Send 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 communi…
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Hardgood Trends with Becky Hillis of Accent Decor
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34:35In this week's episode, host Yvonne Ashton sits down with Becky Hillis, the Creative Director of Accent Decor, for an enlightening conversation about the latest trends in floral hardgoods and what the future holds for the industry. Accent Decor has been a leading innovator in the floral world, consistently setting trends with their exquisite cerami…
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"Amazing!" The Philadelphia Flower Show w/ Abel Gonzalez Mencio
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36:41Send us a text A 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 …
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Guests: Valerie Christosimo, Black Girl Florist, Teresa Colucci, AIFD President and Amy Marella, The Hidden Garden- Women Flourishing in Floristry
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47:03We invite you to a celebration of the women who've established deep roots in the floral industry. Today, we're joined by the trailblazing Valerie Christosimo of Black Girl Florist, Teresa Colucci, AIFD president and owner of Meadowscent, and Amy Marella, owner of The Hidden Garden, who share their personal transformations from other realms into the…
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Send 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 Desi…
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Angelina Prikhodko, the owner of Fleur Studio, offers valuable advice and insights for running a successful retail flower shop. From the importance of building a strong relationship with a sales rep to the significance of branding and niche, Angelina shares her experiences and lessons learned. She also discusses her plans for the future, including …
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Join us in this captivating episode of Mornings with Mayesh, where Yvonne Ashton is joined by David Dahlson, Amy Balsters, and Joey Azout from Alexandra Farms to delve into the enchanting world of garden roses. Gain valuable insights into the meticulous care and cultivation of these exquisite blooms, discover their favorite varieties, tips for wedd…
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