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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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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Dutch Floral Adventure - Tulip Tour of The Netherlands w/ Sharon McGukin
13:33
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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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From 'Vase to Venue' - Delivery Solutions w/ Christine Foley
38:46
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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
11:42
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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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'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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Guests: Beth O'Reilly's Journey from Full Bloom and Laura Walsh with Smithers Oasis
56:14
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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
19:05
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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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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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Partnering with your Wholesaler w/ Lenny Walker
41:10
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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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"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
47:03
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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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EMC - Creativity meets Business w/Christi Lopez & Tomas De Bruyne
40:56
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40:56Send us a text Need 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 upcomi…
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Send 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 o…
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Episode 3 - Guests: Cameron King, Certified American Grown and Meg Blancato, Native Poppy
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54:50Buckle up for an awe-inspiring journey into the world of floristry, local farming, and community support. We promise you'll find yourself entranced as we uncover the unique ways small farmers have adapted and thrived in these challenging times, while also fueling a revival in gardening. Join co-hosts Jules Lewis Gibson and Nita Robertson, AIFD, CFD…
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Send us a text Jenny 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, b…
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Episode 2 - Guests: Canaan Marshall, Canaan Marshall Designs and Yvonne Ashton, Mayesh
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51:34Florist’ Review talks with Yvonne Ashton, Director of Marketing at Mayesh, and floral designer Canaan Marshall from Cannan Marshall Designs. Yvonne Ashton, a marketing whiz at Mayesh, unravels the family roots of this leading floral distributor, and Canann Marshall, a premier florist, shares his journey that started in a museum and slowly bloomed i…
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Episode 1 - Guests Joey Azout, Alexandra Farms and Paulina Nieliwocki, Blue Jasmine Floral
56:18
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56:18Florist’ Review talks with the president of Alexandra Farms, Joey Azout, and Paulina Nieliwocki, owner of Blue Jasmine Floral Join us for an interesting conversation with two of the most talented and generous professionals in the floral industry. Alexandra Farms was started by Jose R. Azout in 2005 and is named after his daughter. A boutique grower…
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Flowers for a Healthy Lifestyle w/ Jodi Duncan
50:46
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50:46Send 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 Hun…
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Official Trailer: Flower Hour with Florists’ Review
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1:51Welcome to the Florists' Review podcast community! If you're a professional florist or aspiring to be one, this podcast is your go-to resource for invaluable insights, expert tips, and inspiration to help you thrive in the floral industry. In this podcast, our co-hosts Jules Lewis Gibson and Nita Robertson, AIFD talk with experts in the floral indu…
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Weddings: from Disaster to Delight w/ Ian Prosser
52:14
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52:14Send us a text Every 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…
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Send 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 tha…
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Send us a text How 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…
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Valentine's Day Prep Tips w/ Chris Norwood
46:10
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46:10Send us a text How 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…
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Master Floral Designer w/ Dr. Jim DelPrince
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47:11Send us a text Dr. 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 seni…
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Marketing in a Digital Age with Renato Sogueco
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34:51Send us a text For 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 …
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Send 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…
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Send us a text Investing 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 an…
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Mastering the Art of Floral Paint w/ Gretchen Sell
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46:30Send us a text Are 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…
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Pricing for Profits with Joyce Mason-Monheim
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41:50Send us a text When 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 is…
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Locally Grown - Flower Farming with Lia Fleming
41:59
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41:59Send us a text When 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. Connecti…
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Marketing on a Shoestring with Laura Rich
51:26
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51:26Send 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…
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Send us a text South 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 b…
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Trend Story: 'Less is More' with Klaus Wagener
27:56
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27:56Send us a text “Less is more" says Klaus Wagener of Minden, Germany. Explaining the emerging post-pandemic trend. That doesn't mean doing without. It suggests developing a lifestyle of "consuming consciously while preserving natural resources." Klaus is the CEO and creative director of BLOOM's Medien publishing house. This well-respected trends for…
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How We Bloom with Sharon McGukin & Smithers-Oasis
11:32
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11:32Send us a text This newly-released flower trend podcast with Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI interviews enterprising guests who dare to do things differently. They share innovative flower tips, design techniques, personal growth plans, marketing and business ideas. Brought to you by Smithers-Oasis, this podcast encourages people who are passionate a…
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Partnering with Your Customer - with Drew McGukin
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32:40Send us a text "Partnering with your customer creates a spirit of collaboration," suggests Drew McGukin of Drew McGukin Interiors - based in NYC. One of the leading contemporary designers in today’s market, Drew understands the power of connection. Offering client-focused communication techniques, Drew suggests adapting to the client’s vision rathe…
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Send us a text While it might be painful, we often grow during challenging times. Personal skills. Business savvy. How can we create successwhile under stress? Commit to Change! In this podcast, retail florist Todd Bussey AIFD shares insights for how he 'met challenge with change' for positive growth in his post-pandemic flower shops. He offers pra…
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