Joshua David Bishop, of Nature Boy & Co, in L.A. tells us of his journey in the floristry industry and how he first got the idea to build flower castles in the sand. Be sure to check out his page on Instagram and tag him the next time you go to the beach to build a flower sandcastle of your own. He wants to start a movement, after all! And if you are a celebrity - have him do your proposal or wedding!

Instagram: @natureboyandco

On this episode I talk to Oren Falkowitz, founder of Area 2 Farms, an urban farm with a mission to get healthy, fresh food to the surrounding communities. We talk about how he runs Area 2 Farms farm, the benefits of urban farming and his plans for the future. Really excited to spread his message. Visit their website or email hello@area2farms.com to get in touch with Oren and his super team of local growers and agents of change.

Laura Dowling served as the White House Chief Floral Designer from 2009-2015 during the Obama administration. In this episode she shares her favorite White House projects and tips for holiday decor. I loved hearing about her experience interviewing for the job at the White House. Inspiring and honest, I loved every minute of this conversation! Laura's latest book, Designing Christmas, will be out this fall and I can't wait to order it.

Martha Brettschneider is an experienced gardener, nature photographer, a positive intelligence mental fitness coach and a mindfulness teacher. In this conversation she talks about the role gardening has played in her life and how this relationship has evolved over the years. Martha is the author of Blooming into Mindfulness - How the Universe Used a Garden, Cancer and Carpools to Teach Me that Calm is the New Happy. I loved every moment of this conversation and can't wait to be present again in my garden as soon as I can get out there.

Bio

Martha Brettschneider is a certified PQ® Mental Fitness Coach, mindfulness teacher, and author dedicated to helping individuals transform stress into strength and embrace their evolving potential. A former international economist, she guides clients to cultivate resilience, clarity, and purpose through the power of presence and daily mental fitness. Her business, Damselwings, LLC, also includes a visual mindfulness arm—creating nature-inspired wall art that brings grounding energy into homes, offices, and wellness spaces. Whether through coaching, teaching, or photography, Martha empowers others to reconnect with their inner wisdom and lead from a place of trust, calm, and authentic strength. Her book Blooming Into Mindfulness: How the Universe Used a Garden, Cancer, and Carpools to Teach Me That Calm Is the New Happy chronicles her journey, including the central role that her garden played.

Sign up for Martha’s mailing list and receive a free meditation download here: https://damselwings.com/meditation-optin/

Websites : https://damselwings.com/ and https://www.damselwingsphotography.com/

Upcoming Programs

30-Day Mindfulness Meditation Challenge Starting May 5 LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE

Sage Photography Retreat May 17-18 in Blueridge Mountains, Woodville, VA LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE

Deeper work of tending to our inner garden and strengthening our root systems through Positive Intelligence Mental Fitness coaching SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY CALL WITH MARTHA HERE

Email: martha@damselwings.com

Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Blooming-into-Mindfulness-Universe-Carpools/dp/0996935223

Follow Martha on Instagram @marthabrett and @the_sage_photography_project

I learned so much about owning a successful floral design business from Oscar Andrade of Petals to the Metal. After 8 years owning this business and growing up working in his aunt's flower shop in Miami, Oscar has floristry in his blood. During our conversation Oscar gives some great advice to new and experienced floral designers. He also describes working with wire service providers and explains how he sources most of his flowers. Be sure to follow Oscar on social media and reach out if you need a mentor or want to partner up with him!

Instagram- @petalstothemetalfloristdc

Website: www.districtpetals.com

In this episode I interviewed Sangeeta Sarkar of Renzinnia Farms. We talked about succession planting, money saving tips, sunflower varieties and the benefits of working in the soil. Sangeeta has wanted to own a farm since her childhood and in 2020 purchased a beautiful 22-acre property about 30 minutes from her home. Enjoy this conversation and all the lessons Sangeeta has for you.

Follow them on Instagram:
@renzinnia_farms

Episode 2 of Season 2 is very exciting! I talk with Sarah Khan, a visual architect and floral artist in the DC area who does very creative and extravagant work. She has made a boat out of florals, 30+ peacocks, a Barbie House and even designed with some of her team on Season 2 of the HBO show Full Bloom.

Sarah, owner of Sarah Khan Events & Design, is the queen of floral installations. She currently has an exhibit at the Museum of Illusion in DC. In this conversation Sarah shares the influence of her parents and their love of plants and gardening. She also tells us how she elevates her designs to make them evoke emotion and memories.

Sarah's Full Bio:

Sarah’s passion for luxury and beauty began at a young age, shaped by the artistry passed down from her mother and grandmother. Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of Pakistani and Indian crafts, Sarah has successfully blended timeless techniques with modern design to create unique, culturally infused event experiences for South Asians in the US. As Creative Director, she approaches every project as an opportunity to craft transformative visual stories, with a focus on timeless elegance.

Her work has earned recognition in Harper's Bazaar Bride, Washingtonian Weddings, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Modern Luxury Weddings DC, and top South Asian bridal blogs. Notable projects include floral and set designs for a welcoming ceremony for former President Obama, a floral dress for Cirque Du Soleil, National Geographic’s coverage of an ethnic wedding, and a finale party for The Real Housewives of Potomac. Above all, Sarah’s greatest satisfaction comes from collaborating closely with clients to exceed their expectations and deliver a tangible, unforgettable vision.

Follow her on IG: @sarahkhaneventstyling

Laurie Young is an inspirational advocate for neurodiversity in Loudoun County, VA. She is the executive director of Legacy Farms, a non-profit in Leesburg that employs neurodiverse individuals ages 16 and up in an apprenticeship-mentor business model.

Legacy Farms offers incredible weekly flower subscriptions to several places in Northern Virginia. Check out their CSA packages and locations!

Follow them on Instagram! And remember like we said on the show today, "Awesome people make awesome businesses!" Wherever you are tuning in from, buy local flowers and support your local small businesses.


Laurie's Full Bio
Laurie Young is Executive Director of Legacy Farms, a nonprofit that empowers neurodivergent individuals ages 16+ through vocational training, personal development programming, and entrepreneurial opportunities. She is Founder of Legacy Blooms, a specialty-cut flower business within the nonprofit that is a working model for a successful neurodiverse business. Proceeds from the business help fund the nonprofit's vocational training programs. Legacy is founded on a mindful approach to cultivating both flowers and people, prioritizing individual growth, meaningful work, and strong community connections.

https://www.legacyfarmsvirginia.org/

https://www.facebook.com/LegacyFarmsVirginia

https://www.instagram.com/legacyfarmsvirginia

Partners mentioned:

Farm & Program Partners

Temple Hall Regional Park

Fabbioli Cellars

New Ag School

Fleur de Leah Flowers

A Place To Be

Sharon Hallman Photography

Loudoun Hunger Relief

Floral Partners

Lightfoot Restaurant

Gratefully Rooted

100 Bowls of Soup

Weird Brothers Coffee

Simply Be Coffee

Roots 657

Lark Brewing Company