Mornings with Mayesh

What does it take to build a floral business rooted in whimsy, authenticity, and community? In this episode of Mornings with Mayesh, we sit down with Camille Craig, owner of New Leaf Floral Design in Seattle, Washington, to find out.

Camille's journey into floral design started in her mother's garden, where she'd gather fistfuls of blooms and present them with pure childhood excitement. Twenty years later, that same joy still fuels her work—and you can see it in every textural, colorful, whimsical arrangement she creates.

From leaving a corporate desk job she hated to launching her own business in 2020, Camille shares how she discovered her design identity, built a thriving community of florists and clients, and learned to trust her creative instincts. She also talks about her experience with our Wicked Design Challenge, where she brought her signature style to the emerald greens and sparkling pinks of the Land of Oz.

Whether you're an established florist or still discovering your creative voice, this conversation is full of honest insights, practical advice, and a reminder that it's never too late to follow your passion.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How childhood wonder can help shape your design identity
• Why community is essential to business success
• Balancing client visions with your signature style
• Building trust through practice and portfolio work
• The importance of staying true to yourself as an artist

Show notes, photos, and video replay:

Join Yvonne Ashton and David Dahlson for an exciting episode of Mornings with Mayesh as they unveil two game-changing updates for the floral industry.

First, David introduces Mayesh's newest farm partner, Designer Cut Flowers from Guatemala, and their stunning collection of cymbidium orchids. These blooms fill the seasonal gap between New Zealand and Holland's availability, offering florists gorgeous fall colors including burgundies, golds, yellows, and two-tones—perfect for autumn weddings and events. With 8-11 blooms per stem and professional Dutch-style packaging, these orchids are a must-have for your designs.

Then, David shares his hands-on review of OASIS® Renewal™ Floral Foam—the plant-based innovation the floral community has been waiting for. Made entirely from renewable resources with a 56% lower carbon footprint than traditional petroleum-based foam, this sustainable alternative hydrates faster, holds stems securely, and works with all stem types. David discusses its performance, compostability, and why this is an important step toward more sustainable floral design.

Whether you're looking for beautiful new blooms or eco-conscious design solutions, this episode delivers practical insights and exciting new options for your floral business.

Featured in this episode:

• Designer Cut Flowers Guatemala cymbidium orchids
• OASIS® Renewal™ plant-based floral foam review
• Fall color palette and varieties
• Sustainable floral design tips
• Product availability at Mayesh locations and on mayesh.com

Tired of working six days a week, chasing one-off weddings, and feeling trapped in the seasonal ups and downs of the event floral world? This episode is your roadmap to freedom. Host Yvonne Ashton sits down with Franceska McCaughan, international floral strategist and founder of The Hotel Florist®, who has revolutionized how florists think about sustainable income. From her beginnings in foster care to building a floral empire serving luxury hotels across three continents, Franceska's story proves that complete business reinvention is possible—no matter where you start. In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to break free from the wedding-only cycle that's keeping you stuck
• The key difference between being profitable and just being busy
• Franceska's proven strategies for creating recurring revenue streams
• Why hotels are the untapped goldmine most florists are missing
• How to scale your business beyond your own physical limitations
• The mindset shifts that prevent burnout and build long-term sustainability
• Real strategies from the Hotel Florist® Profit Method that have helped florists generate over $8 million in contracts

Whether you're a seasoned florist feeling burned out or just starting to think beyond weddings, this conversation will completely shift how you approach building a sustainable floral business. Franceska shares practical, proven methods that are working right now for florists around the globe—this isn't just theory, it's a blueprint for transformation. About Franceska McCaughan: Franceska McCaughan is an international floral strategist, hospitality consultant, and the visionary behind The Hotel Florist®. She has helped florists worldwide generate over $8 million in hotel floral contracts and consults with luxury brands on floral strategy. A multiple business founder, best-selling author, and survivor-turned-thought-leader, Franceska is passionate about helping creatives build profitable, purpose-driven businesses without burning out. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Mornings with Mayesh wherever you listen to podcasts!

What are the top 6 flowers you absolutely need to know about right now? Join host Yvonne Ashton as she welcomes back resident flower guru David Dahlson for another exciting flower show and tell on Mornings with Mayesh! In this episode, we reveal the top 6 stunning flower varieties that every florist, designer, and flower enthusiast needs to know about.

David shares his expert insights on timing, availability, and care tips for each bloom, including two gorgeous carnation varieties, an exciting new jumbo craspedia, exclusive Degas roses, and two beautiful phlox options perfect for fall arrangements.

Featured in This Episode:

• Carnation Opium Thrill (coming in 3 weeks)
• Carnation Petra with peachy pink tones and impressive 3-4 inch blooms
• New Jumbo Craspedia variety with nearly 2-inch diameter heads
• Limited edition Degas Roses in stunning gold bronze (Mayesh US exclusive)
• Cherry Caramel and Crème Brûlée Phlox varieties with excellent fall supply

NOTE: this episode is best in video format.