LATEST EPISODE - 
The Principles & Elements of Design
with Sharon McGukin 

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 basic fundamentals of design.

The Principles and Elements of Design are the technically correct manner of placing materials in a design. Learning the proper principles, elements, mechanics and techniques to achieve floral design mastery will help you to expand your skills and truly enjoy the artform. This podcast is a great place to start.

ALL EPISODES

Partnering with your Wholesaler with Lenny Walker

"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.”

“Amazing!” The Philadelphia Flower Show w/ Abel Gonzalez Mencio

A Texas Cowboy in Philly? You couldn’t miss this Oasis Ambassador. 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 Abel Gonzalez Mencio, AIFD, PFCI, TMF of Casa Granada Floral in La Feria, Texas wore a banner that read ‘Texas Designer of the Year’ with his name on the back. Abel had won the Oasis Ambassador contest that sponsored his travel to Philly where he volunteered on the international Schaffer Design team. “It was amazing!” responds Abel when asked about his first visit to the famous Flower Show. “There’s no other word for it.” When people asked to take photos with him, “I told them a little bit about Texas, Oasis, my Ambassadorship and getting to work with talented designers from around the world.” Abel shares more of his “amazing” adventures in this podcast!

Floral Mechanics with Lea Romanowski

“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. Her floral design work is beautifully crafted with precision design mechanics. During her 40+ plus years in flowers, 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, a fixer of all things visual." She offers tips and techniques for precision floral mechanics in everyday use, or evaluations and competitions, including AIFD’s PFDE. Lea represented Canada at the 2023 Interflora World Cup in Manchester, England and shares some highlights of her global experience.

EMC - Creativity meets Business w/Christi Lopez & Tomas De Bruyne

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 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.

Sylvia Cup Success with Michael Smith

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 time clock, and the design table. Listen as Michael shares helpful tips for meeting that challenge with success. Learn to trust your talent!

World Cup Top Ten with Jenny Thomasson

Jenny Thomasson, 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.”

Flowers for a Healthy Lifestyle with Jodi Duncan

“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.

Weddings: From Disaster to Delight with Ian Prosser

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 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.

Talmage & Trends with Talmage McLaurin

"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.

From Blooms to Bouquets with Paul Miller

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 field cut blooms move daily from one continent to another for the pleasure of flower consumers.

Valentine's Day Prep Tips - with Chris Norwood

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!"

Master Floral Designer - with Dr. Jim DelPrince

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 senior citizens, eager participants learn to create beauty by arranging botanicals. Interested? Click here! Jim shares the details with Sharon McGukin in this podcast.

Marketing in a Digital Age - with Renato Sogueco

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.”

Moss Mountain Farm - with P. Allen Smith

Allen is known sharing for his tried-and-true methods and cutting-edge knowledge with small farm and garden communities. 

Invest in Yourself - with Jackie Lacey

As the format of business continues to change, so do our educational opportunities. Which learning strategy works best for you?

Mastering the Art of Floral Paint - with Gretchen Sell

Are you "Mastering the Art of Floral Paint" in this time of flower shortages, painted foliage trends and on-trend metallics?

Flower Healing - with Jill Manson

South African floral designer, Jill Manson, believes in the powerful energy of flowers and plants.

Marketing on a Shoestring -
with Laura Rich

"Spoiler Alert! There is no silver bullet to marketing," explains marketing director, Laura Rich.

Locally Grown - Flower Farming -
with Lia Fleming

When advertising exec, Lia Fleming, discovered her budding passion for flowers – she dug in deep. 

Pricing for Profits -
with Joyce Mason-Monheim

Don't just make it pretty, make it profitable. In 'Pricing for Profits," Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD, AAF, PFCI, AzMF

Welcome Message -
with Sharon McGukin

A flower trend podcast with Sharon McGukin that’s blooming with ideas.

Commit to Change -
with Todd Bussey AIFD

Being disciplined about your numbers can grow your business says, Todd Bussey AIFD. Here's how.

Partnering with Your Customer -
with Drew McGukin

"Partnering with your customer creates a spirit of collaboration," suggests Drew McGukin of Drew McGukin Interiors.

Trend Story: Less is More -
with Klaus Wagener

“Less is more" says Klaus Wagener of Minden, Germany. Explaining the emerging post-pandemic trend.