How We Bloom Podcast
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 strategies. We spotlight those who plant seeds, grow ideas, and bloom to their full potential.
Listen and grow with us—that’s How We Bloom!
Latest Podcast
Dutch Floral Adventure -
Tulip Tour of The Netherlands
with Sharon McGukin
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 personal behind-the-scenes moments from a petal-filled tour that’s sure to inspire your next floral adventure.
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From 'Vase to Venue' - Delivery Solutions
with Christine Foley
Every florist knows the struggle, designing the perfect arrangement, then stressing over how it’s delivered. 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 National Inventors Club.
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Floral Design Techniques
with Sharon McGukin
Vincent van Gogh once said, "A floral designer is a master of transformation, turning humble flowers into extraordinary works of art."
Join us as we explore Design Techniques—the art of creatively organizing floral material placements to transform simple arrangements into stunning masterpieces."
Flowers Take the Runway New York Fashion Week
with Julia Rose
Australian designer, Julia Rose, used her breathtaking floral couture artistry to transform the runway into a garden of creativity at New York Fashion Week. From stunning live flower garments to sustainable and innovative design techniques you can use, discover how her floral creations captivated audiences on the red carpet.
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From FFA to Floriculture Empowering the Next Generation of Floral Designers
with Randy Wooten
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. 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.
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AI & ChatGPT for Florists
with Brandy Ferrer
Revolutionize Your Floral Business with AI & ChatGPT! You don’t have to be tech-savvy to feel comfortable exploring AI solutions. Boost sales, streamline routine tasks, enhance customer service and social media campaigns, and manage your inventory with cutting-edge AI technology tailored for florists. Discover how to grow your flower shop using AI tools with 24/7 availability - step into the future of floral retail today!
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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.
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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.”
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“Amazing!” The Philadelphia Flower Show
with 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.” Abel shares more of his “amazing” adventures in this podcast!
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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.
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EMC - Creativity Meets Business
with 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.
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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!
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!"
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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.
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