Open & Awkward: Shop Talk with Katie and Amanda

It's a new season so Katie and Amanda are ending the podcast for the time being. Thanks for listening and stay open and awkward!To See What We're Up To:Amanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: A Question of CommunitySummary:Amanda finds herself in a candle pickle. Her vendor has suddenly raised their order minimum without warning, leaving her unable to restock. Should she start making her own candles instead? Katie sheds light on possible causes behind the change, from the end of de minimis exemptions to tariffs and rising costs. The conversation then turns to community. Why it’s so essential, how some people create it OR actively avoid it! WHY? Finally, they tackle Amanda’s dilemma…will the farmer’s market survive?Highlights:Amanda’s candle pickleEnd of de minimis exemptions and price increasesA discussion of communityWill the Farmer’s Market survive?Links:Capital Stitch CompanyThe Cinnamon Bear - Complete Christmas AdventureThere are no photos in this episodeThe Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

We are taking a two week break. See you back in mid-September!

Subtitle: Feeling it in Your BodySummary: Amanda sold another one of Katie’s paintings! But before you ask, no, she’s not taking consignment. Amanda also talks about teaching a recent vinaigrette-making class and pitches the idea of a mending class (how cool would that be?). Amanda brings up her money stress after her debit card was stolen THREE times in one month, losing her outdoor lot, and business decisions she's being pushed to make. On the brighter side, her latest art drop (featuring bones collected from roadkill) nearly sold out. September’s theme? Twin Peaks. Finally, the Actual Useful Tip™ for this episode is: “Feel it in your body.”Highlights:Amanda’s vinaigrette classStolen credit card HASSLES!When you feel a good decision in your bodyAmanda’s future plans for the shopAmanda’s last drop and September themeKatie plans her visit to see AmandaPhotos:Jump on over to The Garden of Words website to see the flowers Katie is ignoring Amanda for as well as Katie’s crepe paper dahlia.The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/ Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Overcoming OverfunctioningSummary:  Katie and Amanda dive into significant business changes they've recently made that brought clarity and relief. Amanda shares the story of losing her courtyard due to her landlord's construction plans and the lessons she learned from the experience. They also touch on the importance of understanding one's value and avoiding over-functioning in both business and personal life. Katie discusses an ongoing struggle with managing work boundaries and dealing with inconsiderate requests. The conversation woven with anecdotes and humor highlights the duo's commitment to authenticity and the importance of self-awareness.Highlights:Amanda’s courtyard is going awayOverfunctioningKatie and Amanda’s Tarot ReadingsShut out the noiseAn unexpected potholeQuestions without CuriosityJohn Derian marble appleLinks:John DerianJump on over to The Garden of Words' website to see Katie's hat from Joan and her marble apple.The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/ Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Mulch, Mayhem, and Mod PodgeSummary:In this lively episode, Katie and Amanda discuss their recent creative ventures and some challenging client interactions. Katie is prepping for a collage and watercolor class in Michigan, while Amanda grapples with a landscaping client who struggles to pinpoint her desires. The conversation touches on the complexities of managing client expectations and the importance of mutual enthusiasm in creative collaborations. They also share insights on integrating whimsy into landscaping, spontaneous design adjustments, and the humorous reality of customer indecision. Wrapping up, they celebrate a successful project, despite logistical hurdles, and appreciate personal ‘superpowers.’Highlights:Katie’s NY vacationSelf regulationAmanda’s in a picklePlanning classes at other locationsTrust the people you hireEverything is great againJump on over to The Garden of Words' website to see a photo of Katie’s Mod Podge Collage.The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: People Buy What They UnderstandSummary:Katie shares her upcoming plans for a Chicago trip to visit clients. She and Amanda brainstorm about art classes they could co-host at Amanda’s shop. Amanda recounts a whirlwind week of events: hosting teenagers from the School of the Blind for a hands-on project, a bridal shower that didn’t quite go as expected, and then welcoming 20 Master Gardeners the very next morning for a talk! They also catch up on Amanda’s HR friend, who’s launching a pop-up/mobile HR business offering onboarding, hiring, firing, and more. Wrapping up, Katie talks about what she wants to be when she grows up: connecting professional women across the horticulture industry through creative networking opportunities.Highlights:Katie’s Chicago TripKatie and Amanda brainstorm classes to offer togetherAmanda’s recent shop eventsFollow up on Amanda’s HR friendKatie’s future plansLinks:Julia Whitney Barnes Cynotype PaintingJump on over to The Garden of Words' website to see photos of Katie’s Firefly painting and Amanda’s moss frames.The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Grouch on the CouchSummary:This week, Katie and Amanda discuss their love of the Marco Polo app and scheming ways businesses could use it too. Katie’s hand-painted cards just landed in Amanda’s shop on a “MADE” table sprinkled with moss and glitter magic, and guess what… one sold on the very first day! They spill a little tea on the joy (and the “oh boy” moments) of working with certain team members. Finally, they chat about the world of collecting. Is it fun or does chasing the rarest treasure suck the fun right out of the hunt? Oh, and Katie has a great hack for how to get someone to take out the recycling. Listen in to find out what it is!Highlights:Marco Polo appKatie likes painting flowersCleaning up other people’s messesThe Human DesignFruit Party and Amanda’s MADE TableLinks:Amy Poehler’s Podcast - Good HangJump on over to The Garden of Words website to see photos of the flowers Katie ignores Amanda over, Fruit Painting by Kelsey Howard, Fruit Party by Katie and Amanda’s MADE table!The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Go AwaySummary:Katie is considering a simple but symbolic change: swapping her Facebook cover photo from a picture of her family to one of her art supplies. Amanda reflects on her own process of “refocusing the lens,” both personally and professionally.Katie talks about her father’s recent funeral, contrasting the compassionate customer service from the funeral home with the cemetery staff that completely ignored their requests. Amanda discusses a challenging garden consultation where she struggled to communicate ideas in a way that truly resonated with the client. Katie points out that people only buy what’s easy to understand, and that applies to both plants and life.Oh, and Katie tells you EXACTLY what it takes to grow tomatoes so listen up!Highlights:Refocusing your lens.Ellen Lupton is a fun egg roll.Katie and Amanda talk about losing their dads.Helping clients when they’re asking for the wrong thing.Is that your final answer?Links:Noodles vs. NuggetsDesign is Story Telling by Ellen LuptonKatie’s Green Profit column for JuneThe Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: So many other things just listen to itSummary:Katie shares her experience at a local "pick and paint" event at a cut flower farm, where customers picked their blooms and she painted them on the spot. She also talks about what it’s like to scale up her artwork (literally) and the life lessons art has taught her, like the value of restraint and leaving room for white space. Amanda did a massive two-day solo plant installation that required a return visit but that’s OK because she likes coming back to connect with the client and see the project through. Katie also gives a peek into a special summer camp program she put together for her team, developed with her business coach, Meg. Tune in for creative inspiration and hard-earned lessonsHighlights:This bad bitch entered the waiting room.Katie’s pick and paint.Katie and Amanda talk scale and trauma.A nice, crispy Diet Coke.Katie’s flowers from Bailey NurseryGOW Summer CampIs the softer life all it’s cracked up to be?Jump on over to The Garden of Words' website to see Katie’s painted notecards.The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Stop, Collaborate and ListenSummary:Amanda is excited to get some help from an acquaintance starting an HR/operations consulting business. It’s coming at the perfect time! Amanda shares a story about her ideal client and how she prefers collaborative relationships. Katie suggests structuring services with clear tiers: Option A or Option B, to make boundaries and value more obvious. Amanda also shares a recent success: she offered an unsolicited quote on a landscaping project, and it worked! Now she’s wondering if that approach might be worth repeating. And finally, the question that doesn’t need asking…or does it? Is the in-store consult in the store?Highlights:Stop me from helping her.Option A or Option B(oobs).The one woman collective.A new service for Amanda?Is the in-store consult IN the store?Links:Katie’s June Green Profit columnThe Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Every Kind of TiredSummary:Katie shares the emotional weight of the past year and the recent loss of her father. A comforting message from Ben, “you don’t ever have to deal with that again,” gave her an unexpected sense of peace. Amanda opens up about wanting to attend the funeral but getting derailed by a major miscommunication with a client that had real financial consequences, saying, “it would have been funny if it wasn’t so important to her.” They also discuss Greg McKeown’s Essentialism Planner and the liberating idea that you don’t have to follow everyone else’s rules for how you “should” live or work.Highlights:Every kind of tired!Really screwing up!What do you want your business to be?The Essentialism Planner by Greg McKeown.Links:The Essentialism Planner by Greg McKeownJump on over to The Garden of Words' website to see pictures of Katie's flowers, Katie as a penguin AND a video of Katie turning into a penguin.The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Eventually We Get to the PointSummary:Amanda is making dunce caps for Cultivate  to stop people from calling their businesses small. The second gong has also arrived.  The two discuss their love for roadside attractions and then eventually get to the point. Or, at least, a point. A big part of today’s convo revolves around minimum orders and what local and independent businesses can do, and what producers are going to NEED to do in order to serve them. Shortly before the end Amanda drops a truth bomb and they say goodbye in the middle of Katie’s new existential crisis.Highlights:Getting ready for CULTIVATEMeat sticks and outlet shoppingKatie’s big  big Illinois, Indiana, Michigan extravaganza.Amanda’s tree situationWhat do you want to be when you grow up?Links:Katie and Amanda's Stealth Workshop at CultivateTikTok - Take the Edge OffLil’ Landjaeger Meat SticksMars Cheese CastleThe Brat StopKatie’s NewsletterJump on over to The Garden of Words' website to see photos of Katie's eggplants and the view from her chair.The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.aster.gardensKatie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Setting ExpectationsSummary:In this episode, Katie and Amanda DIG into (see what we did there) what they really want for their business and what they’re ready to let go of. They discuss growth goals and have a few clarity moments. Also, Katie finally declares victory over the poison ivy in her yard, thanks to one of Amanda’s Actually Useful Tips™. Amanda shares an awkward Mother’s Day moment involving customer weirdness, and the Bell of Shame makes its mysterious debut. Want to know what it is? You’ll have to listen to find out!Highlights:Hone in on what you REALLY want for your businessDing Dong the Wicked Poison Ivy is Dead!Amanda’s Awkward Mother’s DayThe bell of shameYou ARE a service provider!Links:Katie and Amanda's Stealth Workshop at CultivatePhotos:There are no photos for this episodeThe Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Have it Your WaySummary:Amanda’s Zoom name is now “Camanda in Chief,” (HILARIOUS!). In this episode, Amanda and Katie talk newsletters, self-worth, and showing up as your authentic self in business. Katie’s latest newsletter inspired Amanda to write hers, and they discuss how their emails aren’t just for marketing. They’re personal, real, and full of places for people to hang on and connect. Amanda dives into why she’s been undervaluing her time (and what she's finally realized about it), while Katie gives a heartfelt shout-out to her business coach Megan T. Morrison…because everyone deserves a coach this good!Highlights:Newsletter discussionSpam, Reviews and Clump-a-PaloozaActually Useful TipUndervaluing your timeAmanda’s most recent revelationLinks:Katie and Amanda's Stealth Workshop at CultivateKatie’s Last NewsletterAmanda’s Last NewsletterPhotos:There are no photos for this episodeThe Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: The Cost of Doing BusinessSummary:Behind every small business is a human doing their best to hold it all together. Amanda and Katie talk about what it’s like to run a business while feeling completely overwhelmed. Katie shares how she's navigating work as her dad enters hospice care, while Amanda talks about anxiety and the financial gamble of pouring everything into your business and hoping it pays off. They discuss the stress of undercharging and how hard it is to price your labor. Katie points out that people want to know the answer before they even ask the question, something both of them are trying to address as they plan new service menus for their websites. And finally... stay tuned next time to find out what Tyler did when he found the tub of llama poop. Now Tyler’s in a