Today we’re visiting with Felicia Alvarez, owner of Menagerie Farm & Flower in the Sacramento Valley of California. Felicia returned to the prune farm she grew up on to raise her own children there —and decided to add a rose farm and nursery to the property. She's a committed advocate for fellow flower farmers. Join us as we talk with Felicia about: Breaking into rose farming Staffing for the ebb and flow of flower farming Scheduling and hiring for efficiency Learning the logistics and challenges of shipping a perishable product Advocating for American flower farms Growing a business while growing a family Navigating the pandemic as a flower farmer & nursery owner The importance of labeling flower shipments with the country of origin LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 103: FloraFresh Inc Gather Flora California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA FOLLOW & LEARN FROM MENAGERIE FARM & FLOWER:   WEBSITE INSTAGRAM THE MENAGERIE ACADEMY WORKSHOPS & EVENTS FACEBOOK PINTEREST TODAY’S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: MADRID FLOWER SCHOOL Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English. Host: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha + Bloom Trust Co.) BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee