Blue Octopus Consulting

08/13/2026

We’re excited to cheer on our friend Meg Stone as she brings her book, “Don’t Fight Back” and 10 Other Myths About Crime, Personal Safety, and Gender-Based Violence, to Solid State Books in DC! 📚💙

Meg’s work challenges some of the most persistent assumptions about violence, safety, and prevention, and we’re thrilled to see these important conversations reaching even more people.

If you’re in the DC area on August 20, come out, grab a copy, and support Meg!

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Join us for an exciting night with author Meg Stone as she discusses her new book, Don’t Fight Back And 10 Other Myths About Crime, Personal Safety, and Gender-Based Violence in conversation with Dawn Dalton To be held at Solid State Books on H St. NE Tickets with, AND without a boo

08/06/2026

Last week, florists from across Virginia joined us for a workshop where we spent the day talking through tough situations, sharing ideas for abuse prevention policies, and, of course, playing with flowers.

Thank you to our gracious host Orchard House Middle School, Blakemore's Flowers, Secret Flowers, Virginia Department of Health, and the dozens of florists who are helping to shape this project.

Watch this space👀

07/31/2026

July's Inkling just dropped 🦕 https://47597272.hs-sites.com/the-summer-of-93

This month we're talking about

- why 1993 still has something to teach us,
- what the Ben & Jerry's Foundation shutdown says about nonprofit governance,
- how presence might be the most underrated leadership skill,
- and introducing the newest member of the Blue Octopus crew!

07/29/2026

In partnership with Virginia Department of Health, Virginia florists are shaping a first-of-its-kind statewide project to give flower shops tools and policies for handling situations involving harassment, stalking, and concerning customer interactions.

Join us Saturday in Richmond to compare notes with others in the industry, then stay for an exclusive floral sculpture workshop with Meredith Wheeler of Secret Flowers.

Save Your Seat >> https://blueoctopus.consulting/floral-project/

07/27/2026

Understanding the grant process saves you time.

Let Zach show you how.

The Grant Whisperer: Office Hours
Thursday, July 30 I 3:00–5:00 PM I CANVAS Richmond

Save your seat 🌊 https://blueoctopus.consulting/the-current/

07/24/2026

Most florists have navigated these situations and it’s time we put our heads together.

Shop Talk & Exclusive Floral Sculpture Workshop
Saturday, August 1 - 11AM - 3PM
at Orchard House School, Richmond

Save Your Spot >> blueoctopus.consulting/floral-project

07/23/2026

Want more grant writing tips you can use right away?

Join Zach Kopciak, The Grant Whisperer, at a free, hands-on working session where you’ll learn how to save time on your proposals and stand out from the crowd.

Thursday, July 30 I 3:00–5:00 PM. I CANVAS Richmond >> blueoctopus.consulting/the-current

07/23/2026

We are so proud to work with Elizabeth Redford and beyond excited for her new adventure. Check out Everette Homes!

It started with my grandpa. He passed 2 years ago today.

Everette Homes is named after my grandfather, whose middle name was Everette.

After he experienced a major stroke, my family suddenly found ourselves making decisions we never expected. More than anything, we wanted him to remain in the home he loved—but we weren’t sure where to begin.

At the time, I was a special education teacher. We adapted his home using assistive technology I’d learned about in the classroom, collaborated with his therapy team, completed our own safety assessment, and coordinated the contractors needed to make the changes. It was overwhelming during an already overwhelming season. I kept thinking, there has to be a better resource for families like ours.

From that point on, I began looking at homes differently.

Not just as beautiful spaces—but as places that can restore independence, preserve dignity, reduce frustration, and support everyday life.

That experience became the foundation for Everette Homes, and it’s why I’m passionate about helping individuals and families navigating disability or the aging-in-place experience create homes that truly work for them. 🤍

07/20/2026

Funders read hundreds of proposals. The Grant Whisperer can help yours stand out.

Office Hours: Thursday, July 30
3:00–5:00 PM I CANVAS Richmond

Register free 🌊 https://blueoctopus.consulting/the-current/

07/15/2026

Calling all Virginia florists!

Have you ever had an order that didn't feel right?

An anonymous sender, a refused delivery, a customer interaction that left your staff asking, "What do we do now?"

Most florists have navigated these situations on their own and it’s time we put our heads together.

Join florists from across Virginia on Saturday, August 1 in Richmond to trade notes and talk shop.

Then spend the afternoon creating alongside Meredith Wheeler of Secret Flowers in an exclusive floral sculpture workshop.

Shop Talk & Exclusive Floral Sculpture Workshop
Saturday, August 1
11AM - 3PM at Orchard House School, Richmond

Free to attend and lunch is on us!

Save Your Spot >> https://blueoctopus.consulting/floral-project/