Praise

I had the incredible opportunity to attend a Floret Workshop, and it really changed everything for me. That sounds like such a big thing to say, but this trip was healing for me in ways I did not expect. I got to stand beside so many accomplished and inspiring women who encouraged me and loved me well. Erin’s transparency and willingness to stand in front of us and describe what had not worked for years only to then reveal her success secrets brought this experience to the next level. We were given plenty of business direction, shown how to build arrangements, and experienced some of the most thoughtful hospitality. Thoughtful is a phenomenal word to describe how the weekend played out. The team working behind the scenes truly has thought through every aspect so carefully. The authenticity of the Floret team is what created the culture of empowerment. Coming off of the trip I feel much more confident and equipped to tackle all of my flower dreams, both big and small.

Mary Johnston  

The Floret Workshop has completely changed our business! From Intense Farming tried and true practices to floral design techniques, we covered just about everything a farmer-florist needs to know! I’d highly recommend the workshop for anyone wanting to start a cutting garden in a small plot, with no fancy greenhouses or expensive technology. Floret is all about high productivity and efficiency, and Erin will share all her secrets with you! I’d encourage you to ask questions, this is your chance to learn from the best! The investment will pay for itself in no time and avoid you a lot of frustration!

Julio Freitas  |  The Flower Hat

I’ve stopped and started a thank you note to all of you a thousand times. Trying to take all of the overwhelming gratitude I have for your sharing your wisdom, passion and experiences and put it into words has been impossible. There is so much to be said. You have provided myself and all of those that attend the opportunity to say to ourselves it’s ok to follow our dreams. That in itself was and is an unbelievable gift.

Denise Kelly  |  The Plant Barn

From the beautiful barn, to the welcoming friendly faces and Florets breathtaking fields of blooms there was too much beauty to take in. Erin and her team are so genuine and down to earth, and filled our eyes and minds full to the brim with beauty and knowledge by the end of the weekend. Whatever doubts or fears I had prior seemed to quickly vanish and I suddenly felt a renewed confidence within’ my new flower farming ventures. Everyone was so genuinely supportive of eachother it felt like we were one big happy flower family by the end of the weekend. I would recommend this workshop to anyone in a heart beat, you will not be disappointed!

Heidi Nash  |  Boho Petals

As a new business owner, I thought that perhaps it was too extravagant to attend a Floret workshop… I’m so glad I didn’t listen to that soundtrack and instead invested in attending. The training I received from Jill and Erin and all the other teachers at the on-set of starting up my business was invaluable. There’s so much more to the workshop than just flowers. It is a way of thinking about yourself, your work and your life’s mission.

Samantha Rothman  |  Fairview Farm & Flowers

I have just come back from the Farmer Florist workshop. I have wanted to attend this workshop for quite some time now. Just before I attended I was nervous, what if this did not live up to my expectations? The Floret Farmer Florist workshop went way, way above what I had even dreamed it would, this includes the content of the workshop, the staff at Floret, the location and the people attending. If you have a chance to attend grasp it with both hands, you will not regret it for a moment, you will gain a huge amount of knowledge and the friendships that you will make will stay with you forever.

Carolyn Thompson  |  Willow and Mabel Garden Company

To say that the Floret Workshops are amazing is an understatement. You have to experience them to describe them correctly. It was a magical experience in flower heaven. The wealth of information and generosity provided by the Floret team is impressive. Their genuine care and love for flowers is present in every aspect of the workshop at the talks, the hands-on demos, the conversations, the superb flowers provided for us to learn techniques, the warm conversations, and the delicious food. It was a unique experience full of learning, new friendships and the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen. I left inspired in many ways, not only to grow beautiful flowers but also to build a better life for my family, my community and myself. Thank you to the Floret team for leading by example. You are one of the best teams I have every seen and had the honor to meet. Wishing you much more success in everything you do.

Estefania Mondragon  |  Estefania Mondragon

I signed up for the Floret workshop for the chance to touch and play with flowers I’ve only been able to see in pictures. The workshop was that and SO MUCH MORE. Having the opportunity to be amongst and learn from some of the best teachers in the floral industry was illuminating, to say the least. Since returning home, I’ve applied some of those principles to my own business and have already begun to see the results.

Peicha Chang  |  Falls Flowers

Team Floret is fabulous and worked seamlessly together to create a safe and creative environment for all of us to challenge ourselves and dream big. With only two weeks having gone by since I attended the workshop, I have already been using both farming and floristry tips from that weekend on a daily basis. The workshop is well-crafted for starting a farmer florist business and the practical steps involved in keeping it successfully running. Not to mention the inspiration for days and days to come. My one-on-one time with each of the staff members was invaluable and I felt really honored to be there with them, guiding us through such an important piece of our life-long journeys. This experience will stay with me in my “tool belt” for the rest of my life!

Daniele Strawn  |  Jolee Blooms

Erin and team, I can’t thank you enough for an amazing three days at the farming intensive workshop. It was such a pleasure to meet you and share my farm story with you. I left WA inspired and ready with the tools to rebuild our family farm. It was definately a game changer for me and really made me evaluate my business and were I want to take it in the next few years. I made amazing friends and feel I have a community to ask questions and feedback as we all struggling thru farming.

Emily Carey  |  Etc. Designs

I have always dreamed of using my love of flowers into a second career. I had many doubts and fears that at this stage of my life I might have waited too long. This course has empowered me and given me the much needed tools to realize what it takes to be a flower farmer. I cant thank the Floret Team enough,for sharing their wisdom, farm skills and generous spirits, with me. I’m can’t wait to start this new journey in my life.

Jill Meyer  |  Torch & Twig

I came to the Floret workshop expecting to learn how to arrange flowers. Instead, I got a complete re-boot on my business, which is working in Corporate America at a large advertising agency. All of the skills that Erin and Jill (and I love their partnership and their honesty) applied to the workshop, I am now applying to my career. I don’t know if I’ll ever be good at flowers. But their workshop has made my career bloom anew.

Jeanie Caggiano  

I had very high expectations for the Floret workshop, and it exceeded them all by leaps and bounds. Not only did I learn propagation techniques, approaches to business-management and marketing, and bouquet-building skills, but I met a score of other farmer-florists who were fascinating, brilliant, and supportive of my dreams. Not to mention meeting Erin herself, who is generous with her time and experience, more beautiful even than in her photos, and willing to say what has been difficult about her journey. I walked away feeling like I had the world at my fingertips and only had to reach a little further to hold it in my hands. An absolutely incredible experience. Get yourself there, however you can.

Helen Skiba  |  Farmette Flowers

The three magical days spent at the Farmer-Florist workshop last April were a game changer for me. The idea of my own flower farm was really just a “someday” dream when I arrived. But by the end, I felt like I had the tools and confidence to take the leap in starting my business. I am so grateful to Erin and her team for being so open in sharing their stories and for the passion that they bring to every aspect of their business. One of the best and truly unexpected gifts from the workshop was in finding so many kindred spirits in my fellow attendees. We quickly became lifelong friends and continue to encourage and support one another in our little flower tribe.

Alicia Arzate  

I hope heaven resembles the magical works of the Floret team and creative efforts of its students. The wonderful land I was transported to is almost indescribable unless you are there to take part and see it for yourself. I can’t thank the entire team enough for the knowledge shared with us all and experience we had. Plus the food was unbelievable on top of it all! Flowers, food, and new friends. Who could ask for a more fantastic 3 days!

Aisha Crawford  

My three days at the Floret Farm August Dahlia workshop was nothing short of amazing. I attended as a dreamer/flower lover with no design experience at all and while there I just wanted to soak it all in-hanging on to every word that Erin and her team spoke. They welcomed me with open arms-embracing me the moment I stepped foot into the barn, so immediately I felt at ease. I wish I could describe just how truly awesome the experience was. Let me just say that when I arrived, I was weary, I was sad, and I didn’t exactly have a lot of energy. I was mentally and physically tired. But I was super excited to be there and once there, I forgot about being tired and sad! For three wonderful days I was transported into another world. One full of beauty, energy, joy, grace, love, humor, talent, and tons of fun with fellow flower lovers. Honestly, this goes to the top of my “best trips” list. If only I could have stayed an entire week…..