pickle.Highlights:Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter tour.Business through grief.The fear of charging for your time.Let’s talk case studies.Useful tips regarding your website.Amanda’s making a come back!Links:Katie and Amanda's Stealth Workshop at CultivateRetail Whore Podcast with Caroline WeaverPhotos:There are no photos in this episodeThe Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Jaunty ElectronicaSummary: Katie and Amanda discuss: what is your time worth? They share jobs they decided to take (or skip) and talk about their upcoming Stealth Workshop/Education Party at Cultivate … you should definitely come! Katie shows off a helpful diagram from her business coach, Meg, on the phases of business and self-care. Amanda talks about how her original business model has evolved into something much different that she originally planned (spoiler: she might need a bigger vehicle soon!). Plus, an Actually Useful Tip™ that has to do with using GoDaddy. Listen now to find out what it is!Highlights:The Cultivate Stealth (non)WorkshopBurnout diagramIs Amanda car blind?PSA regarding your domain.A sneak snip of the new theme music.What senses do YOU engage?Links:⁠Katie and Amanda's Stealth Workshop at Cultivate⁠⁠visitbotany.co⁠⁠Katie’s interview on Cultivating Place⁠⁠Amanda’s interview on Cultivating Place⁠Jump on over to ⁠The Garden of Words website⁠ to see Meg’s Burnout DiagramThe Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/⁠ Katie’s Work Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagency⁠Katie’s Personal Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwords⁠Amanda’s Website: ⁠https://kissmyaster.com/⁠Katie’s Website: ⁠https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Toxically PositiveSummary: In this episode, Katie shares her recent diagnosis of polymorphic light eruption  (a sun allergy) that’s forced her to rethink her routines and how she moves through daily life. Amanda shares that people often find her scary, when in reality, she’s just CONFIDENT and unwilling to play along with the phoniness that’s so common in retail. They also swap tips about battling invasive plants (Katie’s fighting Poison Ivy, Amanda’s wrangling Goji berries). Finally, the recent tariffs have hit Amanda’s business and she reveals her plan of action.Highlights:Katie has a new diagnosis.Katie’s latest art class.Phony = burnoutGoji berries and poison ivyTariffs on moss?!?Super awkward growing pains.The grow domeDitch, please.The Residence on NetflixLinks:Katie and Amanda's Stealth Workshop at CultivateAmanda’s NewsletterAmanda’s March Green Profit columnMagidome (Amanda’s grow dome)The Residence - Official TrailerThere are no photos in this episodeThe Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/ Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: Lose the FilterSummary:Amanda confesses to sending a marketing email in the middle of the night (hello, insomnia). Her results might just change the way you think about email timing! Katie brings two stellar tips to the table: one for making your website work harder, and another that could seriously improve your email popup game. Amanda shares why she's still loyal to MailChimp (hint: NPR had something to do with it), and we find out exactly how much she despises snail mail. Plus, (spoiler alert), we may have theme music on the way!Highlights:Taking care of pests.Victory Garden Club.Amanda’s latest newsletter.Web page tips from Katie.Links:Katie and Amanda's Stealth Workshop at CultivateAmanda’s latest newsletterPhotos:There are no photos in this episode.The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/

Subtitle: PicklesSummary: Amanda brings an interesting customer situation to the table and asks Katie the all-important question: "Is this a pickle?" Meanwhile, Katie has updates on attending the Azalea Festival, her long-awaited newsletter, and a new art class series that she’s taking. Amanda also reveals what she's planning to plant in the raised bed outside her shop, and her choices might just surprise you.Highlights:Is this a pickle?Katie attends Azalea Festival.Katie’s newsletter and the squeegee hunt.Bringing back the bra snap!Katie is enjoying her garden. And so are others!Amanda’s wild and wonderful idea.Links:Katie and Amanda's Stealth Workshop at CultivateKatie’s latest newsletterJump on over to The Garden of Words website to see photos of Katie’s weekend sketch and the bouquet she made for her husband’s co-worker.The Stuff at the EndAmanda’s Kiss My Aster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmyaster/ Katie’s Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofwordsagencyKatie’s Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_gardenofwordsAmanda’s Website: https://kissmyaster.com/Katie’s Website: https://thegardenofwords.com/