The Florist's Table

In this episode of The Florist's Table: Beautiful People, Val McNichols sits down with Tammy Porto, founder and creative director of Wild Nomad Flower Co., a northern New Jersey studio known for its editorial-inspired designs, immersive brand activations, and artful approach to weddings and events. Tammy shares her wildly non-linear path into floristry — from screenwriting and film casting to branding and web design — and how buying a flower truck three months after having her son (right before COVID parked it in her garage for two years) turned into the business of her dreams. She opens up about imposter syndrome, finding her aesthetic through large-scale installations and floral-scaping, and the years of invested skill people never see behind the work. Plus, Tammy announces her brand-new second business, Wild Revivals — a grand, production-style event design studio. It's a conversation about creativity, reinvention, and trusting the pull toward what's yours. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/beautiful-people-tammy-porto

Abby Chick sits down with Alex Vaughan, owner of FLWR Shop in Nashville, Tennessee, for a conversation that gets right to the heart of what Thorns & All is about: the real, unfiltered side of running a flower business. Alex shares why she walked away from big-budget weddings and events to go all-in on retail — and how that pivot gave her back her weekends, her creative energy, and a customer base that aligns with her values. She's candid about what speaking up has cost her, how she grew FLWR Shop's social media without losing her voice, and the hiring philosophy that keeps her team strong: a love of beauty, attention to detail, and a willingness to wash buckets. Plus: rebuilding after a tornado destroyed her first shop, the Nicole Kidman Practical Magic moment, and what's next — a farm, and a long-awaited step into education and consulting. New episodes of Thorns & All, a Florist's Table series hosted by Abby Chick, are available wherever you get your podcasts. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/thorns-and-all-alex-vaughan

Thinking about going freelance in the floral industry? You're not alone - many florists are choosing this path to build careers that reflect their creativity and values. But how do you actually make it work? In this episode, Clarissa Marchia and Kate Truhlar share with host, Yvonne Ashton, the strategies that helped them build thriving freelance careers. From leveraging social media to find your first clients, to networking within the floral community, to understanding your worth and pricing confidently - they cover the real-world tactics that matter. Whether you're just starting out or reconsidering your current business model, you'll hear practical advice on setting your fee, building your portfolio, and creating a fulfilling freelance career. Pull up a chair at The Florist's Table for honest insights into what it takes to succeed as a freelance florist. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/5-tips-for-successful-floral-freelance-career

In this episode of The Florist's Table: Beautiful People, Val McNichols sits down with Roberta Staggs, founder and lead designer of Hiawathia Floral Design Co. in Indianapolis — known for her modern, editorial-style floral work and fearless use of color. Roberta shares the story of her grandmother, whose weekly sunflower deliveries first showed her how healing flowers can be, and how a single floral workshop pulled her out of a medical career and into a creative one. She opens up about training under a strict European instructor (no foam allowed — the start of her eco-sustainable practice), her storytelling approach to Art in Bloom exhibitions, and her signature series, Fashion Meets Floristry. They also talk representation in the floral industry, why knowing your "why" matters more than any trend, and Roberta's mission to make beautiful flowers something for everyone, every day — not just weddings and funerals. It's a conversation about color, purpose, and showing up boldly in every space you enter. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/beautiful-people-roberta-staggs

For the very first episode of Thorns & All, Abby Chick sits down with two people who changed the trajectory of her own business: Natalie Gill and Meg Blancato, co-owners of Native Poppy in San Diego. What started as one storefront (and a cold-call email that read "I don't have a lot of experience, but I'm a joy to be around") has grown into a floral powerhouse — retail shops, large-scale weddings, e-courses, a micro flower farm, a book on the way, and four locations by spring 2027. Abby, Natalie, and Meg dig into the real mechanics of a business partnership: how Meg went from brand-new employee to co-owner, why making it legal matters, how they divide and conquer a 20+ person team, and what it took to survive two floods, a car through the storefront, and a pandemic — together. Plus, their honest advice for any florist considering bringing on a partner. New episodes of Thorns & All, a Florist's Table series hosted by Abby Chick, are available wherever you get your podcasts.

