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Show overview

Behind the Stems launched in 2025 and has put out 41 episodes in the time since. That works out to roughly 25 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.

Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 20 min and 31 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Arts show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 months ago, with 13 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Ash Wheelhouse.

Episodes
41
Running
2025–2026 · 1y
Median length
26 min
Cadence
Weekly

From the publisher

Business, burnout and blooms, let’s talk about it. A no-fluff, no-filter space where I share what’s really going on in the wedding floristry world. Sometimes it’s strategy, sometimes it’s a spicy rant and sometimes it’s just me rambling after a 2am market trip. You’ll hear the wins, the wobbles, the big ideas and the behind-the-scenes mess most people don't share behind their curated floral grids If you’re a wedding florist who’s building a business, figuring it out as you go, emptying out your disgusting van and craving honest conversation, you’re in the right place.

Latest Episodes

View all 41 episodes

You're Not Too Creative to Niche, You're Too Scared | Ep 41

If your website has 57 different inquiry pages, your calendar is full but your bank account isn't, and you've nearly started a retail shop, a wreath business, a ceramics side hustle and a workshop series all in the same year, this episode is going to make you a little bit uncomfortable. Good. Because here's what I actually think is going on. The multi-passionate, jack-of-all-trades, chaotic creative identity that you're holding onto so tightly? A lot of the time it's not a personality trait. It's a very convincing way to avoid the boring, uncomfortable, unglamorous work that would actually grow the business you already have. And I know this because I lived it for an embarrassingly long time. In this episode I'm getting into all of it, what my business looked like before I niched down (busy, chaotic, not profitable, website was a disaster), the moment I finally went all in on weddings and started saying no to literally everything else, and what happened when I did. I went from 80 weddings a year to 20 and made more money. I stopped working summers. I started showing up to my friends' birthday parties. I went to the US for a month. I started a flower market out of my warehouse just because I wanted to. I booked a $30–40K wedding with no quote, no call, no back and forth, just a deposit.   If your business feels stuck and you keep watching other florists fly ahead, it's not because they're more talented than you. It's because they sat down and did the unsexy work. This episode is your invitation to do the same.

Mar 29, 202621 min

She Books You Without a Quote and She's Not Sorry with Chloe from Your Day By Chloe | Ep 40

Six years in, Chloe from Your Day By Chloe has planned and styled some of the most beautiful weddings in NSW and I interrogated her. About quotes (she doesn't believe in them), about petal tosses (she's over it), about florists who send a stranger on the day without a style brief (we don't talk about those people), and about eggs as a wedding trend (yes, eggs, stay with us). This episode is essentially a masterclass in what happens on the other side of your inbox. Chloe breaks down the actual difference between a planner, a stylist and a coordinator, walks through her entire process with florists from first booking to wedding day, and gets candid about commissions, referral fees and where her thinking has shifted over the years. We also get into how florists can actually get on a planner's radar, and spoiler, a cold DM isn't going to do it, but a bunch of flowers to the door just might. There's a conversation about whose job it is to source the vessels, what to do when the planner-florist dynamic is genuinely not working, and why Chloe would rather see one enormous impactful arrangement than flowers on every surface just for the sake of it. Plus trend chat, a passionate takedown of pearls on vegetables, and what Chloe thinks is quietly about to have a very big moment in wedding styling. Find Chloe's beautiful work on Instagram at @yourdaybychloe and thank her for her generous insight into the mind of a wedding planner.

Mar 25, 20261h 44m

The Magic Book Everyone's Asking About | Ep 39

So my comments have been absolutely wild lately and I owe you guys an answer. If you saw my recent carousel about my business journey, you'll know I mention a book that changed the way I thought about business. And now I have dozens of comments all asking the same thing: What's the book? I've been avoiding answering because I don't want you to think it's some magical solution that's going to make you suddenly good at business. It's not. So in this episode I'm finally answering the question properly, the book, the honest truth about it, and everything else that's actually made a difference in how I run Wildflower Academy. Because here's the thing. After that first book I read hundreds more, listened to hundreds of podcast hours, and spent thousands and thousands of dollars on coaching and courses. Every single one taught me something different. There is no one magic book. And if someone tells you there is, they're selling you something. I break down all the books that have actually stuck with me, what I took from each one, and, more importantly, the stuff that no single book will ever teach you but that will actually move the needle in your business.

Mar 15, 202614 min

My 3 lazy Instagram strategies (and why they work) | Ep 38

Okay, confession: I started a third Instagram account. I'm not proud of it. But it forced me to get really ruthless about how I'm spending my time on social media, and the three strategies I landed on are working well enough that I wanted to share them. In this episode I'm sharing exactly what I'm doing on Instagram in 2026. Trial reels — Instagram's tool for getting your content in front of people who don't already follow you. No ads required. I'm batching simple 7-second clips, slapping on a trending sound and a hook, and letting Instagram do the heavy lifting. It's a numbers game and it's working. Welcome messages — When someone hits follow, I send them a warm automated DM via ManyChat. Not salesy, not spammy, just a genuine hi. The unexpected perk? It reminds me there are real humans behind every follow and some of the conversations that spark from it are genuinely lovely. Turning your Instagram into a TV show — This is the big one. The creators growing fastest right now aren't treating Instagram like a content dump or a portfolio. They're running it like a series. There's even research showing people need to consume around 75 minutes of your content before they buy and a series is the fastest way to get there. I'm picking five repeatable formats and rotating them. Less brain fry, more consistency. If Instagram has been feeling like it's eating you alive, this episode is for you. Leave a comment and tell me which one you're going to try first, I'd love to know!  

Mar 7, 202619 min

The Content Series That Actually Books Weddings with Jade from Willow & Sage Botanics | Ep 37

In this episode, I’m chatting with Jade from Willow & Sage Botanics, an Auckland-based wedding florist who stumbled into flowers during COVID, ditched retail (because… no), and built an incredibly intentional brand by doing one bold thing: she committed to a 52-week design challenge. We talk about what it really looks like to go from “I make pretty things” to "I run a business" and how Jade used consistency, series content, and more client-centred storytelling to attract higher-budget, better-aligned weddings (without needing to be “20 years in” to have authority). If you’ve ever felt like you’re posting for other florists instead of your dream couples, this one will land.

Feb 8, 202650 min

What's working for me on Instagram right now | Ep 36

I accidentally started a third Instagram account. And no, this is not something I ever wanted to do. In this episode, I’m sharing a very honest, behind-the-scenes snapshot of how I’m using Instagram in 2026, why marketing feels so different to even a few years ago, and the exact systems I’m using to grow multiple accounts without letting social media take over my life. This year, I’m running: my wedding floristry business Wildflower Academy and a small, local flower market that supports microgrowers and florists in my region So I’ve had to get very intentional about boundaries, leverage, and low-effort strategies that actually work. In this episode, I walk you through the three main strategies I’m using right now, what they are, why they work, and how you can steal them for your own business. Feel free to steal as much or as little of this as you like. And if you want to go deeper into creating repeatable content series, there’s a full training inside Wildflower Academy called The One Where We Create an Iconic Series -  it’s one of my favourites to teach, and I’ve loved watching members apply it lately. If this episode was useful, I’d love to hear: which strategy you’re going to try or what you’d like me to dive deeper into next Leave a review, leave a comment, or come say hi over on Instagram @academywildflower I genuinely love hearing from you!

Feb 2, 202619 min

Wild Flowers and Wild Focus. Flower Farming with Luen Free | Ep 35

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Luen Free — flower farmer, former DJ and radio host, and one of the most thoughtful voices I know in the local growing space. We talk about Luen’s path from nightlife and DJ booths to permaculture-style flower farming, and what it really looks like to build a values-led business that actually suits your nervous system, your energy, and your brain (especially if you’ve got ADHD). This conversation weaves through: How Luen accidentally fell into growing for wedding florists Why naming her farm after herself changed everything The reality of flower farming (heat, humidity, crop failure, and all) Selling to florists vs selling to the public, and why one feels radically better What florists often misunderstand about growing flowers ADHD, hyperfocus, burnout, outsourcing, and self-judgement Why showing up imperfectly online works (and how reels led to a book deal) Moving the farm, changing climates, and designing a life that feels sustainable We also get into roses, dahlias, local growing, pricing, creative energy, and why not every “successful” business model is worth copying if it drains the life out of you. If you’re a florist, grower, or creative trying to build a business that feels aligned, not just profitable, this one will land.  Find Luen Instagram: @luensflowers Website: luensflowers.com Flower Growers Club (Facebook) Keep an eye out for Luen’s upcoming book!   If this episode resonated, especially the parts about energy, boundaries, seasonality, and building a business that works with your brain, that’s exactly what we do inside Wildflower Academy. The Academy is where wedding florists learn how to: Build profitable, sustainable businesses without burnout Attract aligned clients who get their work Create systems that support creativity (instead of killing it) Design a business model that fits their life, not the other way around You don’t need to do more. You need to do what actually works for you. Come join us: wildfloweracademy.co

Jan 28, 20261h 48m

This Is What's Damaging the Floral Industry | Ep 34

Okay, so this episode started as a casual drive to a friend’s house… and somehow turned into a full-blown rant about what I actually think is damaging the floristry industry. (You’ve been warned.) In this episode, I’m talking about the moment I nearly got kicked out of a floral Facebook group — all because I didn’t join the pile-on when another florist launched a $16 DIY wedding flower ebook. The thing is, the reaction to that ebook said way more about scarcity, fear, and misdirected blame than it did about DIY brides. So in this chat, we unpack: – Why a florist selling DIY resources is not your competition – The real reason other florists’ prices trigger you (and what that’s actually telling you) – How confusing their client with your client creates panic, comparison, and burnout – Why every industry (yes, every single one) has DIY, mid-range, and premium options — and why floristry isn’t special – How obsessing over what others are charging quietly drains your energy, focus, and momentum – The difference between telling people you’re valuable… and actually showing them – Why publicly tearing down other florists teaches the industry that “price is all that matters” – And the mindset shift that instantly reveals whether this is about them… or about your books being quiet This is not a polite episode. It’s not a “let’s all agree” episode. It is a “stay in your lane, build your business, and stop outsourcing responsibility” episode.   If this episode hit a nerve or made you realise you’ve been leaking energy worrying about things you can’t control, this is exactly the kind of mindset + strategy work we do inside Wildflower Academy. It’s where wedding florists learn how to: clarify their niche communicate value without defending their prices build demand without burning out and grow businesses that don’t rely on comparison or chaos If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll love it in there. Alright. I’ll let you get back to your walk / drive / flower prep / doom scroll reset. Talk soon!Ash x

Jan 21, 202624 min

You’re Not Stuck, You’re Just Believing the Wrong Story - with Giorgio Genaus | Ep 33

This episode started as a conversation about mindset — and turned into one of the most grounding, clarifying, and honestly relieving conversations I’ve had in a long time. I’m joined by Giorgio, a mindset coach who works with high-performers, creatives, business owners, and people who feel like they should be doing better… but keep feeling stuck anyway This isn’t an inspirational pep talk. It’s a practical, honest conversation about how humans actually work — and how much lighter business becomes when you stop believing every story your brain hands you. If you’re a wedding florist, creative, or business owner who feels capable but stuck — this episode is for you. You can find Giorgio on Instagram here: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/giorgiogenius (Highly recommend a scroll — his perspective is as grounded as it is clarifying.) Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!

Jan 13, 20261h 39m

Instagram Is a Free Money Machine (If You Stop Being Mad at It) | Ep 32

I recorded this episode in my robe (again), slightly over-caffeinated and fresh off scrolling a comments section that honestly made my eye twitch. I saw thousands of people yelling at the head of Instagram because their posts weren’t getting views and it sparked something I think a lot of business owners need to hear: You are not entitled to success on social media. In this episode, I unpack the quiet entitlement, resentment, and victim mentality that sneaks into our marketing, especially when things feel slow. I share the three simple mindset frameworks that have helped me build multiple businesses on Instagram over more than a decade, even through burnout, dips, and seasons where posting felt like the last thing I wanted to do.   Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!

Jan 9, 202626 min

From Freelance to Founders: Building Sonder Studio Without Burning Out | Ep 31

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Yen from Sonder Studio. We talk about what actually happens when you move from freelancing into business ownership, why “just vibing it” works… until it really doesn’t, and how Sonder Studio grew quickly without having a plan, then had to slow down, reassess, and rebuild in a way that didn’t destroy their nervous systems. Yen shares her journey from corporate finance to floristry, the mental health reckoning that pushed her to change paths, and how freelancing during the post-lockdown wedding boom shaped her skills, confidence, and boundaries. We get into what it’s really like running a partnership, the growing pains, the constant communication, and why clearly defined roles matter more than talent. We talk studios, systems, SOPs, bump-in chaos, allocation, and the unsexy backend work that actually makes creative businesses sustainable. There’s a very honest conversation about freelancing resentment, ownership of creative work, and the moment you realise that being “on the tools” isn’t the same as leading a team. We also dive into Yen’s overseas wedding in Vietnam, from six-hour market runs up a mountain to flying her team in so she didn’t have to flower on her own wedding day and what planning a wedding taught her about logistics, delegation, and letting go.Check out Sonder Studio on Instagram   00:00 – New Year check-in + last-minute wedding chaos Talking holiday boundaries, surprise bookings, and saying yes when the vibe is right. 03:00 – Weather, wind, and why florists fear it more than rain Real talk on outdoor ceremonies, risk, and on-the-fly engineering. 05:00 – Yen’s origin story: from corporate finance to floristry Mental health, fulfilment, and realising creativity can be a viable career. 09:00 – Learning through freelancing (and surviving post-lockdown weddings) Building skills fast, putting your hand up for everything, and discerning who you work for. 12:00 – Meeting Jules & why Sonder Studio became a partnership Strengths-based roles, shared values, and deciding to build something together. 15:00 – Defining roles (after learning the hard way) Why “just vibing it” leads to 10pm studio nights — and how they fixed it. 18:00 – Partnership communication & mindset growing pains Weekly check-ins, capacity conversations, and unpacking internal limits. 21:00 – Client consults, confidence, and breaking tasks into learnable steps How to grow into roles you don’t feel ready for yet. 24:00 – Using AI + systems to reduce mental load Meeting recordings, memory support, and tools that actually help neurospicy brains. 27:00 – Moving fast as a business (and what it cost) Overbooking, exhaustion, and the moment they knew something had to change. 30:00 – Getting featured in Vogue (and what actually changed) Validation, client shifts, and being “new” but not inexperienced. 34:00 – Freelancing vs business ownership: the mindset shift Why running the job is the work — even if you’re not making every arrangement. 38:00 – Creative ownership, resentment & where the line actually is A very honest conversation about credit, labour, and leadership. 42:00 – Systems that changed everything (allocation, bump-outs, SOPs) Why clear plans = calmer teams + less stress for everyone. 46:00 – Studios, space planning & Sydney logistics realities Pre-making, bump-in restrictions, and why space fills faster than you expect. 50:00 – Yen’s overseas wedding in Vietnam Markets, mountains, flying in her team, and planning without infrastructure. 56:00 – Doing flowers for your own wedding (or not) Pressure, delegation, and letting others create for you. 58:00 – Final reflections: sustainability, slowing down, and building properly What they’re prioritising now — and what they’d do differently next time.     Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!

Jan 6, 20261h 21m

Florists! Stop Hiding. Your Face Is Your Best Marketing Tool | Ep 30

I recorded this episode in a hotel-grade robe, drinking what accidentally turned into garlic tea, which honestly feels on brand for how this year is starting. This episode is for the wedding florists who know they should be showing up on camera… and are still hiding behind bouquet shots, pretty installs, and silent Reels. You’re not lazy. You’re not bad at marketing. You’re just avoiding something that feels mildly terrifying. I get it, I hated talking on camera too. I had braces, a lisp, zero confidence, and a deep fear of public speaking. But learning to show my face became one of the highest-return decisions I’ve ever made in my business. In this episode, I break down why face-led content actually works, especially in floristry and why posting “pretty flowers” alone just doesn’t cut through anymore.   Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!

Jan 5, 202645 min

The Things I Didn’t Buy (and Still Booked $30–40K Weddings) | Ep 29

I’ve been a wedding florist for over 15 years, booking $20–40K+ weddings… and I don’t have a van, a cool room, or a fancy logo. I'm talking through the things I don’t think you need to invest in when you’re growing your floristry business (even though everyone tells you that you do), and the things I genuinely believe are worth your money early on. This is very much based on my own experience, what worked, what didn’t, and what I wish I’d known sooner. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or spiralling about where to spend your money right now, this episode is your permission to simplify, focus, and stop pouring cash into things that don’t actually move the needle.   Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!

Jan 1, 202627 min

Turns Out We Were the Drama: Creativity, Control & Building a Business That Actually Fits with Josh Jay | Ep 28

I’m joined by Josh Jay a former wedding photographer turned business coach who somehow went from hating structure to becoming obsessed with helping creatives understand money, energy, and how business actually works. Josh started shooting weddings ridiculously young, built a seriously successful photography career, and then did the plot twist none of us expect, he fell in love with the business side of things. Not in a spreadsheets-for-fun way, but in a “how do we make this work for creative brains?” way. We talk about his journey from shooting weddings across Australia (and beyond), to realising that most creatives aren’t bad at business, they’re just trying to run it using systems that were never designed for them. We get into: Why we both resisted calling ourselves “business owners” Perfectionism vs messy action (and how we sit on opposite ends of that spectrum) Managing energy instead of time Burnout in the wedding industry Building businesses that actually fit your brain, not someone else’s routine It’s honest, a little chaotic, and full of those “oh… that explains a lot” moments. If you’re a creative who’s ever felt lazy, behind, or broken this conversation might change how you see yourself.   Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!

Dec 30, 20251h 35m

The Story You’re Telling Yourself That’s Costing You $10K Per Wedding | Ep 27

For years, I told myself I didn’t want high-budget weddings. I said they were boring. Too basic. Too polished. Too “not me.” But the reality was they scared me and I was avoiding doing the hard workSo I criticised them instead of chasing them. In this episode, I unpack the stories that kept me stuck under $10K weddings and the mindset shifts that helped me move into higher-spend work, work less, and enjoy my business again. If this hits close to home, I’ve left a free resource for you with 3 simple caption tweaks to help your marketing start attracting higher-budget clientsClick here to grab it! Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!

Dec 17, 202527 min

The Birth of The Bunch Cruncher | Ep 26

I’ve been starting my mornings with coffee, headphones, and a blank page, just writing instead of scrolling. One morning, a single journal prompt cracked something open in my brain and sent me straight down memory lane. This episode is about the years I wore my chaotic creative energy like a badge of honour, especially at the flower markets. No recipes. No plan. Just vibes. And while it looked romantic from the outside, behind the scenes it was costing me money, sleep, confidence, and my nervous system. I’m sharing the moment I realised that “winging it” wasn’t intuitive or artistic, it was just expensive. How cutting out imported flowers forced me to face my avoidance of systems. And why learning to plan my flower orders didn’t kill my creativity… it actually made me a better designer. This is a story about spreadsheets I swore I’d never use, the mindset shift that changed everything, and the principle I live by now: creativity thrives within structure, and profit needs planning. If you’ve ever felt like systems weren’t “you,” if flower ordering gives you anxiety, or if you secretly worry you’re losing money even when you’re booked out, this one’s for you. (And yes, this is also the story of how The Bunch Cruncher was born.)You can get it here:https://stan.store/wildfloweracademy/p/the-bunch-cruncher-floral-calculator   Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!

Dec 12, 202526 min

I am a delicate wilting flower (Surviving heat waves in wedding season) | Ep 25

In this episode, I’m talking about how I survive insanely hot wedding days as a florist who is, admittedly, a delicate little flower who wilts the second the temperature hits 30. I share why I blocked out December and January from my calendar, what it took to design my business so I could afford to do that, and how I still end up at sweltering weddings anyway. I walk you through everything I did for a recent 40-degree setup at Redleaf – from hiring a last-minute cool room, bringing on extra freelancers, reworking the ceremony design to get every flower into deep water, and creating shade with umbrellas, to packing snacks, electrolytes, trolleys, and misters so none of us died in the process. I also chat about client expectations, timing strategies, choosing hardy ingredients, and little hacks like sneaking bouquets into drink cool rooms. Mostly, it’s a very sweaty reminder that you’re allowed to protect your health, build systems that support you, and design a business that doesn’t require you to suffer through heatwaves to prove anything to anyone. Tune in, stay cool, and know you’re not alone if you’d rather be at the beach than in a paddock with crispy flowers.   Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!

Dec 4, 202521 min

When the Plan Falls Apart: How to Lead, Pivot, and Problem-Solve Like a Pro Florist | Ep 24

I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes story from a scorching hot Redleaf wedding where the entire ceremony location changed the day before and how I pivoted the design without any stress (or crispy flowers). I also answer a Wildflower Academy member’s question about what to do when a venue gives you incorrect information, the client wants something physically impossible, and you have to make a call on the day. We chat about: How I handle last-minute changes with confidence The questions I ask early to avoid surprises later Why understanding a client’s intention matters more than the exact inspo photo My go-to backup structures and on-the-day prep How to communicate clearly with clients when things can’t go to plan A short, practical episode that will help you stay calm, flexible, and in your leadership energy — no matter what the wedding day throws your way.   Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!

Nov 23, 202525 min

People Pleaser Ash and dealing with Leadership Anxiety | Ep 23

In this episode, I’m talking about something I never thought I’d have to learn: how to be a leader. Not a corporate manager, not a clipboard-wielding supervisor… just a wedding florist who suddenly had people relying on her and absolutely no idea how to direct them. For a long time, I felt like I was doing it all wrong. I hated the idea of telling people what to do, so I over-explained everything. I didn’t want to come across as bossy, so I softened all my instructions. And then I wondered why people didn’t know what I meant. Every drive home was a spiral: was I too much? Not enough? Did I make someone uncomfortable? Did I make sense at all? It took one uncomfortable moment for me to realise the truth I’d been avoiding: I was the bottleneck. My team wasn’t confused because they were incapable. They were confused because I was trying to lead in a way that kept everyone comfortable… except myself. So I started asking better questions. What would actually help my team do their best work? And what do I love or hate when I’m freelancing on someone else's wedding? From there, everything started to shift. I stopped trying to be liked and started trying to be clear. I stopped filling the silence with explanations and just said what needed to be said. And for the first time, leading a team didn’t feel heavy, it felt supportive, collaborative, and surprisingly simple. This episode is the behind-the-scenes of that turning point: what changed, how I changed, and how it made every wedding week run smoother than ever. If leadership has ever felt awkward, overwhelming, or just not your thing, I think you’ll feel really seen in this one.   Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!

Nov 14, 202529 min

Cable ties, sandbags, sanity: A wedding florist’s guide to wild weather | Ep 22

Episode vibe: It’s me chatting through how I actually handle wild weather on wedding days, what I pack, what I say to couples, when I pivot, and where I draw the line. No doom, no fluff, just the stuff that’s saved my butt (and my bouquets). Who it’s for: Florists who work outside (so… us), are sick of “It’ll be fine,” and want a calm plan that doesn’t rely on luck. Listen if: you’re tired of winging it, sick of soggy blooms and ready to be the calmest person on-site no matter what BOM says. Want help applying this to your own floristry business? Wildflower Academy is where we do this work properly, blending mindset, strategy, and real-world systems so wedding florists can grow without burnout or constant comparison. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn how to: clarify your niche and position yourself with confidence communicate your value without defending your prices build demand without relying on chaos or constant content grow a business that actually supports your life If you’re ready to stop spiralling and start building with intention, you’ll feel right at home in Wildflower Academy. Click here to join!  

Nov 1, 202539 min