“There were a lot of skills introduced, and yet you never made even the most difficult seem inaccessible. I was so excited and encouraged throughout the course. The very best education gives you a framework to apply, individualize, and elaborate on; and you all created that type of a framework in this course. Your intention was clear throughout, and you have given us some incredible tools to go out and make our own farms a success.”
” I really appreciate the robust nature and totality of your course. I’ve designed online classes before and I know how huge this is, it is so well done, so thank you for bringing a standardized educational opportunity to us all.”
“I can’t begin to tell you how much I am enjoying your videos. I have learned tons and you make all of this seem so approachable, even to a novice like me. It’s really a joy to participate in your program.”
“The quality is top notch and has been beyond beneficial to me and the other flower fanatics in the course.”
As a newly retired teacher, I am so struck by the structure and content of this course. This is complete professionalism.
I learned so much about efficiency through this course, which has led to me being more comfortable in growing new varieties, booking more weddings, starting to make grocery store bouquets and now even doing some wholesale deliveries! My background is in horticulture so, I thought I wouldn’t learn much in the growing sections but man was I wrong. All the books in the world can’t compare to learning from someone who has successfully been growing for years! The little tips on simply arranging things in an order that made sense, down to the timing of ordering, pinching, and fertilizing have been monumental in improving my work. Through this course, I have become more comfortable with the idea that I could leave my full-time job to pursue a full-time flower farming career!
Alexis Sheffield | Wild Roots
The class has helped me take my hobby to the next level. I think I’ve watched the market bouquet video 10 times, analyzing the flowers, the techniques, and the long stems. This year I set goals, succession planted, had less weed pressure, more organization in the garden and better planning. One of my goals was to have longer stems, so I watched the videos again looking for anything to help towards that goal. I’ve pinched my plants for the first time ever, fertilized more, reduced weed pressure and am learning to cut deeper when I harvest. I appreciate that I can farm flowers on a small scale to start. We own 5.5 acres, but currently do not have the time to turn it all into flowers. My (approximate) quarter acre of flowers, trees, and perennials is providing enough flowers to meet our current goals, and I can look out on the hay field and imagine it full of blooms some day.
Kellie Schmidt | Blush Blossoms Floral
The Floret Online Workshop gave me the big-picture story of a truly successful farmer-florist business, in the most honest and candid way. I wanted to hear that full story, with the details and key points of getting from one step to another and I wanted a comprehensive course. I knew this would be it, and it was. I’ve been working with flowers one way or another since childhood, but not through my own business, and this filled in the gaps for me: steps to take with specific crops, pros and cons of different marketing outlets, attention to how our individual personalities are best suited to different marketing models. One especially helpful model was the a la carte weddings program. I put one into place as soon as my workshop workbook arrived before the videos started coming. Clients are happy to come to our farm for pickup. This not only saves me significant time and stress, it also helps me tell my story. The bouquet-making video, which Bob and I watched several times, was an eye-opener too, and we’re ready to go for it. In 2019, with a clear succession planting plan and cooler in place, I can develop steadier sales as I move beyond wedding and event work.
Kirsten Bosnak | Blue Morning Glory
The Floret online workshop went far beyond my expectations which were pretty high to begin based on previous experience with Floret. I was already selling every flower I could grow but was feeling a bit overwhelmed in how I was going to meet customer demand. I knew there were most likely better ways to farm flowers that I could implement but what were they? The workshop revealed the answers and then some.
Implementing all I learned on my farm was a dream, from bucket washing, bouquet making, planting techniques to time saving tips. My operation is running smoother than ever, which in turn has boosted my confidence to grow more flowers. My revenue grew over 350% from last year!
I know every time I implement a tried technique from Floret magic happens. My mission is Blooming and Sharing the Vibrancy of Life with Flowers. Thanks Floret for creating such a comprehensive workshop that I refer to over and over. I’m totally stoked to have lifetime access to top-notch flower farm training!
