Ever felt that gut-wrenching disappointment when a potential client ghosts you after what seemed like the perfect consultation? You're not alone. In this refreshingly honest episode, we dive deep into why couples don't book with flower vendors—and why that might actually be the best thing for your business and mental health.

From the messy day-to-day realities of running a flower farm to the delicate dance of client expectations, we're pulling back the curtain on what really happens when potential clients walk away. Whether it's price shock (those $10,000 Pinterest installations aren't happening on a $500 budget!), personality clashes, or the dreaded "momzilla" who steamrolls her daughter's vision, we examine the real reasons behind lost bookings.

The most valuable insight? Not everyone is your client—and that's perfectly okay. Your energy, time, and artistic vision are sacred resources that deserve to be valued. When someone doesn't book you, it creates space for clients who truly appreciate your unique approach and creative perspective. It took me years to stop taking rejection personally, but once I understood this truth, my business—and my happiness—transformed.

For flower professionals struggling with ghosting, undervaluing, or just plain dismissal, this episode offers practical wisdom on refining your inquiry process, being crystal clear about pricing upfront, and recognizing the red flags that signal a client isn't your people. Because at the end of the day, the most successful businesses aren't the ones that book everyone—they're the ones that book the right ones.

Listen in, share with a fellow flower friend, and remember: your best work happens when you're working with clients who celebrate your vision, not just tolerate it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40
Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast

Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner

Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Customer reviews aren't just nice-to-have compliments—they're powerful marketing tools that build trust and credibility for your business. In this revealing episode, we dive deep into why reviews matter so much, especially for emotionally-driven businesses like floristry and farming where connection and beauty are everything.

Feeling awkward about asking for reviews? You're not alone. We explore why this discomfort exists and how to reframe your thinking: when you've delivered a great experience, asking for feedback isn't begging—it's celebrating a successful collaboration between you and your customer. With practical strategies for making requests feel natural and prompts to help customers craft meaningful testimonials, you'll walk away ready to transform your approach to gathering social proof.

Through real stories from our own review journey (including a wedding with a particularly challenging mother-of-the-bride!), we share both the heartwarming impact of positive feedback and how to handle those inevitable not-so-glowing reviews with grace. You'll learn creative ways to showcase testimonials across platforms, turning each positive review into a tiny brand ambassador working on your behalf.

Ready to put these insights into action? We challenge you to reach out to three past customers this week and ask for reviews using the conversational approaches we've shared. Tag us on Instagram to share your experience and the responses you receive! Remember, every time someone shares their positive experience with your business, they're helping future customers feel confident choosing you—and that's a beautiful cycle worth nurturing.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40
Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast

Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner

Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Ever wonder how those stunning orchids end up in your local grocery store? This eye-opening conversation with Toine Overgaag, president of Westerlay Orchids, reveals the fascinating journey from Dutch immigrant orchid growers to building one of America's largest sustainable greenhouse operations.

When South American imports decimated the domestic rose industry, Tuan and his father made a pivotal decision to transition to orchids—plants that couldn't be easily shipped in from abroad. What started as a stopgap career move during the Y2K crisis blossomed into a passion and eventually an empire producing over 4 million orchids annually across 18 acres of glass greenhouses in California.

The conversation goes far beyond horticulture, delivering profound business wisdom about values-driven leadership and team building. Tuan shares how implementing core values of pride, responsibility, support, and continuous improvement transformed their company culture. He offers a particularly insightful observation about talented employees who don't align with company values being potentially destructive forces—a lesson applicable to businesses of any size.

Environmental sustainability emerges as a central theme, with Toine describing innovative dehumidification technology that reduces natural gas usage while improving plant health. These initiatives demonstrate how profitability and responsibility can work hand-in-hand rather than in opposition.

Whether you're a backyard grower with a single orchid on your windowsill or building your own flower business, this episode delivers practical wisdom about growing your passion into something sustainable and meaningful. As Toine says, reflecting on the best advice he's received: "Make decisions, or decisions will be made for you."

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40
Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast

Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner

Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz