Building a Heart-Led Floral Business with Janelle Gerestein
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A Floral Business with Big Dreams and Big Impact
In today’s BB Podcast episode (No. 138), we’re visiting with Janelle Gerestein—better known as Janie of Flowers by Janie—a Calgary-based floral designer whose career spans over two decades and multiple continents. From her early dreams of becoming a wedding florist to launching a successful business in Bolivia, then rebuilding from scratch in Canada, Janie’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and community.
We’re excited to dig into her business strategies, her signature seasonal workshops (flowers + desserts = genius!), and how she weaves purpose into everything she does—including donating wedding florals to women in transitional housing. You’ll walk away inspired by her thoughtfulness, practical insights, and generous heart.
Join us as we chat with Janie about:
- Starting a floral business in Bolivia (and its unexpected success!)
- Rebuilding her business from scratch after moving to Calgary
- Scaling up with strategy: from 100+ weddings to a curated 30
- The importance of knowing your numbers and setting minimums
- Hosting wildly successful flower + dessert workshops
- Hiring and working with family, freelancers, and a marketing intern
- Winning the Bloom Trust Co Flowering With Purpose grant
- The intersection of faith, generosity, and business values
- Educational experiences and favorite workshops from around the world
- Designing flowers for mountain weddings
Dahlias & Donuts Workshop | Tara Whittaker Photography
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Lenora Kingcott – Bridal Expo
- YW Calgary – dedicated to breaking cycles of domestic abuse, homelessness and poverty for women and their families.
- Holly Chapple
- Shane Connolly
- Nick Priestly | Mood Flowers
- Paula Pryke
- Alexandra Farms – Garden rose grower and certification program
- Leafy Couture
- West Queen Studio
- Rosé and Croquet Garden Party Fundraiser for YW Calgary
Connect with Flowers by Janie:
Tali Rose (Janie’s sweet girl) featured in Florists’ Review | Freitag Photography
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. And watch for the Annual Madrid Blooms Floral Design Congress (2026 speakers include September Studio, Putnam Flowers, Studio Lilo, Gregor Lersch, Blue Jasmine Floral, Victoria Clausen Floral Events, and Matagalán Plantae)!
Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (BB + Bloom Trust Co.) & Natalie Gill (Native Poppy)
BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Joel McGee
Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee
If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy our visit with Ginny Early, owner of Enemies of the Average. Click here to listen.
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