Episode 349: What would happen if you actually left your flower shop and took the vacation?

In this episode, Vonda and Lori sit down with floral industry power couple Jenny and Charles Ingrum (Jenny Ingrum AIFD • PFCI • EMC • AAF • CEJ and Charles Ingrum owner of Dr. Delphinium Dallas, TX) for a conversation about creativity, business, leadership, and building a life beyond the shop.

Charles shares how he went from software and numbers to purchasing Dr. Delphinium—and how learning to work on the business instead of in it helped him build a team that doesn’t need him to make every decision. From intentional delegation and clear roles to empowering employees to take care of customers without asking permission, he explains what it really takes to create a business that can thrive when the owner isn’t in the building.

Jenny brings the creative side of the equation, sharing how her career as a floral designer, educator, competitor, and former shop owner has evolved—and how she and Charles have influenced each other’s perspectives on both business and design.

They also talk about the importance of staying curious, recognizing potential in young designers, stepping back up to the design bench when the team needs you, and why floral professionals can benefit from experiencing both the creative world of AIFD and the business education and community of SAF.

And, of course, there’s the question every overworked flower shop owner needs to hear:

Can you really take the vacation without everything falling apart?

Charles and Jenny say yes. Start small. Empower your people. Look at your numbers. Find the slow week.

And then?

Book the ticket.

Because sometimes the best thing you can do for your business—and yourself—is give your team the opportunity to figure it out without you.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist