Episode 356: What do Kelly Clarkson, a $15,000 mechanical bird, and a small Brooklyn business have to do with retail florists? More than you might think!

This week, Lori and Ellie dive into the controversy between Kelly Clarkson and a Brooklyn boutique over a $15,000 mechanical bird. What started as an uncomfortable shopping experience quickly turned into a public relations disaster, raising some big questions about customer service, first impressions, and how business owners respond when things go wrong.

From judging customers by their appearance to doubling down on a bad experience, Lori and Ellie break down what went wrong and, more importantly, what florists can learn from it.

They also discuss another shocking small-business controversy involving a wedding venue, a grieving bride, and a $16,000 deposit.

Through it all, one powerful reminder stands out: The customer isn’t always right, but their experience is always real.

Whether you’re selling a $75 bouquet or a $500 arrangement, the way you make customers feel can determine whether they come back - or tell the world why they won’t.

Plus, before getting down to business, Lori and Ellie share their latest adventures involving an all-you-can-eat ice cream museum, college football, and some unforgettable people-watching.

Tune in for plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and a few customer service lessons that could save your flower shop from becoming the next viral cautionary tale.

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

Episode 355: When you hear the word sustainability, do you immediately think of composting, eliminating floral foam, or making expensive changes to your flower shop? What if you’re already doing more than you realize?

In this episode Vonda and Lori welcome Amanda Solliday, Senior Manager of Sustainabloom, an initiative of the American Floral Endowment, for a refreshing conversation about what sustainability really means for the floral industry.

Spoiler alert: It’s about a whole lot more than being environmentally friendly!

Amanda breaks down the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—and explains why taking care of your employees, reducing waste, and building a profitable business are all part of the bigger picture.

Together, they explore:

• Why sustainability is a mindset, not just a checklist.
• Simple things your flower shop may already be doing that count as sustainable practices.
• How sustainability and profitability can work together.
• Why composting isn’t necessarily the best place to start.
• How Sustainabloom’s FREE FLOWS planning framework can help you identify opportunities without feeling overwhelmed.
• The importance of starting small, celebrating wins, and choosing changes that make sense for YOUR business.

Plus, you’ll hear a few laughs about skincare serums, recycled Nespresso pods, and Lori’s latest fascination with the Biltmore Estate!

The biggest takeaway? You don’t have to do everything to make a difference. Start with one thing, make it work, and build from there.

Whether you’re just beginning to think about sustainability or looking for ways to do more, this episode will leave you with practical ideas and a fresh perspective on creating a floral business that’s good for your people, your community, and your bottom line.

Learn more about Sustainabloom and explore their free sustainability resources: www.sustainabloom.org

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

Episode 354: What happens when your daughter becomes your business partner and the person challenging you to see things differently?

With Lori out this week, Vonda and EllieJo sit down for a candid conversation about what it’s really like to build Flower Clique together as mother and daughter.

They look back at their earliest days working side by side in the flower shop, the shift from parent-and-child to true business partners, and the moments when learning to trust each other’s strengths changed the way they worked together.

From generational differences and giving up control to technology, relationships, boundaries, and the occasional Saturday Slack message, they share the challenges, risks, and unexpected rewards of working with family.

They also explore one of the things that makes their partnership work so well: they don’t always see the business through the same lens. Vonda brings decades of floral industry experience, practicality, and an instinct for what will actually work in a flower shop. Ellie Jo brings a consumer perspective, branding, technology, and a constant eye toward what’s next. Somewhere in the middle, the best ideas tend to emerge.

It’s a conversation about family, entrepreneurship, trust, and the value of surrounding yourself with people who see your business differently than you do.

Because sometimes growth doesn’t come from agreeing—it comes from being willing to listen.

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