Customer reviews aren't just nice-to-have compliments—they're powerful marketing tools that build trust and credibility for your business. In this revealing episode, we dive deep into why reviews matter so much, especially for emotionally-driven businesses like floristry and farming where connection and beauty are everything.

Feeling awkward about asking for reviews? You're not alone. We explore why this discomfort exists and how to reframe your thinking: when you've delivered a great experience, asking for feedback isn't begging—it's celebrating a successful collaboration between you and your customer. With practical strategies for making requests feel natural and prompts to help customers craft meaningful testimonials, you'll walk away ready to transform your approach to gathering social proof.

Through real stories from our own review journey (including a wedding with a particularly challenging mother-of-the-bride!), we share both the heartwarming impact of positive feedback and how to handle those inevitable not-so-glowing reviews with grace. You'll learn creative ways to showcase testimonials across platforms, turning each positive review into a tiny brand ambassador working on your behalf.

Ready to put these insights into action? We challenge you to reach out to three past customers this week and ask for reviews using the conversational approaches we've shared. Tag us on Instagram to share your experience and the responses you receive! Remember, every time someone shares their positive experience with your business, they're helping future customers feel confident choosing you—and that's a beautiful cycle worth nurturing.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40
Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast

Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner

Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Ever wonder how those stunning orchids end up in your local grocery store? This eye-opening conversation with Toine Overgaag, president of Westerlay Orchids, reveals the fascinating journey from Dutch immigrant orchid growers to building one of America's largest sustainable greenhouse operations.

When South American imports decimated the domestic rose industry, Tuan and his father made a pivotal decision to transition to orchids—plants that couldn't be easily shipped in from abroad. What started as a stopgap career move during the Y2K crisis blossomed into a passion and eventually an empire producing over 4 million orchids annually across 18 acres of glass greenhouses in California.

The conversation goes far beyond horticulture, delivering profound business wisdom about values-driven leadership and team building. Tuan shares how implementing core values of pride, responsibility, support, and continuous improvement transformed their company culture. He offers a particularly insightful observation about talented employees who don't align with company values being potentially destructive forces—a lesson applicable to businesses of any size.

Environmental sustainability emerges as a central theme, with Toine describing innovative dehumidification technology that reduces natural gas usage while improving plant health. These initiatives demonstrate how profitability and responsibility can work hand-in-hand rather than in opposition.

Whether you're a backyard grower with a single orchid on your windowsill or building your own flower business, this episode delivers practical wisdom about growing your passion into something sustainable and meaningful. As Toine says, reflecting on the best advice he's received: "Make decisions, or decisions will be made for you."

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40
Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast

Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner

Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz

Ever caught yourself apologizing to a withering houseplant? You're not alone. The myth of the "black thumb" has discouraged countless would-be plant parents from bringing green life into their homes. But here's the liberating truth we unpack in this episode: nobody is born with a universal talent (or lack thereof) for growing plants.

Through candid conversations and light-hearted plant confessions, we reveal how success with one type of plant doesn't guarantee success with another. Our hosts share personal triumphs and failures—from orchids that bloom year after year to cacti that mysteriously shrivel within weeks. This isn't about natural talent; it's about finding the right match between plant, environment, and your caregiving style.

For those scarred by past plant casualties, we offer hope in the form of nearly indestructible houseplants. Pothos vines that forgive irregular watering, snake plants that thrive on neglect, and peace lilies that dramatically signal when they're thirsty top our recommendations. We demystify common problems like yellowing leaves (often not what you think!), crispy tips, and pest management with practical, jargon-free solutions.

Pet owners will particularly appreciate our segment on creating a harmonious home for both furry and leafy family members. From strategic placement to simple hacks like using plastic forks in soil to deter digging pets, we address the unique challenges of multi-species households with humor and understanding.

Whether you're hesitantly considering your first houseplant or already turning your apartment into an urban jungle, this episode offers both the encouragement and practical knowledge to transform your relationship with indoor plants. Share your plant victories with us—snap a picture of your favorite houseplant, tag us @wildlynative, and join our community of plant enthusiasts where both black and green thumbs are welcome!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm/

Website: https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/

Hungry Root Code: FLOWER40
Hungry Root Link: https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=FLOWER40&b=1084&utm_source=the-flower-files&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=podcast

Garden Goal Planner: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/gardenplanner

Cut-Flower Guide: https://wildlynative.myflodesk.com/oyihkn1nwz