I know there are many workshops, master classes, online courses, conferences, and private mentoring options out there for floral professionals and flower lovers of all levels. I am always so grateful when students choose to invest their time and funds with a class at Love ‘n Fresh Flowers! Weather it’s an afternoon of easy floral design through our Floral FUNdamentals series or two long days of intensive, heart- and brain-wrenching learning through one of our Master Class, I know we are doing something right from the smiles and hugs when everyone is headed back to their own homes, inspired and nourished. And when students send the most sincere and thoughtful thank you notes and reviews afterwards, I always get teary eyed. Here are just a few that have arrived lately:

“Dear Jennie, I just wanted to write you a quick note to say thank you for providing such an amazing workshop. At first I was hesitant because of spring expenses/budgeting but then I realized that out of all expenses, this specific workshop (The Business of Local Flowers Short Course) should take priority. It was so great and I applaud you for giving us honest, genuine, and thoughtful content. Truly I look to you as an inspiration business woman and am just really grateful. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your wisdom and answering my endless questions — which were only because you have been the only person who can actually answer them! Warmly, JennyRae”
@FlowerWellNY

“Jennie, what a day! I’m super grateful for your willingness to engage so deliberately with all of us. Your empathy and rawness make for a powerful teaching potion. There were no distracting frills – in a great way! – just concrete, abundant conversations about your experience. And so full-disclosure! I can’t thank you enough for sharing all that you’ve learned along your flower journey. I left feeling inspired, equipped and as though I had gained meaningful altitude on my farming business as a whole. Thank you so much! ~ Alison”
@FlowersmithFarm

“I took Jennie’s Wedding Master Class back in 2015. I was two seasons into my business and I was eager to learn more. Taking the class was the best possible decision I could have made. It completely changed the way I ran my wedding business and it made my job a lot easier and more organized. When you take a class with Jennie, no question goes unanswered. She’s an open book and has the kindest heart. The master classes are kept to small groups and every voice is heard and answered. This year I went back to take her Business Short Course. The course really got down to the nitty gritty about running a profitable flower farm. Business basics are never the fun side to flower farming, but it’s the most important. Investing in classes like Jennie’s are something I never regret. I always leave with a notebook full of valuable information and a head full of new ideas and determination. ~Jamie”
@Jayflora_Designs

“Thank you so much for your hospitality and for another great class. I am so glad I was able to attend and get another boost of knowledge and insight from Jennie and the awesome classmates. What I love about Jennie’s classes is the unique dynamic and openness she creates as she imparts her wisdom. She challenges each of us to think about our situations and businesses intentionally and I always go away with many reflective questions to ponder and answer for myself. ~Susan”
@ArcolaTrailFlowers

“The Business Short Course was truly a course about the business side of flower farming. Jennie offered insight on such a broad range of sales outlets based on her own experiences, both good and bad, and how to determine which would most benefit your business. She also provided guidance on technical aspects like pricing and bookkeeping. The relaxed atmosphere made for open discussion among everyone there. I have a lot of questions going into my first season growing, and am working on such a small scale that it’s hard to relate to true flower farms. This course has helped me to focus on goals that are compatible with my size. I’m still more than a little nervous about this season (I mean, what if nothing grows??), but I feel more confident now that I am starting it with a better defined plan and these systems in place. ~Ali”
@TwoBuddingFlorists

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I’ve been asked several times about creating online workshops because they can initially appear more affordable and more flexible. There are no travel costs and you can squeeze the course into your other daily obligations. However, my answer will always be the same: No. And I believe the above student quotes are a testimony as to why.
The online course format is not the right fit for me as a teacher. I don’t teach to make a quick profit off my years of experience. I teach because I really like making a direct personal connection with each student. When we are in person in a small group setting, together we problem-solve on specific questions each student has. Eye contact and touching the same tool or looking over the hand-outs together make for a tactile and focused learning experience. This connection is what fuels me as a teacher. An online class format is too impersonal for my teaching style.
I realize students who come to my classes have a major additional expense in traveling to get here, but I feel pretty confident that is a worthy investment as I watch nearly every student go on to grow their own business so beautifully from there, using many solutions and mantras specific to them/their farm that we developed together in the class. I am also convinced that tackling a workshop in-person as one dedicated, un-distracted chunk — instead of in ten minute spurts between transplanting zinnias and making dinner — is far more effective and a better “bang for your buck”. Leaving the farm or shop to learn is such a valuable experience and the way to get fresh perspective!

Also, I believe the online format can never be truly personal and effective for all students. The course has to be filmed before the teacher even knows who is going to sign up so it’s nearly impossible to know what the actual “audience” will be. Even with “live” feedback sessions built in, there are thousands of students all over the world begging for attention, and it’s impossible to meet everyone’s needs. Or at least that was my experience as a student of a few online courses who wished my questions had been one of the handful chosen to be answered.
In contrast, when we host a professional Master Class here at Love ‘n Fresh, as soon as student registrations start coming in, we gather their bios and ask them what specific questions they are looking to have addressed. I spend a lot of time reading those bios and questions and try to tailor the course to each intimate group of ten students. During the class, we have each other’s full attention and we don’t finish until every question has been answered.
Every student and every teach have their own style in the educational process. All are valid!! This just happens to be mine. When you pick a class, course, workshop or conference, do more than just look at the price tag. Consider your learning style and what’s comfortable for you. In the end, whatever money you invest in your education should be well spent.
Want to join me for a class this spring? The full schedule for Master Classes is here. The full schedule for Floral FUNdamentals is here. Registration for both is available in our Online Shop.
XO,