Misty VanderWeele | All Dahlia'd Up
I clicked buy for the Floret Online course in a fleeting moment of clear trust in myself. I didn’t ask permission, I didn’t apologize, even when I was embarrassingly caught vision boarding. I dutifully followed the course: I chose the trusted (and tested) varietals suggested, made a template for burning fabric, laid dripline, pinched the bejeezus out of seemingly healthy, thriving starts, and even hacked together a compost tea brewing system that I attribute to keeping both my flower and vegetable starts happy and healthy.
Looking back, I’m awestruck that the exact make and model delivery van that I’d pasted into the center of my vision board with my logo taped over it, is now parked in my driveway. I unapologetically abandoned the jarred food business, despite being told by nearly everyone how good I would be at it. I’m proudly part of a wave of flower farmers who are doing good things in an otherwise toxic and wasteful industry.
Robin Holland | Goode Farm
Floret Flower Farm’s online workshop is the reason my farm has succeeded this year. It is the MOST inspiring, MOST comprehensive course on farming cut flowers you could ask for. When I signed up last fall, I viewed it as an investment, and over the course of my first year, it’s proven to be just that. The material is clear, extremely accessible, and you’re grouped with others in your zone for maximum knowledge sharing. And they hook you up with awesome moderators, who are available to answer all your newbie questions! Plus you have lifetime access to the material, including worksheets and step by step, season-by-season modules featuring easy to follow videos.
I decided to jump into this business head first, all in. I’m a single mom of two, and I needed every step ahead I could get to ensure my business didn’t sink me. This course probably saved me years of muddling and thousands of dollars worth of mistakes. In my first year, I was able to charge straight ahead, with 40 CSA members, a season of super fun workshops, and week after week of sold out markets. I’ve connected with flower lovers, established my business within the local market, and am so ready for year two.
If you really want to dig deep into growing cut flowers, take this course. Thank you, Erin and the Floret team for your passion and genuine desire to share this beautiful world of growing.
Sarah Adams | Alberta Girl Acres
I’m a retired speech therapist living in Memphis, TN and I took Floret’s wonderful online workshop in January, 2018. I have always really appreciated cut flowers and natural beauty and made the decision to take the workshop when I learned that Floret had won the 2014 Martha Stewart American Made award. The course was absolutely life changing. Floret’s workshop gave me the detailed information and support I needed to begin a small scale, high intensity operation in my urban backyard with only three, 60 foot flower beds. Thanks to Floret, I felt a sense of readiness and focus after the course. I ordered seeds and tubers, set up my beds, established a website, and quickly connected with my first customer, a local neighborhood grocery store. I found a strong demand for naturally grown, specialty cut flowers. Floret’s founder, Erin, has a gift and style of instilling confidence and conveys segment after segment of invaluable information in a clearly formatted sequence. Each step is packed full of information which I am certain has taken years off of my learning curve. The accompanying handbook is also full of unbelievably detailed information with accompanying pictures. The lifetime access to the course is a huge added value, and I often look at modules again and again. An unexpected bonus is the large community of supportive flower farmers I have met from all over the world on Instagram and through Floret’s closed Facebook community. I have added new flower beds for next year and have interest from new customers. Deciding to take Floret’s workshop was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
Margaret Stokes | Flowers Local
The value that the Floret course has had on our business, our growing abilities, our land management practices, and our own interpersonal relationships with one another has been immeasurable. This year is our first season growing for production and we are continually being humbled by the support we are receiving from our community. We have sold out at all 6 of the markets we have attended. We booked 7 weddings in our first season and are already securing weddings for the 2019 season. We were asked to host a farm tour with an organization called Young Agrarians and we have been asked to run a session and speak at the 2019 Organic Alberta conference. I really could go on and on. Yes, we have put in work, but honestly, without having taken the Floret course, we would be lost. There are no words of thanks that explain how beneficial the sharing of this information has been for us and our business.
Angela Hall | Meadow Farm Florals
The expert advice and secret tips that Erin and Jill reveal and share in this workshop are so wide that every single day on my flower farm, I have at least one ‘Floret moment’ – be it remembering how to optimally harvest a certain type of bloom, or how to deal with business-related anxiety. Daily, if not hourly, I experience how the accuracy and pertinence of this course deeply shaped and informed the way I work, on a technical level, as well as an emotional level. And the best part is that all that beautiful streamlined efficiency is brought to you in a very humane and sensitive manner by Erin and Jill. Dive into this course and you will feel like you’ve entered a safe space ruled by chutzpah, kindness, empathy, straightforwardness, and authenticity.
Masami Lavault | Plein Air
Last winter I was lucky enough to take the Floret Online Workshop. I learned SO MUCH and applied everything I possibly could to our flower growing this year. It’s been much smoother sailing this season, as we churn out weekly bouquets and bunches for the CSA and market.
Flowers are extremely challenging to learn how to grow and arrange. It’s been a four year long learning curve (so far!) and a whole lot of failures along the way, but I’m finally feeling a tiny bit of confidence in my ability to pull this thing off. Every time I load up a bunch of buckets containing the perfect mix to make bouquets with relative ease, I say a little thanks to all of the folks at Floret and the other experienced growers who have shared their tips and tricks with me. Y’all are making this thing possible for new growers, and we know how lucky we are to learn from the greats!
Beth Satterwhite | Even Pull Farm
After a lifetime of playing with flowers and digging in the dirt, I was ready to expand. The Floret Online Workshop was a perfect fit! During the cold months of winter, I watched, and re-watched Erin, Jill and their staff as they educated us about the possibilities of growing flowers in a realistic, well-articulated format. While everyone loves the beauty of flowers, the Floret staff balanced that pleasure with optimistic, concrete suggestions, and caution, about business decisions and over-extending yourself. My Top Three favorite parts of the Workshop are: 1) The ability to go back over the lessons whenever I want and receive all future updates, 2) The question/answer portions of each lesson, 3) The amazing support and resources, both from Floret and in the Facebook Learning Community.
Sharon Keeney | Forget-Me-Not In Dexter
The Floret training was a game changer for us. We live in a VERY rural area and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Ranunculus and Anemones were a huge early season crop for us. The techniques learned thru Floret were spot on and our harvest was amazing. They caught the eye of a local florist resulting in a flower order as well as a new business relationship. The exceptional quality of the flowers was the catalyst for this. The Floret Online workshop taught me so much! I regularly refer to the modules and workbook. It has given me the confidence to try new varieties and new techniques. I feel very empowered to forge ahead with our flower farm.
Kathy Campbell | Campbell's Hollow Ranch LLC
It would be no exaggeration to say that this course has changed our entire perspective and outlook on growing flowers and how to approach our business. Erin has guided us to look deeply and with intention into every aspect of flower farming- from our dreams to farm layout to strategy to the nitty-gritty of day-to-day work on the farm.
She doesn’t gloss over the difficult parts but really cuts through to the heart of what it takes to build a productive, thriving farm.
I would highly recommend this course for anyone ready to take their garden or farm plot to the next level; it’s truly life-changing and so wonderful to have a helping hand along the way to achieving your flower farming dreams
Rosie and Oscar Winter | The Rose and Radish
This online workshop was so beneficial to our farm. We tripled our growing space this year, added employees and our revenue is on track to triple too. Our crops are having longer stems, more blooms, and fewer pests (love the compost tea!). We can now make our market/grocery bunches in less than a minute each compared to like 10 mins each last year. One of my favorite notable shifts is a comment from a veggie farmer, whom we share a parking lot with for our flower CSA pick up. He said, “I don’t know what you guys did over the winter, but it worked! Your flowers are more diverse, higher quality, longer lasting, and the packaging now looks so professional.” From one farmer to another that’s a HUGE compliment.
Maggie Taylor | Delight Flower Farm
The Floret Online Workshop helped me calmly, and confidently navigate my way through my first year of business as a farmer-florist. To say, ‘I can’t imagine where I’d be without this course,’ is a total understatement. Erin shares her marketing strategies, all of her growing techniques, and more, in an accessible, uncomplicated way. This is kind of ludicrous, but when I took driving lessons, I had this really great instructor. His name was Peter, and after my lessons were over I’d drive without him, but I’d hear his voice in my head reminding me to check my blind spot, or whatever. I thought it was funny, but I also thought it was a testament to his impressive teaching style.
Sarah Macalpine | Two Birds One Stone Farm
These days as I’m pinching dahlias, emailing letters to brides, and doing countless other farm tasks from dawn till dusk, often I’m reminded of the practical information presented in this course in Erin’s vibrant manner. I can hear her voice when she says, ‘See what happens if you don’t pinch your amaranth’, and I feel assured every day because she generously shared her successes and failures.
I have immensely enjoyed this course. It provides you with everything there is to know about flower farming. Goal- setting, planning, variety selection, tips on seed germination, plant care, harvesting, etc. The course covers every aspect of the business and literally shaves off years of experience. But what I liked the most is that I felt like I’m physically at Floret absorbing the atmosphere. It’s like being an intern at Floret for a year without even leaving my couch! Erin’s authenticity and down-to-earth character really shined through, giving the beautiful material a personal touch that was as important as the solid information she has provided.
Farah Altamimi | Verdi
Before the Floret workshop, I had a general idea of what I wanted: to be a successful farmer/florist. The workshop planned out for me, in concrete steps and in no uncertain terms, exactly what it would take to make that happen. Since the workshop, I’ve been able to grow beautiful flowers, create an income stream through regular co-op bouquets and a CSA, cultivate outlets for excess blooms by selling some wholesale to florists, and provide flowers for one summer bride. My revenue went from 0 to $1,000 a month and this is our first full year of growing. With the workshop’s advice, by leveraging social media, I have workshops and pop-ups lined up for the fall and a detailed plan to expand appropriately now with a high tunnel and greenhouse. In short, I think the workshop took years off my learning curve and I’m so grateful!
Sarah Jo Eversole | Everbloom Fields
Erin and her team have inspired so many people and being able to delve a little deeper into their success, strategies, and knowledge was like winning a golden ticket – but better! Having the ability to interact with the Floret Team was so valuable. The positivity and encouragement from both members of the Floret team and other participants were just what I needed.
The workshop was perfect for me, heading into my third season of flower growing. It was a timely opportunity for me to review and assess the base concepts on which I was operating on. The workshop’s focus on big-picture thinking, and operating in my strengths was very helpful. From marketing to succession sowing, the solid foundation approach meant I could make immediate positive changes to the way I was doing things. I also learned some nifty practical techniques that I put to good use straight away. My rubber banding of bunches has never looked so good!
If growing flowers is your passion, or you think it could be, the Floret workshop is the very best place to start.
Christy Ralphs | Nourish Gardens
A year ago my husband and I bought our dream 12 acres. It’s a very raw piece of land, ready for anything. I took the Floret course and we got to work in the spring, unlike ever before. We’ve grown for many years but didn’t quite know what we were doing. This year we cultivated 400 feet dedicated to flowers, and are growing dozens and dozens of varieties – many of them new! We are considering 2018 our research and development year and are experimenting with making market bouquets, drying flowers, and more. I’m also an artist and have been endlessly inspired by our excess of blooms! Next year we hope to drill down our farm’s focus and “take it to the streets.” Our small, local community is excited and supportive, as are we! We couldn’t have done it without all the knowledge and inspiration from Floret. The Floret Course changed my entire approach to growing. I feel empowered by all the skills I learned and backed by the support of the community I’ve gotten to know through the course.
Betsy Brockett | Foggy Blossom Farm
The Floret Online Workshop has literally changed our lives. We purchased 5 acres last fall to start our flower farm. The workshop has helped us turn what was just a clearing into an organized growing field that is now home to 650 dahlias and numerous other varieties of plants and flowers. We have used every aspect of the workshop in creating our business. From creating a clear vision, to planning and starting the growing process- we have utilized all the tools that were given to us as part of the course. In fact, the workbook and spreadsheets reside in our greenhouse so I can easily look back on them. This course has been a complete game changer for our family and our farm.
Marryn Mathis | The Farmhouse Flower Farm
Oh my, we are up 171% in our market bouquet sales over last year already and just 1/2 way through our season! We booked and delivered our first destination Outer Banks wedding, and have started up with a local florist. The Floret Course gave me what I needed to get this business properly going. It has helped me learn that with the right tools and knowledge you can grow exponentially until you feel good about your size and your purpose. With this, my level of confidence in what I’m doing is so much stronger, and because of all of this, my business actually has a chance of succeeding. The impact is both personally and professionally.
Emily Nekl | Fuggles Flowers
The Floret online Course helped me know how to specifically farm flowers and provided a resource I can constantly reference. After taking the course I knew I wanted to go for it. We got a late start here in Jackson, but the weather has cooperated and opportunities are springing up left and right. I check the online course at least once a week, the workbook I take everywhere (it’s getting quite dirty), and the Cut Flower Garden book I use weekly as well.
Virginia King | Bitterbrush Farm + Flora
The biggest impact is that my business is actually here, by way of Floret helping me realize I can figure out how to grow flowers. And of course, all the learning and growing that’s coming along with entrepreneurship.
The Floret Online Workshop taught me how to plan, be organized, and successfully sell my flower harvest to customers. I learned how to get the most out of my plants by properly starting seeds, fertilizing, pinching, and harvesting! What I learned has led to a beautiful crop that almost sells itself! Floret’s Online Workshop helped me bring all of the random flower farming knowledge together in an organized place to have a successful 2nd year of producing beautiful blooms. I learned so much insightful information including tips and tricks that saved me an extraordinary amount of time. From crop planning to succession planting, I have been successful in having a steady supply of blooms all season long. My favorite thing and the reason that I made the decision to purchase this course, was the quality of photos/videos and how organized the course is. Erin is so easy to listen to all day, and her motivation only makes me want to plant even more flowers. Sometimes we need the encouragement, especially when we start to get worn down from the elements and hard work. Erin is always there to watch, reminding you of the bounty to come.
Daniel Schavey | Petal Pickers Flower Co.
I don’t think it’s an understatement to say the workshop launched my business. I’ve not only met the modest goals I mapped out for myself during module 1, but I’ve already surpassed them, which is totally insane to be able to say because our season started only 8 weeks ago! The Floret Online Workshop has given me the knowledge, confidence, and access to information to 1. Approach a small neighborhood market about bouquet sales, where I’m averaging a dozen bouquets a week. 2. Organize and implement a CSA. 3. Make my first DIY wedding bucket sale this spring, thanks directly to the Farmer-Florist Collective listing on the Floret website! I’m doing all of this while still maintaining a full-time job and running a household. It’s a testament to the quality, knowledge, and skills the workshop offers.
Tenille Enger | Lucky Clover Flowers
The Floret Online Workshop inspired me to begin selling flowers this year when the plan had been to begin selling in about 5 years when I retire from teaching. We started very slowly but we now have a small but successful flower CSA and farm stand in Virginia. We’ve sold more flowers than we dreamed of, and the Floret Online course gave me the courage and information I needed to get started.
Cindy Farrish | Farrish Farm
The class helped me to set goals about what would be best for our farm and family at this time. It also gave me the invaluable knowledge to get started. The step by step process detailed in the videos made it so much easier to start our little business. I’ve found the specific flower information given in the manual to be invaluable, as I decided what to plant this year and also now as I’m harvesting to sell.
Thank you Erin and Team Floret for sharing your advice, wisdom, tips, and tricks, that you learned the hard way. My biggest success so far has been the ability to grow healthy, robust flowers, utilizing every square inch possible. The game changer for market prep has been Erin’s market bouquet ingredient list! I truly wouldn’t be seeing this amount of success in my first month of flower farming for market without the tools provided through the Floret Workshop. Everything from plant spacing, harvesting and post-harvest care, building tunnels, and lessons in pinching have been incredibly helpful as I move along through the season.
Jennifer Nickel | Gray Acres
The Floret program helped me move from a ‘dream’ to reality. In the preliminary coursework I quickly realized that I could not accomplish what I wanted to do alone (nor was I interested in tackling all the ‘hats’). I discovered some of my strengths (big thinker, creative flair, mentor) and weaknesses (not so great with the tiny details like starting those seedling trays, standing at the Farmers Market for hours, converting my own property to arable land, lack of infrastructure). As well, I discovered 2 participants in my hometown and we meet bi-weekly and have realized that we have unique goals and strengths, so we support each other in many ways. So then I reached out to collaborate with a local non-profit (http://lincsociety.bc.ca) which operates a working farm, training offenders who are out on day passes. It’s a win-win situation, they have the infrastructure, labor, and marketing chops (stall at the market/wholesale clients/publicity). I have the flower farming knowledge, design, and interpersonal skills. For year one, we’ve planted 300′ of annual flower crops at the farm; and I’ve expanded perennial crops at home. Being open to opportunities as unlikely and unusual (getting fingerprinted to pass clearance!) as they may seem; has allowed me to share my passion in some touching and rewarding ways that exceeded my expectations (such as donating flowers to victims of crime). Flowers truly do feed the soul.
Alexandra Richards | Twiggage and Bloom
This is my first year being a flower farmer and I can’t even tell you the enormity of how much this workshop has helped me. I continue to say that the workshop was worth every penny! I’d never started anything from seed before, and I currently have 30 beds full of a variety of flowers I started from seed! I created my own website and I feel confident about marketing my business. This was an area that would’ve made me squirm prior to the class. I opened the u-pick portion of my business a few weeks ago and it’s really taking off. I’ve already sold to a florist, sold some bouquet subscriptions, and created more special order bouquets than I can count. I’ve gotten numerous compliments on how everything is so well-done and how long my flowers last. This is all thanks to the Floret Workshop! Thank you!
Lindsay Millard | Lindsay’s Flower Patch
The Floret training has enabled us to identify the priorities and steps in starting a new farm and it has helped us avoid chaos! Everything is growing like mad and the first batch of compost tea is brewing. The excitement is building and we know where we’re heading. Thanks so much Floret for making the path crystal clear! I have found my calling. I’m more energized and happier than I’ve been in a long time. I know that this is the path I was meant to be taking. I’d highly recommend the online workshop as it was well worth the money and I refer to it all the time.
Charlotte Pemberton | Lottie's Bloomers
First off, the workshop was the beginning for me. Other than being a gardener, I had no flower business experience. In December, January and February I practiced seed starting with all kinds of seed varieties along with white and blue anemones. My husband kept saying “what are you gonna do with all this stuff?!” I said, “I don’t know, but I have to learn and I have to find out if I like growing!” I discovered a popular restaurant in town needed a new source for flowers. I began delivering a couple loose arrangements and table flowers every week. The owner keeps my cards available when people ask about the flowers. I did a Mother’s Day pop-up at the restaurant as well. The experience was a lot of fun and a big learning experience. The highlight of the day was a wedding photographer telling me I should do wedding work. It feels intimidating to me but your segment on weddings a la cart really appeals to me. Bottom line- I could never have made this progress and felt ANY sense of confidence without your workshop!
Molly Picchi | Puck's Garden
After the Floret online training, we felt so prepared for our second season and were excited to get out there and make some significant changes in the way we run the farm. Overall our farm looks better and we feel more confident showing it off. We are actually making money this season, too! The course has been a wonderful investment for us and we are forever grateful for all we’ve learned. Thank you for all the work you put into helping others grow. I feel much more confident in the work I’m doing because of this course. We continue to marvel at how the confidence we feel has increased our productivity since our first season. Sincerely grateful for this course.
Lynn Windmeyer | Homeplace Fields
I have been growing herbs and edible flowers for a while but cutting flowers are relatively new to me. The course gave me enough confidence to kick-start the flower-growing part of my business. I achieved my not-so-ambitious goals so far in terms of sales of bouquet shares and weddings and have a waiting list of 21 (!) florists (mostly start-ups) in the capital region of Brussels. The course gave me a strong backbone so I was able to make some bold choices with confidence.
Yo De Beule | Duizendblad
With the workshop, I achieved my dream of having a business. I had a lot of ideas but I didn’t know how I could start. With the workshop, I organized my ideas and put them to work. I bought a small farm and I started my career in organic flower farming. I am at the very beginning and I already have a lot of people interested. It is very gratifying.
Danielle Grillo | Flor Alada
This spring I started selling cut flowers and I went from zero to one hundred; I went from having no previous sales to selling out and people clamoring for more. It was the professional tips on harvesting and creating bouquets that made my operation stand out.