After 30 years designing weddings and events, Susan Davis knows the reality: florists need to show clients their vision before they build it, communicate clearly with their team, and execute flawlessly, all while maintaining creative control. That's why she created BloomVision, a tool built specifically for the way florists actually work. With professional templates, a curated flower library, and automatic stem counts and build sheets, BloomVision takes designers from concept to installation with confidence. In this episode, host Yvonne Ashton talks with Susan about her journey from set design to event florals, the problem that inspired BloomVision, and how the tool is changing the way florists design, present, and build their work. Whether you're curious about the future of floral design technology or ready to streamline your workflow, this conversation is for you. Pull up a chair at The Florist's Table. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/susan-davis-bloomvision-for-florists

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> In this episode of Beautiful People at the Florist's Table, Val McNichols sits down with Pennylyn Woosley, founder of Blossom and Bee Floral in New Jersey. Pennylyn shares how growing up in her family's garden center shaped her path — even as she tried to escape it — and how a degree in business and finance ultimately became one of her greatest assets as a floral designer. She opens up about the rare intersection of creativity and financial literacy, and why she's passionate about helping other florists understand the business behind the blooms. They also dig into her work with the AIFD design team, taking gold at the Philadelphia Flower Show, and what it takes to push creative boundaries on one of the industry's biggest stages. It's a conversation about passion, perseverance, and building a floral career that's as smart as it is beautiful. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/beautiful-people-pennylyn-woosley

Join Yvonne Ashton as she discusses with three seasoned florists their biggest failures and how these moments became pivotal for their growth. Discover how confidence, preparation, and resilience can turn errors into valuable lessons. Ellie Siegel discusses overcoming self-doubt, Patty Nix recounts recovering from a wind-toppled arbor, and Sara Lunn reveals how candle wax disasters fueled her growth. Learn practical tactics like setting pricing boundaries, thorough planning, and handling the unexpected with calm. This episode is perfect for both emerging florists and seasoned pros looking to strengthen their mental toughness. If you've ever wondered whether failure is a sign to quit or a cue to pivot, this conversation will shift your perspective. Remember, thriving florists are those who keep learning, adjusting, and blooming through every challenge. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/florist-fails

In this episode of The Florist's Table: Beautiful People , Val McNichols sits down with floral artist and content creator Trey Brown, founder of Trey J Creates. Trey shares how he approaches floral design as storytelling—creating pieces that draw people in, spark emotion, and invite a second look. From his standout Wicked-inspired installation to his signature use of texture and movement, his work is anything but traditional. They also dive into his journey into floristry, the emotional impact of flowers, and what it means to show up authentically in the industry. Trey opens up about representation, embracing creativity without limits, and how social media became a space to spread positivity during challenging times. It's a conversation about art, identity, and the power of flowers to connect us all. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/beautiful-people-trey-brown

What does it mean to feel both content where you are and called to something more? In this episode, host Val McNichols sits down with Jen Cavender of Nectar & Bloom for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, intuition, and building a life in floral design that feels aligned. Jen's journey began on her family's produce farm, where she grew and sold flowers alongside her sister. Though she later pursued poetry and academia, she eventually realized that flowers could hold both artistic expression and career. Today, she's not only a floral designer but also the creator of Tarot of Flowers — a tarot-inspired floral deck and guidebook born from symbolism, storytelling, and a deep love of meaning-making. Jen shares how synesthesia and the idea of "translation" shape her work — how she translates what she sees, senses, and feels into floral form. She also opens up about imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the tension between wanting to do everything and learning to let some things go. The episode closes with a live Tarot of Flowers reading — find out what card Val pulls and what the message reveals. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and pull up a chair for every episode. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/beautiful-people-jen-cavender

Ever feel like Instagram is working against you instead of for you? You're not alone. In this episode, Yvonne Ashton, Ali Zimmerman, and Ana Romero from the Mayesh marketing team get brutally honest about Instagram's biggest frustrations—from the 90-second song limit and shadow-banning to the verification process that feels impossible, the collaboration caps that hurt our industry, and the scheduling limitations that disrupt workflow. But we're not just complaining—we're sharing real solutions, workarounds, and strategies that help us navigate these challenges while still building community and reaching florists. If you've ever wondered whether you're "doing Instagram wrong" or if the platform really is just this difficult—this episode is for you. Topics covered: The link-in-caption paywall problem Why new accounts don't get features immediately Video quality compression issues The 5-person collaboration limit Scheduling Reels challenges for seasonal businesses Algorithm changes and shadow-banning anxiety Practical workarounds: Edits app, Repost feature, autoresponders What we'd fix about Instagram tomorrow Join the conversation and remember: you're more than your engagement rate. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and pull up a chair for every episode. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/instagram-confessions-marketing-team-spills-the-tea

What does it mean to build a creative business on your own terms? In this episode, host Val McNichols sits down with Glory Barbaris of Wildflower Hill Co. for an honest conversation about intuition, identity, and staying aligned with your values. Glory's path to floral design wasn't traditional. From tech to nonprofit work to wedding styling, she taught herself the craft and let emotion guide her business. She shares how she's learned to work only with clients who truly fit, set boundaries with confidence, and trust that not all money is good money. As a Nigerian immigrant and Black woman in the floral industry, Glory shares her perspective on Black Excellence and what it means to her personally, and how those ideas shape the way she shows up in her work and career. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and pull up a chair for every episode. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/beautiful-people-glory-barbaris

Pull up a chair and join us for the very first episode of The Florist's Table. Host Yvonne Ashton welcomes three past Mayesh Design Stars to discuss Pantone's controversial 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer. When the announcement dropped, reactions ranged from disappointment to outright mockery (one designer called it "plain toast and deconstructed water"). But is white really that boring, or are we missing something important? Amy Balsters of The Floral Coach breaks down the color theory most of us overlook about white — the difference between warm and cool whites and why it matters in floral design. Jodi Duncan AIFD, creative studio owner and the voice behind that toast comment, shares her initial reaction and whether she's softened her stance. And Abby Chick of Abby Chick Flowers, who correctly predicted both this year's and last year's colors, explains what made her see it coming. We dig into the practical questions: Does Pantone really matter to working florists? How do you make white feel fresh and intentional? What flowers and textures showcase Cloud Dancer's warmth? And if these designers were choosing 2027's color, what would they select? This is The Florist's Table, where the community can gather to talk all things flowers - real conversations for florists who want honest perspectives, practical insights, and maybe a little spice. Featured Guests: Amy Balsters - The Floral Coach, Jodi Duncan AIFD - Creative studio owner Abby Chick - Abby Chick Flowers Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and pull up a chair for every episode. Visit the link for show notes and video podcast: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/three-florists-debate-pantones-cloud-dancer

Join host Yvonne Ashton for a special Holland edition of Mornings with Mayesh! In this episode, we sit down with Natasha Barnhill, Charlotte Branch Manager, and Jenna Duncan, Raleigh Buyer, who recently returned from an unforgettable trip to the Netherlands. Natasha and Jenna take us behind the scenes of their floral adventure, from gliding through canals on a boat to visit stunning lilac farms, to touring world-class rose breeders, hydrangea growers, and lisianthus farms. They share their experience witnessing the organized chaos of the Dutch flower auction, exploring the trade show floor filled with incredible African-grown blooms, and visiting EZ and Holex to see their day-to-day operations. Whether you're a florist looking for inspiration, a grower curious about international trends, or simply a flower lover who wants to explore the flower capital of the world, this episode is packed with insights, beauty, and floral passion. This is our final episode of 2025 — thank you for an amazing year of Mornings with Mayesh. Happy holidays, and we'll see you in 2026!

What does it take to build a floral business rooted in whimsy, authenticity, and community? In this episode of Mornings with Mayesh, we sit down with Camille Craig, owner of New Leaf Floral Design in Seattle, Washington, to find out. Camille's journey into floral design started in her mother's garden, where she'd gather fistfuls of blooms and present them with pure childhood excitement. Twenty years later, that same joy still fuels her work—and you can see it in every textural, colorful, whimsical arrangement she creates. From leaving a corporate desk job she hated to launching her own business in 2020, Camille shares how she discovered her design identity, built a thriving community of florists and clients, and learned to trust her creative instincts. She also talks about her experience with our Wicked Design Challenge, where she brought her signature style to the emerald greens and sparkling pinks of the Land of Oz. Whether you're an established florist or still discovering your creative voice, this conversation is full of honest insights, practical advice, and a reminder that it's never too late to follow your passion. In this episode, we discuss: How childhood wonder can help shape your design identity Why community is essential to business success Balancing client visions with your signature style Building trust through practice and portfolio work The importance of staying true to yourself as an artist Show notes, photos, and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog

Join Yvonne Ashton and David Dahlson for an exciting episode of Mornings with Mayesh as they unveil two game-changing updates for the floral industry. First, David introduces Mayesh's newest farm partner, Designer Cut Flowers from Guatemala, and their stunning collection of cymbidium orchids. These blooms fill the seasonal gap between New Zealand and Holland's availability, offering florists gorgeous fall colors including burgundies, golds, yellows, and two-tones—perfect for autumn weddings and events. With 8-11 blooms per stem and professional Dutch-style packaging, these orchids are a must-have for your designs. Then, David shares his hands-on review of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam—the plant-based innovation the floral community has been waiting for. Made entirely from renewable resources with a 56% lower carbon footprint than traditional petroleum-based foam, this sustainable alternative hydrates faster, holds stems securely, and works with all stem types. David discusses its performance, compostability, and why this is an important step toward more sustainable floral design. Whether you're looking for beautiful new blooms or eco-conscious design solutions, this episode delivers practical insights and exciting new options for your floral business. Featured in this episode: Designer Cut Flowers Guatemala cymbidium orchids OASIS® Renewal™ plant-based floral foam review Fall color palette and varieties Sustainable floral design tips Product availability at Mayesh locations and on mayesh.com Show notes, photos, and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/cymbidium-farm-sustainable-floral-foam

Tired of working six days a week, chasing one-off weddings, and feeling trapped in the seasonal ups and downs of the event floral world? This episode is your roadmap to freedom. Host Yvonne Ashton sits down with Franceska McCaughan, international floral strategist and founder of The Hotel Florist®, who has revolutionized how florists think about sustainable income. From her beginnings in foster care to building a floral empire serving luxury hotels across three continents, Franceska's story proves that complete business reinvention is possible—no matter where you start. In this episode, you'll discover: How to break free from the wedding-only cycle that's keeping you stuck The key difference between being profitable and just being busy Franceska's proven strategies for creating recurring revenue streams Why hotels are the untapped goldmine most florists are missing How to scale your business beyond your own physical limitations The mindset shifts that prevent burnout and build long-term sustainability Real strategies from the Hotel Florist® Profit Method that have helped florists generate over $8 million in contracts Whether you're a seasoned florist feeling burned out or just starting to think beyond weddings, this conversation will completely shift how you approach building a sustainable floral business. Franceska shares practical, proven methods that are working right now for florists around the globe—this isn't just theory, it's a blueprint for transformation. About Franceska McCaughan: Franceska McCaughan is an international floral strategist, hospitality consultant, and the visionary behind The Hotel Florist®. She has helped florists worldwide generate over $8 million in hotel floral contracts and consults with luxury brands on floral strategy. A multiple business founder, best-selling author, and survivor-turned-thought-leader, Franceska is passionate about helping creatives build profitable, purpose-driven businesses without burning out. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Mornings with Mayesh wherever you listen to podcasts! Show notes, photos, and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/hotel-contracts-building-recurring-revenue-florists

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 about. David shares his expert insights on timing, availability, and care tips for each bloom, including two gorgeous carnation varieties, an exciting new jumbo craspedia, exclusive Degas roses, and two beautiful phlox options perfect for fall arrangements. Featured in This Episode: Carnation Opium Thrill (coming in 3 weeks) Carnation Petra with peachy pink tones and impressive 3-4 inch blooms New Jumbo Craspedia variety with nearly 2-inch diameter heads Limited edition Degas Roses in stunning gold bronze (Mayesh US exclusive) Cherry Caramel and Crème Brûlée Phlox varieties with excellent fall supply NOTE: this episode is best in video format. Show notes, photos, and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mwm-top-6-flowers-to-know

Missed 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 Nuance and Cloni Nebbia. Get the insider perspective from a true floriculture expert, not just catalog descriptions. Essential listening for florists and flower lovers alike. **For best experience, we recommend watching the video replay.** Mornings with Mayesh | Originally aired live Video replay & show notes: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mwm-new-rosaprima-floraprima-roses-flowers-2025

What 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 THE BLOOMS." Broadcasting from Spokane, Katie shares her incredible journey from local floral designer to national television personality, and her bold mission to start what she calls a "flower revolution." Katie takes us behind the scenes of Season 1's most ambitious projects - from underwater mermaid gardens to professional treehouse reveals. But the real excitement comes when she discusses her open call for Season 2 submissions, actively seeking designers, growers, community planners, and artists who share her vision. In this energizing conversation, we explore Katie's dreams of floral flash mobs in subway stations, floral confetti at sporting events, and partnerships with sponsors who can see the massive potential for flowers as public art. Whether you're a seasoned floral professional or someone with a wild flower idea, Katie's infectious enthusiasm and call-to-action will inspire you to think bigger about blooms. Topics Covered: The making of PBS series "Follow the Blooms" Season 1 Behind-the-scenes stories from underwater gardens to treehouse reveals Season 2 submission process and collaboration opportunities Reaching new audiences beyond traditional floral markets The business of flowers as public art and community experiences How to get involved in the "flower revolution" Perfect for: Floral designers, event planners, PBS fans, community artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about innovative approaches to floral design. Video replay & show notes: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mwm-katie-lila-of-follow-the-blooms