 
For Immediate Release
Contact: J Schwanke
Phone: 616-446-6086
Email: [email protected]
“CalFlowers Brings That Flower Feeling to Life In Bloom”
Grand Rapids, MI, March [00], 2022 – CalFlowers has expanded their commitment to J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom with a 30-second video at the opening and closing of all episodes of Season 4 which reflects a different take on ‘That Flower Feeling.’ The new season will debut on public television stations across the country beginning in April of 2022. Calflowers, along with Albertsons Companies, Dollar Tree, and closed caption underwriter Holland America Flowers are returning as Season 4 underwriters.
"Calflowers is immensely proud of Life in Bloom's continued success, and we eagerly look forward to the Season 4 premiere. Cheers to J and thank you for making the enjoyment of flowers more accessible to everyone across the country,” noted CalFlowers President, Ivor Van Wingerden, of Ocean Breeze International.
“CalFlowers has supported Life In Bloom all along as an underwriter of the first three seasons, but this season they’ve really stepped up, becoming a Major Underwriter and I am very thankful,” notes host J Schwanke. “And it’s exciting to share their 30-second video which shares ‘That Flower Feeling’ with Life in Bloom viewers.”
The CalFlowers message can be previewed at the link - www.ubloom.com/tff
 “The popularity of Life in Bloom is undeniable!” said CalFlowers’ Marketing Chairperson and Vice President, Jeanne Boes. Ms. Boes of the San Francisco Flower Mart and continues, “The show reaches multiple generations including Millennials, Gen Y, and even kids. It’s the perfect opportunity to share ‘That Flower Feeling’ – along with the health and wellness benefits of flowers – with millions of viewers every week.”
Schwanke says of the video, “I love the message - ‘That flower feeling, at home, at work, or anytime,’ because it reminds you that flowers can enhance everyday life, beyond the occasions where you expect flowers.”
“The entire Floriculture industry is so incredibly fortunate to have such a positive spokesperson in J Schwanke. J has an innate ability to make flowers both relatable and accessible to the general public, creating a bevy of new opportunities for consumers to enjoy our amazing products,” said Steve Dionne, Association Executive. “From cocktails, to food, to repurposing household items into a range of floral style opportunities, J truly puts ‘everyday’ into the flower conversation. CalFlowers is proud to sponsor Life In Bloom and be able to help deliver such powerful and positive messaging to households across the United States.”
Flowers – and their inherent health and wellness benefits – remain the focus of the show, with new ideas for arranging flowers and entertaining at home. The show again visits flower farms, including California Pajarosa Floral and Joseph & Sons (Pictured Right), illuminating the care, determination, and true passion that goes into flower farming.
“CalFlowers has supported Life in Bloom since its inception,” added Marc Robinson of Delaware Valley Floral Group, Inc. and CalFlowers’ Secretary/Treasurer. “J’s efforts have not only been creative, but hard working and persistent. Looking forward to future seasons!”
Specific highlights of the coming season include: flowers for self-care; Italy-inspired arrangements; photographing hummingbirds; episodes around hydrangea, gladiolus, and tropical flowers; visits to flower farms; and guests Ben Scott-Brandt, composer of the show’s music; Laurie Keller, a Geisel Award winning children’s book author; and a bonus episode, themed for Autumn. “We were excited to create segments around fall themes, colors, and flowers including Chrysanthemums!” said Schwanke.
J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom is presented and distributed by American Public Television. Check local public television and Create TV listings to find out when J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom airs in your area. The show is also available to stream for free via www.uBloom.com/LifeInBloom and the PBS App.
www.ubloom.com/tff
Inquiries and input about the show are always welcome at: [email protected].
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For Immediate Release
Contact: J Schwanke
Phone: 616-446-6086
Email: [email protected]
“J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom Arrives Down Under”
Grand Rapids, MI, March 2, 2023 – “G'day Mates! We have exciting news – J Schwanke's Life in Bloom is going international!” exclaims J Schwanke, the show’s host and creator. ‘Life in Bloom,’ is seen in the U.S. on public television (PBS) stations nationwide. “Beginning March 4, J Schwanke's Life in Bloom will be broadcast by SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) Down Under!”
 The show will air Saturdays and Sundays at 9:05 a.m. and 9:35 a.m., bringing two hours of programming a week – devoted to flowers – to the Aussie public. As Australia’s most diverse broadcaster, the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) holds a unique place in the Australian media landscape, inspiring all Australians to explore, respect and celebrate our diverse world and in doing so, contributes to an inclusive and cohesive society.
SBS is a modern, multiplatform media organization with a free-to-air TV portfolio spanning six channels, as well as SBS On Demand, available to audiences anytime and anywhere. J Schwanke's Life in Bloom will also be available from SBS On Demand.
“We hope all flower fans in Australia find the show as informative and relaxing as the fans tell us they do here in the U.S.! Now Aussie viewers will see how flowers can enhance health and well-being - along with so many different ways to enjoy flowers – including Arranging, Entertaining, Flower Farm Visits, Recipes & Beverages with Flowers, Crafts with Flowers, and so much more," enthused Schwanke.
“Our distributor, American Public Television, had suggested there may be international interest the show, and Australia will be the first country outside of the U.S. to air Life in Bloom,” said Schwanke. “Technically, Life in Bloom has aired in Canada, in areas where television markets overlap with the U.S., however Australia is the first international market to pick up the show on a nationwide basis.”
Aussies will enjoy episodes from three seasons, 40 shows in total. Host J Schwanke is a fourth-generation florist, award-winning author, and speaker, whose passion for flowers is infectious. The impact flowers can have on health and well-being is a feature in each episode.
“Research has shown the presence of flowers has an immediate impact on people’s health and happiness,” says J Schwanke. “It’s been my life-long mission to show people how easy it is improve their daily lives, by including flowers – and now that message is traveling all the way to Australia – it’s so exciting.”
“Viewer response in the U.S. has been overwhelmingly positive to the beauty and relaxation flowers provide – by just taking a break and watching the show. I’m excited that an entirely new audience will learn that interacting with flowers, can improve our environment, mood, and even physical well-being.”
J shows viewers easy ways to arrange flowers with simple techniques that ensure success. He also welcomes friends and guests for segments with crafts, cooking, cocktails, and flowers for entertaining. Hand-crafted soaps, flowers for pets, and wearable flowers are all included, as well as easy-to-make recipes with flowers as ingredients, such as a twist on ‘dirt cake,’ and herbal cocktails.
J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom also includes visits with flower farmers as well as other types of local farms and farmers – connecting with flowers in unexpected ways. Schwanke notes that “Everything in the world is connected, so it’s important to consider things like sustainability; how the health of bee populations affects flowers, food, and people; how pastures, which include flowering greens, provide nutrition in foods raised there. And the importance of getting to know your local farmer and learning about their practices.”
“I’m so grateful to the show’s underwriters past and present, their belief in the power of flowers and their underwriting of the production is what makes this possible. Original funders such as CalFlowers, Albertsons Companies, and closed-caption funder Holland America are listed in the credits, so new viewers will know of their support,” concluded Schwanke.
J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom is presented and distributed in the U.S. by American Public Television. The show’s current underwriters are CalFlowers, Albertsons Companies, and closed caption funder Holland America Flowers. Check local public television and Create TV listings to find out when J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom airs in your area. The show is also available to stream for free via www.uBloom.com/LifeInBloom and the PBS App.
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About J Schwanke
J is the host and creator of the TV show J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom, beginning its fourth season on public television. A fourth-generation florist, he is a flower expert and professional speaker, regarded as the most trusted voice in the flower industry. He was actually born at a flower convention and grew up in his family’s greenhouses. His website, uBloom.com, offers flower fans everywhere the opportunity to learn and experience the fun of flowers and flower arranging, 24/7! J has given flower demonstrations in all 50 states, Canada, and England. Highlights include the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Art in Bloom, Bouquets to Art, San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, and Flowers at Kensington Palace. The J Schwanke YouTube Channel has over 90,000 subscribers and more than 11.5 million views. J is the author of Fun with Flowers, a Living Now Book Award winner, and Bloom 365 – The Essential Guide to Arranging Flowers Every Day, awarded the Gold IPPY (Home and Garden category) by the Independent Publisher Book Awards.
American Public Television
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current affairs programs. Doc Martin, Midsomer Murders, America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Live From the Artists Den, James Patterson’s Kid Stew and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. To find out more about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org. |
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The Bloom Show Covers WFFSA 2022
The Bloom Show dedicated three episodes to covering the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association (WFFSA)’s 2022 Floral Distribution Conference.
Miami, FL, March 15th, 2022 – The Bloom Show & Flowers & Cents has covered the WFFSA event in detail in three episodes. The Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association’s 2022 Floral Distribution Conference (FDC) was held in Miami, FL, from March 7th to 9th. The theme was “Breaking Boundaries, Bridging Divides” and brought floral industry leaders together for three days of networking and education.
Whether it was Sahid Nahim and Williee Armellini speaking to the Executive Vice President of the WFFSA, interviewing five extraordinary women in the floral industry, or interviewing industry leaders about marketing, there was a lot to unfold and many great insights into the industry as a whole. Overall, The Bloom Show with Flowers & Cents WFFSA Live edition succeeded in doing what it does best – bringing people in the floral industry together to have interesting conversations.
The WFFSA LIVE Show interviewed Molly Mullins, the Executive Vice President of the WFFSA. Sahid Nahim of New Bloom Solutions and Williee Armellini of Flowers and Cents spoke to the six-year VP about WFFSA’s collaborative Floral Distribution Conference.
One of the most important things discussed was that the 2022 conference was bursting at the seams. While the last FDC had fewer attendees, the 2022 conference saw pre-pandemic numbers. Mullins also spoke about embracing novelty and trying new concepts, which included wholesaler discussion groups tackling margins, logistics, supply chain, and more. There was also a speed networking event, which Nahim was a part of. The event was comfortable yet full of energy and allowed industry talent to connect and strengthen their ties.
