How We Bloom
How We Bloom is an oasis of ideas for floral enthusiasts. Sharon McGukin interviews guests who dare to do things differently. Success stories that blossom from one simple idea. Together we explore challenges that inspire change and offer opportunity. From floral design and education to sales, marketing, and business - we dive into fresh ideas. Brought to you by Smithers-Oasis North America, we spotlight people who plant seeds, grow ideas and bloom to their full potential. Listen, learn, and grow with us - that’s How We Bloom!
Episodes
26 episodes
AI & ChatGPT for Florists w/ Brandy Ferrer
Revolutionize Your Floral Business with AI & ChatGPT!You don’t have to be tech-savvy to explore AI solutions for your floral business. Join Sharon McGukin and Brandy Ferrer as they discuss the transformative impact of artificial inte...
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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40:06
The Principles & Elements of Design w/ Sharon McGukin
Learn the Principles & Elements of Design with Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI Pablo Picasso said it best, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” While it may seem simple ...
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Season 3
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Episode 25
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21:23
Partnering with your Wholesaler w/ 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 f...
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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41:10
"Amazing!" The Philadelphia Flower Show w/ Abel Gonzalez Mencio
A Texas Cowboy in Philly? You couldn’t miss this Oasis Ambassador.On 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, b...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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36:41
Floral Mechanics w/ 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.”...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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41:10
EMC - Creativity meets Business w/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...
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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40:56
Sylvia Cup Success w/ Michael Smith
"Don't be afraid to step out and educate yourself," says Michael Smith AIFD, AAF, PFCI, FDI, FSMD." Education is the key to success." Michael is a retail florist in Mariana, Florida and winner of the 54th annual Sylvia ...
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Season 3
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Episode 20
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34:32
World Cup Top Ten w/ Jenny Thomasson
Jenny Thomason, 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 someth...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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45:22
Flowers for a Healthy Lifestyle w/ 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 h...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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50:46
Weddings: from Disaster to Delight w/ 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 requir...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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52:14
Talmage & Trends w/ 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 captur...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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43:35
From Blooms to Bouquets w/ 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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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44:09
Valentine's Day Prep Tips w/ 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 Valenti...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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46:10
Master Floral Designer w/ 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 Mast...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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47:11
Marketing in a Digital Age with Renato Sogueco
For your business to thrive “You’ve got to be found,” says Renato Sogueco, Vice-President of Digital Strategy and Education at BloomNet. Renato shares with us practical tips for a holistic approach to “Marketing in a Digital Age.” “...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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34:51
Moss Mountain Farm with P. Allen Smith
P. Allen Smith, a fifth-generation nurseryman, has parlayed a passion for nature and a southern upbringing into his life’s mission. Becoming one of America’s most talented garden designers. This award-winning designer, Master Gardener, au...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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40:01
Invest in Yourself with Jackie Lacey
Investing in yourself is essential for continued personal growth. Learning new skills. Networking with peers. Building confidence. Feeding your passion for the work you do. As the format of business continues to change, so do our ed...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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27:32
Mastering the Art of Floral Paint w/ Gretchen Sell
Are you "Mastering the Art of Floral Paint" in this time of flower shortages, painted foliage trends and on-trend metallics? We see the different types of paint (aka color spray) products on shelves in wholesale supply departments. Do you...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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46:30
Pricing for Profits with Joyce Mason-Monheim
When it comes to floral design - don't just make it pretty, make it profitable. In 'Pricing for Profits," Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD, AAF, PFCI, AzMF offers tips on building a strong foundation for your floral business by pricing professionally.<...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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41:50
Locally Grown - Flower Farming with Lia Fleming
When advertising exec, Lia Fleming, discovered her budding passion for flowers – she dug in deep. Lia and her family began selling locally-grown flowers from their Flora Fields Farms in New Franklin, Ohio. Lia shares expert advice for get...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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41:59
Marketing on a Shoestring with Laura Rich
"Spoiler Alert! There is no silver bullet for marketing," explains Laura Rich, Marketing Director for Smithers-Oasis North America. "It's a series of small consistent steps that connect you with your customer." Laura offers practical, act...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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51:26
Flower Healing with Jill Manson
South African floral designer, Jill Manson, believes in the powerful energy of flowers and plants. “The ‘power of the plant’ can help us heal by offering comfort and calm,” she explains. Based in Johannesburg, Jill offers intuitive hands-on flo...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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36:58
Trend Story: 'Less is More' with Klaus Wagener
“Less is more" says Klaus Wagener of Minden, Germany. Explaining the emerging post-pandemic trend. That doesn't mean doing without. It suggests developing a lifestyle of "consuming consciously while preserving natural re...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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27:56
How We Bloom with Sharon McGukin & Smithers-Oasis
This newly-released flower trend podcast with Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI interviews enterprising guests who dare to do things differently. They share innovative flower tips, design techniques, personal growth plans, marketing and business i...
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Season 1
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Episode 0
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11:32
Partnering with Your Customer - with Drew McGukin
"Partnering with your customer creates a spirit of collaboration," suggests Drew McGukin of Drew McGukin Interiors - based in NYC. One of the leading contemporary designers in today’s market, Drew understands the power of connecti...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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32:40