Mira Peck | Terra Love Blooms
The Floret Online Workshop helped motivate and inspire me to rebuild my tiny flower farm in a whole new location. The weekly videos helped me visualize my goals and turn them into something achievable. Without the course, I probably would’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of work I had to do. I didn’t know where to start! My new nursery is now starting to look like the place I’ve been dreaming of.
Jacolien Cleveringa | Bijenbrood
I can’t say enough kind words about the hospitality from Erin and Team Floret. Simply put – the workshop experience was superb! It was three magical invigorating days that filled my heart and soul with the love of flowers. From seed starting and soil health to small scale farming best practices they covered a wide range of topics ideal for both beginning farmers and experienced ones alike. A true hands on workshop from start to finish, one of the highlights for me was learning and practicing floral design techniques. They took this timid farmer and gave me the inspiration to explore my creativity and let my flower flag fly! Erin’s knowledge, approachability, authenticity and motivation were just what I needed to give me the confidence to find my niche in the flower farming world. I will be forever grateful.
Felicia Alvarez | Rancho Alvarez
The Floret Farming Intensive Workshop I attended has made a tremendous impact on my experience as a new flower farmer and floral designer. When I returned home from Floret, I rushed to apply as many of the things I learned as possible to our new farm in the Adirondacks. Our weather and soil couldn’t be any more different than those on the Floret farm, but that didn’t matter. I’ve successfully applied Floret methods here, and I look forward to growing and building more of their ideas into the plan for the future of our farm. Now, several months after my Floret course, I know that the advice I received there has made all the difference in the growing success of my new business. I apply the things I learned there every day. Equally important to everything you learn at Floret is the network of industry friends that you immediately gain. They support my journey tirelessly. I am forever grateful for the inspiration and confidence that I gleaned at Floret. Thank you, Team Floret!
Linda D'Arco | Little Farmhouse Flowers
Being at Floret Peony Flower Workshop in June 2017 was the best gift I have given myself! It is so hard to find superlative words to describe the “floral high” we all experienced as attendees. Erin, her family and team, truly exudes passion and in-depth knowledge of both growing flowers and designing stunning florals. Erin’s definition of “brand” was so enlightening to me. I learned that everyone of us has a love story behind their business. It’s a story of passion and purpose and that being true to yourself, is your “brand”! I was amazed at the care that was taken in the planting, cultivating and harvesting of the flowers that are grown on Floret Farm. This has revolutionized my approach in pursuing flower suppliers. I now look to develop relationships with local farms that respect the soil as well as treating their workers with honour and dignity. Overall, I feel that by inspiring people to respect the Earth and to pursue their passion, Floret Farms is helping to make the world a better place.
Lyn Chapman | Flower Artistry
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
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
Partaking in Floret’s seasonal floral intensive was a splendid gift that I gave to myself and am forever grateful for doing so. Spending a weekend away in stunning environs to reflect on my branding and vision for my business was worth every cent and so much more. The personal attention I received from Erin and her stellar team was unexpected and so valuable. I gleaned much from my Floret weekend but most of all I gained insights to my blooming business and self which I know will help to propel me forward. Ever thanks Team Floret!
Maura Whalen | Casa Blanca Floral
I was able to take the Farmer-Florist workshop 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
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
In June of this year I found myself among 22 other flowering souls at the June Peony Workshop. It was a pinch me moment that lasted for three incredible days. It’s hard to explain what it’s really like to be at a Floret Workshop when you’ve spent so much time just dreaming, hoping, imagining. What I experienced those three flower filled days was visually stunning, business/mindset altering and soulfully inspiring.
Before going, I was asked the question: “where do you see your business in 3-5 years”? I rambled off some stuff feeling like I should have some idea, something to say. In reality I really didn’t know. I was at a crossroads. Although I had been growing flowers for some years and booking small weddings, somewhere along the way I found myself lacking confidence, full of self doubt, questioning and second guessing flower, design and business decisions. After all I’d read and visually absorbed through Instagram and Floret’s website, I knew I needed to go to a Floret Workshop. What I didn’t realize was just how much.