Kim Beller  

Until the Farmer-Florist Workshops, I understood my passion as a mere hobby, a beautiful distraction to our produce and pastured livestock at the farm and market. After three amazing days totally engulfed with the Farmer Florist workshop, I moved my passion to the forefront of my farm business. Erin oozes experience, modest confidence, overwhelming support, and oh so candidly shares her love of and success in the business of sustainable flower farming and design. The Farmer Florist workshop lit a fire in me and that excitement is quickly and successfully spreading within my farm and throughout my community!

Stephanie Hall  |  Sassafras Fork Farm

I attended the Peony Floret Flower Workshop in June as a potter with a passionate love of flowers.  Erin and her team opened up a new perception of foraged flowers and flower arranging.  They broadened my ideas about what can be used in a bouquet and Erin’s detailed demonstrations were truly enlightening.  Erin also spent a good deal of time discussing the business of social media, press and pricing for jobs.  The workshop was a nurturing, safe environment with loads of support and encouragement from the staff and fellow attendees.  I highly recommend this for any person interested in moving forward with a floral design or even design business. Worth every penny and I made a new group of wonderful friends.

Frances Palmer  |  Frances Palmer Pottery

This time last year I packed up my Subaru and left Northern California for Washington. I had starry eyes and big dreams but lacked the confidence I needed to go down this flower path. Those days in Mount Vernon are ones that I’ll never forget. Erin encouraged everyone to drop their guard, be vulnerable, and dream big. I still have my imaginary farm plans from that weekend and a notebook full of wisdom from these ladies. If you are thinking about doing a Floret Workshop, just DO IT! Save up and make it happen! I slept in my car on the way up and ate dehydrated fruit to save money. I’m so grateful for those days surrounded by fun, inspiring and transparent female farmers.

 

Margaux Bolton  |  Margaux Renee Flowers

Going to two (!) Floret workshops was the single best thing I have done for myself since starting my floral design business in earnest. There are a lot of workshops out there these days. I don’t doubt that they are all beautiful in their own way; they deal in flowers after all. The amazing thing about Erin’s workshops is that they combine such abundant and heart-stopping beauty with practical, useful, and inspiring, content. There is great substance behind all that floral beauty. Floret’s team is welcoming and warm. Their encouragement and support is all around during the workshops and follows after. Attendees turn into dear friends in a matter of hours (or less) and become a network of fellow flower lovers whose voices stay with you long after you depart the Skagit Valley. It is hard to put into words the magic that happens in that flower filled barn with Erin and her team. Know that it is so much more than twinkly lights and sweetly scented blooms.

Kailla Platt  |  Kailla Platt Flowers

August 2014 was one of the best few days of my life. The best. How often do you get to say that?

Yes, I had the Floret team, the flowers, (oh the flowers!) and the farm- a fantastic foundation for learning- and new friends but what I really found was…me. I was completely unprepared to meet her. I (re)discovered that I kind of like her and what she can do. I wasn’t ready for that kind of experience- nor did I know how desperately my spirit needed it. I think everyone, should you ask them, takes a little something different away from the workshop. For me, it was self-discovery, on a multitude of levels. I will never be the same.

Now that I am home- back in the routine of the day to day, if you look past the floral designer and the mom and the wife that is here, and just at the girl you will see there is a fire- a desire- a quest that needs to be fulfilled within me that didn’t burn quite so brightly before my time at Floret. I have found that I am on a fantastic (flower) journey that is just beginning- and I am not sure where it is going to take me quite yet, but I am so ready to find out.

Becca Blue  |  Becca Blue Flowers

I can’t thank you enough for all of the ideas, energy and inspiration I got from spending the time with all of you, including the wonderful group of ‘farmer-florists’. I’m still buzzing from it all.

Hillary Alger  |  Johnny's Selected Seed

For the last few days, I haven’t been able to put my feelings into words. Until I found my eyes welling with tears on my flight home as I looked through photos of our Floret workshop. Photos of everything: my new dear friends whom I’m already missing, some of the most beautiful arrangements I have ever seen, the most lush and extravagant floral installation make over for our dinner celebration, and images of the Floret team working their teaching magic. The last three days changed my life. Really, truly, changed me as a person, designer and business woman. I have so much to do and learn, goals to set (and demolish), ideas to share, shit to MAKE HAPPEN, and many, many thank you notes to send. But for now, thank you to every person present at the workshop. You touched my heart forever.

Kim Mills  |  The Pollen Mill

For new and experienced flower farmers, Floret’s Farmer Florist workshop is going to change your life. You will learn so much! Erin is a joy – as is her team; the setting is glorious, the information plentiful and the hands-on practice truly invaluable. I’ll never forget my experience and highly recommend it.

Tara Kolla  |  Silver Lake Farms

The Floret workshop exceeded every expectation that I had. In this age of the internet, so many things are overrated but let me say that Erin and her family, her business, and her team are more authentic and have more to provide than you can ever imagine when you browse her beautiful website. If anyone is considering going to a workshop, do it now. Do anything it takes to get there. Push the limits of your time, your budget, your family, your business or whatever it is that is stopping you and just go. You cannot imagine what is in store. The personal time that you receive in floral design and the development of your own flower business is remarkable. I do not know how they fit everything in to the three day slot, but Team Floret did. The people that you will meet, and the connections you make at the workshop are like icing on the cake. We had people from all over the country and the world and at all stages of their flower endeavors. Creating and growing with them was like nothing I can describe. The only way you will know is by going. Expect to be wowed in every way. I cannot recommend the experience enough.

Mercedes Ivener  |  Honeysuckle Hollow Florist

Seriously – the workshop was a game-changer, it gave me the inspiration and momentum I needed to dream big. The generosity you offered in technical experience and, as importantly, the open-heartedness in sharing who you are (fears, flaws and all) was amazing.

Sarah Monterio  |  Farmhand Flowers

I could have sworn I was dreaming in flowers. Ten days later and I’m still on a crazy floral high with a full, full heart. I was given this gift that changed my perspective entirely. It allowed me to explore myself, see my work in a new light, collaborate and learn from other talented creatives and to cultivate lifelong relationships with flower friends and mentors alike. I took the chance to kick apprehension to the curb and drink in all of the knowledge, experience and creativity swirling around me. Thank you Erin for this incredible opportunity to learn from you and your unbelievably talented team. I am forever grateful for this treasured gift.

Jenn Henry  |  Field Day Creative

My three days with you and the other inspiring women were life-changing (so cliché, but there it is).  It literally picked me up and propelled me forward.  My perspective changed, I felt inspired again, the goal-setting workshop was a phenomenal kick in the pants–in short, it ended up not being a fluke that I attended, but a serendipitous gift…I gained so much from the experience that it really has changed my mental state. Erin: your generosity with your knowledge and warmth and openess are what set you apart from so many others.  You are the type of woman in business that women need to see, and I wish there was another great word for inspiring (because I have already over-used that one), but for you it fits.

Sarah Hughes  |  Fresh View Events

I was able to take the Farmer-Florist workshop last September after saving and debating for two years.  This was one of the best investments I have ever made.  I had struggled for a good amount of time with the value of growing flowers versus food.  I felt somehow that my overwhelming desire to grow flowers was not entirely acceptable.  That I was not feeding the community and therefore wasting energy and space.  During the workshop I was opened in a way that I find very hard to put into words.  My heart felt so full and accepted.  To be around other people who have completely given their lives and loves to flowers was…well a moment of realization for me.  I am helping to feed people’s souls. The world needs more flowers and art.  I encourage any of you to apply for this amazing opportunity.  I would myself like to attend another of Floret’s workshops…again and again.

Erika Stephens  |  June's Blooms

The information, tips and resources shared during the workshop were absolutely invaluable, plus connecting with fellow flower enthusiasts from across the continent was great fun. I took what I learned at the workshop about growing, designing, photographing and marketing and ran with it. And so far, it is paying off: Buckeye Blooms is having our best season yet! I left the workshop affirmed and confident in my skills as a grower and designer and am proud to be part of the growing group of global farmer-florists.

Susan Studer King  |  Buckeye Blooms

Taking the leap to attend the Floret workshop was a highlight to my career as a floral designer.  Learning from Team Floret went way beyond my expectations, and I can’t wait to integrate what I’ve learned into my  business.  Thank you Team Floret for helping me see outside the box, and for giving me the courage to grow.  Much love to the Floret Team-you will always have a special place in my heart.

Mindy Staton  |  Two Little Buds

What an amazing few days ! I just wanted to thank you all so much for allowing me to take part in the Farmer-Florist workshop, making me feel so welcome and comfortable. Those three days we all had on the farm and in the gorgeous barn were everything I hoped they would be. I came away with sooo much information, and motivation for my future plans … What an inspirational story! I loved meeting everyone in the course, and I really hope to re connect with everyone again sometime soon. And that last day of arranging – what can I say !!!???? Heaven – a dream day.

Sophie Rothwell  |  Little Flowers

What a whirlwind of a weekend. The Floret workshop was really a dream come true. We had access to some of the most beautiful materials I’ve ever seen. We learned, we grew, we pushed each other to new heights. Then we designed flowers for an epic dinner party and celebrated with a feast!

Eleanor Gerber-Siff  |  Wallflower Design

First off, thank you SO SO much for an amazing weekend. I learned so much from you and the rest of your team, and the entire experience completely blew my mind. I didn’t really have ‘expectations’ going into it, but almost every minute I felt inspired and encouraged… I came home with a rejuvenated mind and so many ideas. I also completely admire your attitude and style in terms of how you approach things, I totally believe ‘if you dream it you can do it’ and tend to just fly by the seat of my pants trying things out. Life is too short not to try!

Mara Tyler  |  The Farm at Oxford

For months I’ve been meaning to thank you for everything from the Farmer-Florist Intensive this past September.

Signing up for your workshop was at once the most exciting and scary thing I’ve ever done (and I’ve done some crazy $#it;). I was following my intuition, a dream that literally kept me awake at night (in a good way) for months but didn’t occupy any tangible, professional part of my life yet. I knew I’d be one of the least experienced folks there, but with some reassurance from Jill and knowing in my heart that you were the person I wanted to learn from – I took the plunge.

During that period I was so overcome by fear. Fear of my desire to get serious about creating a life I wanted to live. For attending a workshop with people who were way more knowledgeable and experienced than me. A voice in my head told me repeatedly that I was just trying to fool myself: you can live in a beautiful place, surrounded by good people, and garden on evenings and weekends – but you still have to sit at a desk doing something you don’t care about all summer, that’s just life. Talking to others who had experienced the same scenario at your workshop was so affirming. Opening myself to workable options that would make a transition possible was life-changing.

Since the workshop, I’ve made progress, connections and plans that I never would have made, at least not with the efficiency and confidence that I’ve found. While fear still creeps in and I know will be back to visit each time I explore a different direction, it no longer paralyzes me. I can’t tell you how huge that is.”

Melissa Hessney Masters, Tanglebloom

Melissa Hessney Masters  |  Tanglebloom

I can tell you that I am absolutely grateful for this experience.

I have taken other workshops and learned from other florists that I admire and love. But you Erin!!! you are an open heart, and that is priceless. This workshop speaks to the heart more than anything else. Thanks for opening your house and your life to us. For sharing with us you human struggle. For teaching us, not only how to do flowers and the technical side of business, but for sharing your fears and your weakness and your strengths.

I admire that you open your life totally to the people that signs for this classes and share it with an open heart and in such a loving way.

These days have given me strength to face the changes I am going through. I feel stronger and much trusting that it will fold in a positive way for me and the ones I love.

Gabriela Salazar  |  La Musa de las Flores

What a great 3 days! Thank you so much to the entire team of Floret for making this workshop so special! I have received so much inspiration and so excited to put it to good use. It is difficult for me to find the words to express my sincere gratitude for this experience – one that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Yukiko Miyai  |  DECO Clay Craft Academy

This workshop was such a great and unique experience. I love that you are all so welcoming and kind–yet you kept it very real and down to earth w/your practical/business/marketing advice. I don’t think a lot of people share that type of advice freely or often.

The venue is breathtaking and amazing. You guys really provided an environment that inspired and made us all want to be there.

Nary La  |  Nary La Flowers

Even a week later, I can’t stop smiling! I’m so excited about our future whereas before I was mostly terrified. Thank you for being so supportive and reassuring!

Emily Calhoun  |  Floriography Flowers

I am so thankful for all the moments Floret’s team shared with me and the other 15 ladies. I still can’t believe how amazing everything was. I couldn’t imagine how good it would be and how different I would come back home. These moments brought more than flower design knowledge, they brought force, energy, courage, self confidence and passion for the flower world.

Bruna Ferreira  |  Flora de Seriel

I can’t express how grateful I am to be a part of your workshop. It was so nice for me to see how you do things, get new ideas and mainly get the courage and clarity to move forward with my vision and ask for what I want.

Angie Tomey  |  Little Boy Flowers

First things first, I will say that the workshop was unreal. 100% worth the financial sacrifice. Absolutly, 100%. From the moment we walked up to the barn I felt WARMTH. Everyone was calm and inviting and that created a sense of comfort from the very beginning. I would say for me, this was one of the standout aspects of the weekend.

I also loved the way everything was structured. Day 1- get to know each other, talking, interacting without flowers in the way. By the end of day one I felt invested in the other attendees and felt a lot of genuine support and non-judgement, and was comfortable and excited about creating the next day.

OBVIOUSLY the flowers were INSANE!!!!! I mean, the selection and quantity was seriously, so bad ass. It was so fun to walk into the barn each day and just get SMACKED in the face with a whole new smorgasbord. So lush. Like a dream. It was beautiful.

The team was spectacular. I connected with many of you and think it was neat that other attendees have stronger connections with some of the other team members. It was a lovely mix of personalities and talents and just so great. I honestly was blown away by the group of peeps who were there to help us in any way.  I also loved that there was PLENTY of help while arranging.

There’s many more things I loved about this magical weekend, I could go on and on about, and in fact have  to everyone around me since being home;). But I do feel these are the highlights for me. I hope and PRAY I can make another Floret workshop happen in my near future!! It was a beautiful few days and very therapeutic for my therapy-craving self…

You guys, words will never be enough to convey my gratitude to you for truly, truly going above and beyond to  give us this life changing three days. You are wonderful people whom I will forever respect and feel grateful for knowing.

Melissa Haupt  |  Mel Haupt Floral

Erin and her team were absolutely amazing. I traveled across country, alone to attend the workshop and from day one they made me feel comfortable with my travel plans, even arranging to pick me up in the late of night! The design concepts & business techniques I was taught are something that will forever be with me. Erin made it easy to follow her & watching her was inspiring. She and her team are so caring and passionate, they really want to see everyone of us succeed. The workshop came at a very important time in my life and really help me find myself again. Since the workshop, any questions I have had about business or even sending a photo of my arrangements never go unanswered. I will always have a place in my heart for Erin, her family, her team and wonderful flower farm.

Dennille Austin  |  Village Green Florist

I just wanted to take the time to express my gratitude towards you and your team. I’ve been so inspired and am still running on adrenaline from the workshop. For as difficult as is was leaving my business behind in August, it was the best time to get re-booted! You all are so supportive and enthusiastic, it’s contagious. I’ve returned and have only wanted to share my experience and knowledge with anyone who will listen! The workshop was more than I had hoped….I wasn’t expecting the sincere time spent on our personal growth as women, business owners, florists, farmers and students of one another. Thank you so much for the opportunity and I look forward to continuing to be inspired through you all!

Carra Duggan  |  Everett Family Farm

Dr. Seuss once said, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” This is truly the only way I can put into words all the emotions felt during this past weekend at the Floret workshop. I am usually not a “crier” but all the love and genuine souls that made this weekend so incredible are already missed. I feel so inspired and ready to tackle my goals and I can’t thank Team Floret enough for pushing me past my comfort zone, which was exactly what I set my intention as for class on the first day. I’m learning that dreams really do come true and want to thank you all so much for being a part of mine!

Alyssa Ice  |  Church Street Flowers