New Varieties from Rosaprima and Floraprima with David Dahlson
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
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Starting a Flower Revolution with Katie Lila of 'Follow the Blooms'
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
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Inside AIFD's 60th Anniversary Symposium
Join us for an exclusive look at the 2025 AIFD Symposium "Reflection" happening July 12-15 in Palm Springs! We sit down with symposium chair Lori Novak, a 45-year floral industry veteran, and Susan McLeary, who will be presenting at the 2026 symposium. Together, they share insider details about AIFD's 60th anniversary celebration, standout programming, what first-time attendees can expect, and advice for aspiring symposium presenters. Whether you're planning to attend or curious about what makes these events so transformative for floral designers worldwide, this conversation has something for you. Topics covered: AIFD Symposium programming, Palm Springs venue highlights, registration tips, presenter selection process, and why this milestone anniversary event is generating industry-wide excitement. Visit our blog for the show notes and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mornings-with-mayesh-inside-aifds-60th-anniversary-symposium
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Nurturing Success: A Conversation with Charity Reel, VP of Sales at Mayesh
Join host Yvonne for an inspiring conversation with Charity Reel, Vice President of Sales at Mayesh Wholesale Floral Distributors. In this episode, Charity shares her journey from selling freight services to leading national sales operations across Mayesh's 20+ locations in 13 states. With nearly three decades at Mayesh, Charity offers insights into effective sales leadership in the floral industry, discussing specific techniques that have driven success and the pivotal moments that shaped her approach. She explores how her natural curiosity and love for people have influenced her leadership style, and reveals her philosophy that success, like fine wine, requires patience, consistent ingredients, and passionate nurturing. Listeners will discover Charity's perspective on balancing traditional relationship-based sales with emerging e-commerce opportunities, her approach to mentoring the next generation of sales professionals, and her vision for the future of wholesale floral distribution. Whether you're a seasoned floral professional or just starting your career, this episode delivers valuable takeaways on sales development, leadership, and the power of authentic connection in the floral industry. Visit our blog for the show notes and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/mwm-conversation-with-charity-reel-vp-of-sales
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How Continuing Education Elevates Floral Design with Kristen Pulcheon
In this illuminating episode of Mornings with Mayesh, we dive deep into the transformative power of continuing education in the floral industry with Kristen Pulcheon, Executive Director of Fiori Florals Design Studio in Central Ohio. Since launching in January 2020, Kristen has built Fiori into a powerhouse that executes nearly $2 million in events annually. Drawing from her 20-year journey through the wedding and special events industry—spanning luxury bridal fashion, event venues, and finally floral design—Kristen shares candid insights on how ongoing education has been crucial to her team's remarkable success. As both a seasoned business owner and a bride-to-be herself (with her wedding just days away!), Kristen offers a unique perspective on excellence in floral design. She reveals her strategies for cultivating a learning culture that balances technical skills with creative development, adapting to industry shifts, and measuring the return on educational investments. Listeners will discover practical approaches to team development that can be implemented in businesses of any size, from solo floral artists to large studios. Kristen also discusses emerging trends in the industry and the skills she believes will be essential for floral professionals in the coming years. Whether you're looking to scale your floral business, enhance your design capabilities, or simply find inspiration from one of the industry's rising stars, this conversation provides valuable takeaways for anyone passionate about the world of flowers and design. Duration: 45 minutes Visit our blog for the show notes and video replay: https://www.mayesh.com/blog/how-continuing-education-elevates-floral-design-with-kristen-pulcheon
Each month, Yvonne Ashton and her flower friends get together to chat about flowers and floral design, answering your questions, discussing top social media news, and interviewing special guests to help keep you inspired! If you are a floral professional be sure to subscribe to this podcast.