Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Shepherd.
Scott, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I entered the world of flowers in June 1991. The fun fact is that it found me. I was at the University of Georgia finishing my degree in horticulture and couldn’t decide which area of horticulture to pursue. I really enjoyed all aspects of the plant/flower industry and couldn’t make up my mind. My advisor and professor, Dr. Allan Armitage, received a phone call from a local wholesaler/broker and asked if he knew of any students that would be interested in a job. When they described what kind of person they were looking for, he thought of me. We sat in his office and basically realized that the only thing they left off of the description was my name. They described me perfectly.
After being in the wholesale end of the floral business for over 27 years, where I am still, I decided to start a podcast about flowers. I have a long commute every day to Atlanta and have fallen in love with the podcast to help pass the time and learn. That is how The Flower Podcast was born. I’ve been very fortunate to have known many floral designers and entrepreneurs over the years. Interviewing them has created a whole new opportunity and taught me so much more about the industry that I’ve been a part of for so long.
If you’re in the flower industry or are a flower enthusiast/hobbyist, we’re the podcast for you!!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’m not sure starting a business is ever completely smooth. We are approaching our 1 year anniversary, which we’re very excited about. But obviously, this started months before doing research and making sure all the necessary pieces were in place to begin. Working a full-time job and producing the volume of content that we produce is challenging at times. But having the support of my family and their help has not only made all the difference but made it possible. Being consistent and persevering are the two qualities that have helped so far. We still have a long way to go, but we’re very encouraged by the response to our podcast.
What else should our readers know.
The Flower Podcast is for flower lovers and the people that work with flowers. Our goal is to educate, encourage, and inspire people in the floral industry. Of course, many of the ideas and thoughts that are shared could be applied to other creative-based businesses. The community of people touched by our craft can include a wide array of talented individuals. We speak to business owners, but also freelance designers, flower farmers, photographers, event specialists, writers, and the list goes on and on. Trying to encourage those struggling with new business or old, and seeing the impact that an interview can have by helping people realize they’re not alone is truly rewarding. In addition, we also are bringing attention to important issues like the no floral foam movement and helping the environment through sustainable practices in the floral industry. There are so many topics to discuss with the floral community and amazing designers to help bring solutions and experience to light. I love the idea of community over competition and that really shines through The Flower Podcast.
With regards to myself, I have been in the wholesale floral business for over 27 years. I’m known for loving cut flowers and knowing a lot about them. Therefore I embraced my nickname “Cutflower Scott”. I’m currently employed at Cut Flower Wholesale in Atlanta, Ga. My customers include flower shops, wedding designers, event companies, photographers, flower growers, and magazines. I really enjoy sourcing new and unusual flowers locally and from around the world that will help set my customers apart. I’m extremely proud of the part that I’ve played with the rest of the team to make CFW one of the best wholesalers in the SouthEast. Truly a flower lovers delight to explore phenomenal florals from around the globe.
I’m also proud of the relationships that I’ve been able to foster and maintain all over the world with like-minded people that are excited and passionate about our role in the floral industry. This enthusiasm motivates me to continue to learn (#neverstoplearning) and grow creatively and professionally.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
My love for flowers began as a child walking in the footsteps of my grandmother. What started as helping in the vegetable garden grew to expand from the pink petunias to the splendid blossom of viburnum on the family farm. My other grandfather had a love for trees and enjoyed collecting incredible specimens of ginkos and redwoods, not something often seen in Northwest Ohio.
My interest in flowers only grew from there. Throughout childhood, my family let me dabble in the home landscape planting seeds, shrubs, and most of all experimenting with flowers. YES! I was that guy, not with trophies on my wall, but with grow lights and plants in my bedroom.
This love of nature and especially flowers truly allows me to appreciate every cut stem and the people that work with them. This passion and love of beauty is contagious and needs to be shared.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theflowerpodcast.com
- Phone: 404-751-8473
- Email: scott@theflowerpodcast.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflowerpodcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theflowerpodcast/
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7KTouWRntJLB2xELv44dbu?si=0UjCH5XYSl69R-ZDmY9o6g SPOTIFY
- iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flower-podcast/id1403616027
Image Credit:
My headshot and the seated dinner were taken by Sarah Ingram; Me in the pink shirt and the huge pink flower arrangement by Ashley Woodson Bailey.
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
