Staying True to Your Brand Identity with Glory Barbaris
The Florist's Table
What does it mean to build a creative business on your own terms? In this episode, host Val McNichols sits down with Glory Barbaris of Wildflower Hill Co. for an honest conversation about intuition, identity, and staying aligned with your values. Glory's path to floral design wasn't traditional. From tech to nonprofit work to wedding styling, she taught herself the craft and let emotion guide her business. She shares how she's learned to work only with clients who truly fit, set boundaries with confidence, and trust that not all money is good money. As a Nigerian immigrant and Black...
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Hot Takes: Three Florists Debate Pantone’s Cloud Dancer
The Florist's Table
Pull up a chair and join us for the very first episode of The Florist's Table. Host Yvonne Ashton welcomes three past Mayesh Design Stars to discuss Pantone's controversial 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer. When the announcement dropped, reactions ranged from disappointment to outright mockery (one designer called it "plain toast and deconstructed water"). But is white really that boring, or are we missing something important? Amy Balsters of The Floral Coach breaks down the color theory most of us overlook about white — the difference between warm and cool whites and why it matters...
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Boat Rides & Blooms: Our Holland Adventure
The Florist's Table
Join host Yvonne Ashton for a special Holland edition of Mornings with Mayesh! In this episode, we sit down with Natasha Barnhill, Charlotte Branch Manager, and Jenna Duncan, Raleigh Buyer, who recently returned from an unforgettable trip to the Netherlands. Natasha and Jenna take us behind the scenes of their floral adventure, from gliding through canals on a boat to visit stunning lilac farms, to touring world-class rose breeders, hydrangea growers, and lisianthus farms. They share their experience witnessing the organized chaos of the Dutch flower auction, exploring the trade show floor...
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Designing from the Heart: Camile Craig on Brand Identity & Creative Authenticity
The Florist's Table
What does it take to build a floral business rooted in whimsy, authenticity, and community? In this episode of Mornings with Mayesh, we sit down with Camille Craig, owner of New Leaf Floral Design in Seattle, Washington, to find out. Camille's journey into floral design started in her mother's garden, where she'd gather fistfuls of blooms and present them with pure childhood excitement. Twenty years later, that same joy still fuels her work—and you can see it in every textural, colorful, whimsical arrangement she creates. From leaving a corporate desk job she hated to launching her own...
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Guatemala Cymbidium Orchids & OASIS® Renewal™ Plant-Based Floral Foam: What You Need to Know
The Florist's Table
Join Yvonne Ashton and David Dahlson for an exciting episode of Mornings with Mayesh as they unveil two game-changing updates for the floral industry. First, David introduces Mayesh's newest farm partner, Designer Cut Flowers from Guatemala, and their stunning collection of cymbidium orchids. These blooms fill the seasonal gap between New Zealand and Holland's availability, offering florists gorgeous fall colors including burgundies, golds, yellows, and two-tones—perfect for autumn weddings and events. With 8-11 blooms per stem and professional Dutch-style packaging, these orchids are a...
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From Wedding Burnout to $8M in Hotel Contracts: Building Recurring Revenue with Franceska McCaughan
The Florist's Table
Tired of working six days a week, chasing one-off weddings, and feeling trapped in the seasonal ups and downs of the event floral world? This episode is your roadmap to freedom. Host Yvonne Ashton sits down with Franceska McCaughan, international floral strategist and founder of The Hotel Florist®, who has revolutionized how florists think about sustainable income. From her beginnings in foster care to building a floral empire serving luxury hotels across three continents, Franceska's story proves that complete business reinvention is possible—no matter where you start. In...
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Top 6 Flowers to Know Now
The Florist's Table
What are the top 6 flowers you absolutely need to know about right now? Join host Yvonne Ashton as she welcomes back resident flower guru David Dahlson for another exciting flower show and tell on Mornings with Mayesh! In this episode, we reveal the top 6 stunning flower varieties that every florist, designer, and flower enthusiast needs to know about. David shares his expert insights on timing, availability, and care tips for each bloom, including two gorgeous carnation varieties, an exciting new jumbo craspedia, exclusive Degas roses, and two beautiful phlox options perfect for fall...
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New Varieties from Rosaprima and Floraprima with David Dahlson
The Florist's Table
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...
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Starting a Flower Revolution with Katie Lila of 'Follow the Blooms'
The Florist's Table
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...
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Inside AIFD's 60th Anniversary Symposium
The Florist's Table
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...
info_outlineJoin host Yvonne Ashton as she sits down with celebrated floral artist and educator Susan McLeary in this enlightening episode of Mornings with Mayesh. Susan, known for her boundary-pushing floral art and wearables, shares insights into her revolutionary "floral constellation" techniques that are transforming how designers approach wedding personals and wearable pieces.
In this conversation, Sue reveals the inspiration behind her innovative wire armature methods that create floating, shape-shifting designs without traditional wiring, taping, or excessive use of floral glue. She discusses how these techniques produce modern, durable, and long-lasting pieces while offering practical solutions for today's professional florists.
As an author, instructor, and passionate advocate for the floral industry, Susan opens up about her creative journey and provides a sneak peek at what participants can expect from her upcoming workshop with Mayesh. Whether you're looking to elevate your design skills or simply appreciate floral artistry, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the industry's most generous and innovative minds.
Visit our blog for the show notes and video replay:
https://www.mayesh.com/blog/susan-mcleary-innovative-floral-design-techniques
Originally streamed live on May 2nd, 2025.
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