Mullins also elaborated on the theme, “Breaking Boundaries, Bridging Divides,” and how WFFSA wanted to get those in the floral industry out of their supply chain silos. Instead of focusing on just retailers or wholesalers, they encouraged participants to share information, connect, and bridge gaps. The wholesaler-florist connection and cooperation between the two parties has been integral during the pandemic and continues to be the driving force behind businesses and their success.
Next year’s WFFSA FDC will be also be held at The Doral in Miami and will focus on finding even more ways to help the floral industry collaborate and join forces for the better.
The Women’s Day Roundtable consisted of interviews with five female leaders in the floral industry, namely Jeanne Boes (the General Manager and CEO of the San Francisco Flower Market, and the Incoming VP on the CalFlowers Board), Corrine Heck (CEO and Founder of Details Flowers software), Juana de la Torre (in sales and marketing for Ball SB LLC), Jena Gizerskiy (Sales Manager for North America at Rosaprima), and Laura Shinall (Founder and Managing Partner of FreshPath Marketing). These individuals have different areas of expertise and come from different segments of the floral industry but have a few things in common – their love and passion for the floral industry and being successful women in the field.
From talking about their skills and how they got into the floral industry to what motivates them to keep working on difficult days, the discussion touched upon each woman’s individual journey and their unique perspective on the floral industry and what makes it special. Something all women touched on is the people in the floral industry and how remarkable they are. From Jeanne Boes fighting to keep businesses’ doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic to Juana de la Torre talking about the passion growers and breeders have for the industry, this episode delved into the challenges within the industry, the grit of the people involved, and how mentorship and collaboration are an essential part of the industry moving in the right direction.
Although floristry has plenty of female faces, floral industry wholesale, growing, and marketing is a male-dominated industry. These powerful women speak out about their experiences, making their way into rooms full of men, making their voices heard, and how women can empower themselves and other women to succeed and pave the way for future women in the industry. WFFSA has also started an official Women’s Group, which will consist of a Facebook group and opportunities for women in the floral industry. A group focused on collaboration, mentorship, and women supporting other women in the floral industry; it’s definitely a group that women should keep an eye on.
Yet another incredible roundtable was held with some of the brilliant marketers in the floral industry. Nahim and Armellini spoke to Steve Dionne (Executive Director of CalFlowers), Eric Fernandez (General Manager of Continental Flowers), and Oscar Fernandez (Sales Manager at Equiflor Corporation). The group spoke about marketing initiatives they’re starting and digital marketing in the floral industry as a whole.
Continental Flowers’ Floral Board
Eric Fernandez from Continental Flowers spoke about FloralBoard, an initiative focused on investing in the floral industry. Despite having a great year since the pandemic and increased consumption, there’s a need to drive consumer demand. That’s where FloralBoard comes in – it’s a vehicle to drive awareness and bring in new consumers. Fernandez was very passionate about emphasizing that this wasn’t about retail channels, mass market, or e-commerce, but an omnichannel venture that sought to benefit all segments within the floral industry. Instead of being country-specific or even origin-specific, the initiative focuses on promoting all cut greens and cut flowers.
 CalFlowers’ That Flower Feeling
That Flower Feeling is an initiative that markets flowers. Like FloralBoard, it’s not country-specific but pertains to the entire industry. Despite the two initiatives being started by different companies and people, they work towards the same goal. This highlights the floral industry’s commitment to growth across all channels.
The campaign, “Flowers: Self-Care Made Easy,” has taken off, and the brand is dedicated to marketing flowers and increasing the reach of the floral industry. As of early March, the campaign had already hit 20 million consumers regarding engagement on social media. CalFlowers has used its budget to target everything from social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to popular podcasts such as the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.
It’s especially incredible to see the collaborative effort of different companies and industry leaders coming through because of the floral industry’s reputation of being fragmented. The past few years have highlighted the potential of players within the industry to communicate and work together. Whether it’s growers, wholesalers, or retailers, the entire industry can work towards continuing the trajectory of growth.
Watch All the Individual Shows Here
About The Bloom Show & WFFSA LIVE Collab with Flowers & Cents
The Bloom Show & Flowers and Cents show WFFSA LIVE is a collaboration by Sahid Nahim of New Bloom Solutions & Above All Flowers and Williee Armellini of Flowers and Cents. Flowers & Cents is one of the original industry blogs with great insight and up to date floral industry news. The Bloom Show covers floral industry topics, including marketing, e-commerce, innovation, conferences and offers insight into the different segments of the floral industry. Subscribe to “ The Bloom Show” here and do not miss out on any episodes.
For more information or questions, you can contact Sahid Nahim at (305) 975-2725 or email him here. |
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and Pinterest in January 2022 is specifically designed to capitalize on this emerging trend. Our media distribution is planned to engage over 60 million consumers in our target audience, “aesthetic explorers” comprised of women in the 25-39 age category who are focused on wellness and style.
WFFSA Women's Day Roundtable
