By Tavon N. ThomassonAFRO Intern
From Baltimore’s Fleurs d’Ave to Los Angeles’ Postal Petals, two Black-owned floral corporations are proving flowers can do greater than embellish–additionally they can encourage creativity, self-care and strengthen neighborhood bonds in sudden methods.
At Fleurs d’Ave, co-owner Ashley Rock Wylie’s path to the floral trade was sudden. Partnering in enterprise together with her husband, Brandon Wylie, would lead her someplace she by no means thought she’d go.
“I used to be laid off from CareFirst after they obtained a brand new CEO,” Ashley stated. “I assumed I used to be going to run our psychological well being enterprise full-time, however Brandon and his dad determined to purchase Fleurs d’Ave, after which my life took an enormous change.”
Previously often called Bonaparte’s Florist, the store had lengthy been a treasured Black-owned enterprise in West Baltimore with ties to Brandon Wylie’s funeral companies. When it went to public sale, he and his father bought it to maintain it locally.
“He determined that he needed to buy it so it will keep a Black-owned enterprise locally, and never flip right into a liquor retailer or nook retailer proper there in West Baltimore,” Ashley Wylie stated.
What started as an effort to protect a neighborhood staple has develop into a supply of pleasure for the small enterprise proprietor, particularly after reopening in 2020.
“It’s been extraordinarily rewarding and very enjoyable,” stated Ashley Wylie. “I’ve actually realized to understand the creativity behind floral design. I’m nonetheless not a florist—I nonetheless don’t have that talent—however I’ve positively taken a liking to planning occasions.”
Ashley Wylie might not maintain the title of florist, however she’s mastered the artwork of making experiences. Her standout occasion, the Flower Energy Completely satisfied Hour, is a full of life swirl of petals, music and dialog that turns arranging flowers into a celebration.
“We take it to the following stage with a DJ, open bar, meals, [host], enjoyable video games, and karaoke—it’s a blast,” stated Ashley Wylie. “We primarily do them at Lexington Market, and we’ve achieved a number of in different areas.”
For the enterprise proprietor, working Fleurs d’Ave is as a lot about individuals as it’s about flowers.
“I consider individuals store with individuals they like. If individuals really feel they’ll relate to you otherwise you’re going to positively care for them, that’s what I need to characterize,” Wylie stated. “We’re actual individuals. You may attain out and provides us suggestions, and we characterize excellence always. If we do drop the ball, we’ll do the perfect to verify we get better.”
Throughout the nation, Los Angeles entrepreneur Talia Boone has been constructing Postal Petals, an “immersive floral and wellness firm” now celebrating its fifth anniversary.
Based in 2020, Postal Petals ships fresh-cut flowers to clients for do-it-yourself arranging, encouraging clients to deal with the method as a aware, artistic act of self-care.
“What I’m most pleased with is that we made it to 5 years,” stated Boone. “The second is the way in which wherein we’ve got proven up within the varied communities the place we stay and work. All the pieces from making a Black florist database on our web site and discovering alternatives to carry Black florists collectively.”
Boone’s mission to uplift others extends to her neighborhood wellness occasions.
“Normally our neighborhood wellness occasions begin with some type of motion, usually it’s yoga, stretching, mountain climbing, strolling,” stated Boone. “Then we observe that with guided meditation, a sound tub meditation, or breathwork meditation. We take that vitality into a extremely peaceable floral design workshop the place we encourage them to only be artistic.”
One company occasion, nevertheless, left an particularly deep impression. A lady, after creating her bouquet, was given the selection to maintain it or give it away, and to Boone’s shock, she selected the latter.
“She obtained so emotional that she actually began crying, and she or he simply stated, ‘I’ve by no means gotten flowers earlier than, and once you guys advised me that I may make my very own association, it was so transferring for me that I needed to supply that chance to another person,’” stated Boone.
Each companies are poised for development. Boone lately launched a fundraising marketing campaign to increase Postal Petals’ free neighborhood occasions, aiming to succeed in and serve extra individuals. In the meantime, Wylie is concentrated on broadening her supply community and establishing new partnerships.
Ashley Rock Wylie and Talia Boone are shaping new futures via their flower companies. By mixing creativity with neighborhood care, they present how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can uplift lives and plant seeds for lasting affect.
