Why Flowers?
I tend to follow what feels good in my gut, and go with that. When I was thinking about starting my business, I knew I had more than one passion and place to put my energy. While I love strategy, thinking about causes and how to build community, I also appreciate the beauty all around us in the world. Over the last 15+ years, my work with organizations on events has always involved floral design.
It wasn’t until the pandemic hit in 2020, and my day-to-day work as a Development & Community Engagement Director stalled (how do you create community when events/human contact goes away?) that I began to think about the concept of a pop up flower shop. There were three main reasons I thought of this idea.
Flowers brighten someone’s day. Whether giving or receiving!
Flowers can be handed out and distributed quickly, in a variety of spaces and places.
Flowers make the world a better place. It’s true. They do. Check out the 19 Proven Benefits of Flowers if you don’t believe me :) In a vase at home, a garden in New York or a windowsill in Italy. Around the world, flowers bring beauty and a little magic to the world.
The result of this concept has now evolved into a bi-annual outdoor pop up shop at my work. Families can stop by quickly, pick up their blooms, and be on their way. Lots of smiles, lots of appreciation. We have a pay-what-you can model that’s lovely and accessible, too. I have found great joy in these small-scale events. I’ll give you three more reasons why flowers resonate with me.
The People. From my friends at the wholesale florist, to the volunteers and friends who have helped me make arrangements. I get to interact/laugh with wonderful people by my side.
The Creation. Designing/creating makes me happy. I go into a sort of meditative phase when I arrange flowers. I love staying up late and working hard on something that gives me that creative outlet. Added bonus that I know someone else’s day will be brightened with the final product.
The Impact. I’ve done a few pop ups where the flowers are all FREE. I love knowing that someone might have been having a bad day, or feeling lonely, and stumbled across my pop up on a walk. I hope the impact on the individual is a little surprise, a touch of happiness, and a moment of belonging. I think everyone deserves kindness and to feel seen and appreciated.
Let me know if I can help you create flowers for your community!
