Jun 26, 2025
What happens when you mix a deep love for small business with the drive to shake up an outdated industry? You get BloomNation.
In this episode, I sat down with Farbod
Shoraka, Co-founder & CEO of BloomNation, to talk
about how a few powerful insights—and one unforgettable lunch—led
to the creation of a platform that empowers thousands of florists
and small business owners across the U.S.
We delve into how BloomNation
evolved from a simple idea into a nationwide software solution that
enables independent florists to thrive in the e-commerce landscape.
Farbod opens up about his personal motivations, lessons learned
during the pandemic, and how his company is helping preserve the
soul of small businesses while building for long-term
resilience.
Here are some key moments from the episode:
* How Farbod’s father’s unwavering support helped him leave finance
to launch his first startup
* The early insight that disrupted the floral industry—and why removing the middleman mattered
* How the pandemic became a tipping point for small business digital adoption
* The strategy behind BloomNation’s evolution into Promenade and their recent UK expansion
* Farbod’s no-BS advice for founders: “Don’t listen to anyone. Carve your own path.”
Join me, Ramon Vela, in listening to the episode and hear how one founder is creating meaningful impact—one bouquet, one order, and one small business at a time.
For more on BloomNation, visit: https://www.bloomnation.com/
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