It’s always fun to know a little more about the Texas State Florists' Association's amazing presenters than what their bios reveal. In this new series of feature articles, TSFA takes you beyond the bio and shares just a little bit more about each of those who will add to your layers of learning throughout the year!
Meet Vonda LaFever
Vonda LeFever AIFD CFD PFCI and Lori Wilson PFCI will present "Service and Synergy: Building a Customer-First Dream Team" at the Texas Floral Expo on June 28, 2025.
LaFever’s industry experience expands over four decades. She is the founder of Flower Clique, which provides tools and services for floral professionals looking to simplify and elevate their business the way they have always envisioned. LaFever owned and managed a retail shop in Illinois for 20 years and was a floral instructor at Kishwaukee College. Her career with Teleflora includes Unit President, Regional Unit Director and Education Specialist Team Educator. In 2010, she was a member of the Academy Awards Design Team, and in 2015, she served on the White House Special Events Design Team. LaFever was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in 1989. She served as AIFD Symposium Program Coordinator in 2015 and was on the AIFD National Board of Directors for two years. She co-hosts the popular podcast, The Business and Pleasure of Flowers.
What is your first memory of flowers?
Picking wild violets and dandelions in the yard as a child is an early memory.
What experiences led to your interest in the floral Industry?
My first job was cleaning shelves in a really cool flower shop. The owner was kind, encouraging and instilled in me a love of flowers — and encouraged me in the industry.
Who was most influential during your early days in the industry?
Peggy Harrison, the owner of the flower shop, managers at a local wholesale house in Iowa, Bobbi Ecker-Blanchford AIFD, Kearney Broussard AIFD and the articles written by Herb Mitchell AIFD in PFD magazine. So many since the VERY early days!
What contributed most to your design education?
My job at the flower shop with Peggy, working 1:1 on a daily basis — she not only influenced me, but was an excellent role model. I am also eternally grateful to the employees at Florist Supply in Des Moines, Iowa, who trusted me to work with and assist designers with preparations at their wholesale shows!
What did your education provide that relates to your accomplishments today?
The love of the industry, the desire to share what I’ve learned and pay it forward and that you always have more to learn.
What has been your favorite job in the floral industry?
My current role, founder and CEO of Flower Clique!
How are you making a difference in retail floristry today?
With my experience as owner of a flower shop, I know how much hard work and dedication goes into building a successful business. With Flower Clique, our team uses our many areas of expertise to assist in the success of the shop, which allows the owner to focus on what they do best. There are few things more satisfying that seeing others succeed!
What role do you see yourself playing in the future of our industry?
I see myself continuing to mentor and teach others to succeed, love our industry and become a better version of themselves.
Texas Floral Expo
Registration is open for the Texas Floral Expo! Join your floral family at the South Shore Harbour Resort in League City on June 27-29. At this conference, industry-leading presenters will share the latest tips and trends in multiple demonstrations, business sessions and hands-on workshops.
Don't miss this session co-presented by Vonda LaFever AIFD CFD PFCI!
Saturday, June 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m. — Service and Synergy: Building a Customer-First Dream Team
Vonda LaFever AIFD CFD PFCI and Lori Wilson PFCI will explore the key qualities of an ideal team player — hungry, humble and people-smart — as outlined in The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni. Discover how these traits directly impact customer service in the floral industry.
Exceptional service starts with the right people. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify, hire and train team members who not only deliver outstanding customer experiences but also contribute to a positive, high-performing workplace.
Pull back the curtain on how to confidently sell, connect with customers and increase profits. In this session, you will learn proven techniques and insider secrets that will help turn conversations into sales and create repeat customers. Whether you're struggling with staffing, training or team dynamics, this session will give you actionable takeaways to build a thriving, customer-first dream team — and a sneak peek at the strategies that will make your team most effective!
Underwritten by Flower Clique.