While it was pure joy to be in such a magical place amongst others who understood my complete, unapologetic addiction to flowers, I feel like I won the lottery being able to learn from Erin, Jill and the incredible Floret team. My small but real flower farming/wedding design journey has been seriously fueled by what I learned. The flowers, company, food and connections were all an amazing part of it but I also came home with some serious business and design tools to help me take this work and love of mine to the next level. Thank you for it all!
Kate Fraser-Hominick | Urban Farm Chick
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
I was very fortunate to attend the Peony Seasonal Intensive workshop in June, in the Floral ‘Dreamer’ category. I was a little nervous about attending, in general, but especially nervous about being among a group of amazing talented florists. However, Team Floret is so supportive and encouraging; as were all the other attendees.
Being immersed in a creative floral environment for three days, and meeting like-minded, florally-obsessed people was for me a dream come true.
Erin and the team pack those three days full with practical business guidance, industry insights, and information you will still be benefiting from and referring to months afterwards, as I am. Attendees are challenged to accelerate their technical skills, and encouraged to design arrangements which, at the outset, I didn’t think I was capable of.
While I am still working on the steps to make the dream a reality, I now have the confidence, and courage to actually make it happen.
To all of you floral dreamers contemplating a workshop: don’t over think it. Just grab the opportunity and run with your dreams.
Kirsty Owen
My experience at the Floret workshop has given me so much more confidence. My love for flowers has deepened and I have made beautiful memories and life long flower friends. I am so grateful to Erin, Jill and their team for putting in so much time and energy to make us feel safe and comfortable while pouring our hearts out. Sharing our dreams and fears. The resources they provide are priceless and it’s an experience like no other. I feel like I have found my floral groove and I’m so grateful. The flowers were out of this world!So much beauty!
Jasmine Dunne | Foxglove Flora
Some time has passed since I returned home from the Floret Workshop and I am still pinching myself. A gigantic thank you to Erin, Team Floret, and all the attendees for such an amazing experience! I am still in awe of the absolute generosity of time, information, and patience Erin and all of Team Floret shared with us. In three days, I walked away with so many nuggets of encouragement and inspiration to actually begin my flower journey in earnest. Thank you one million times over!
Carolina Harvey | Pumphouse 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
Attending the floret workshop this past year was a giant step towards following my dream of becoming a farmer florist! I am a testimony that your never too old to dream. This year I was successful in starting my modest flower farm to supplement my floral design business. It’s a work in progress but so rewarding! Erin and the floret team were wonderful!
Nancy Wisot | Wisot Designs
My experience at The Floret Spring Intensive workshop was simply life changing; a time where I got to reflect on my own challenges with growing flowers and provided me the opportunity to be around other like minded flower lovers. It was so good for my soul. Much of the beginning of my flower journey was spent in solace, finding comfort and joy in growing flowers. However, at times, that solace can be overwhelming, especially when battling with all the challenges that come with growing flowers. Few times have I had the opportunity to check out of my daily routine in life, and submerse myself into an experience that taught me so many valuable tools to implement into my business, and at the same time, provided me a space to meet so many unique and wonderful creative minds. I will be forever grateful for the time spent in this amazing place, and look so forward to watching the continued beauty that this collaboration of beautiful souls create all over the globe! Thank you to all the Floret team, you are all amazing!!
Liz Wright | The Purple Iris
Erin empowers dreams through the magic of flowers. For those few days that went by in a blink of an eye, I not only felt liberated to dream, but was given the skills to make those dreams come true. Going to the Harvard of Flowers was the best gift, and it keeps giving. I’ve made life-long flower-friends and learned to cultivate beauty in our own field. If you ever get the chance, go. You will be different when you come back.
Cynthia Zamaria | Cynthia Zamaria
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
Attending the flower farmer workshop took me from thinking about becoming a flower farmer to becoming one. The entire Floret team were so generous with their knowledge, insight and experience. The other attendees at the workshop are now my friends and we share experiences, ask questions and give advice to each other. I left with great information and inspiration. There’s a reason Erin is such a leader in the field and I feel so fortunate to have taken part in a Floret Workshop.
Page McGavisk | Hedgerow Flower Farm
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
Stephanie Hall | Sassafras Fork FarmUntil 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!
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
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
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
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
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