In celebration of Small Business Month, we’re shining a light on small businesses, bringing you an inspiring look at their unique stories and expertise.

In the heart of Oklahoma City, where the hustle and bustle of life often overshadows the struggles of the marginalized, there exists a haven of hope and renewal – a flower shop unlike any other. Enter Curbside Flowers, a full-service flower shop bringing beauty to the OKC community while providing employment and training to people transitioning out of homelessness. This inspirational establishment offers individuals a supportive employment program and a pathway to reclaiming their lives.

A Blooming Beginning

Curbside Flowers’ story began when Curbside Chronicle magazine provided low-barrier employment opportunities and amplified the voices of people experiencing homelessness. Magazine vendors were paired with case managers to work on various goals including housing. Several years ago, to provide additional employment and income opportunities, the decision was made to create flower bouquets for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

The community’s enthusiastic response on the small floral campaigns prompted the decision to embark on a brick-and-mortar flower shop. With a seed grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, Curbside Flowers was born. The flower shop enables employment for people ready to move into a more traditional work environment. Each participant completes a floral certification program courtesy of OSU-OKC and is trained in their retail shop. Participants build job skills and gain work experience, while working on housing stability.

“For many people who have struggled with homelessness for an extended period, traditional employment can be out of reach,” explained Kinsey Crocker, Director of Operations, Curbside Enterprises Programs. “Curbside was created to provide employment and job skills training while building community and breaking down socially isolating walls that often exist between people who have homes and those who don’t.”

Growth, Expansion & Life-Changing Impact

Thanks to Oklahoma City’s warm and welcoming response, Curbside Flowers has experienced exciting growth and forays into new offerings much to the delight of their florists.

“In our early days, we started by selling flowers and making small arrangements during holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day,” explained Crocker. “We now operate a full-service flower shop complete with retail, daily deliveries and wedding and special event florals. We love being part of people’s lives knowing we made someone smile with a birthday bouquet or having the honor of designing their wedding day florals. It’s meaningful to all our florists.”

Curbside Flowers employs approximately 20 people weekly through their flower shop work program. During busy holiday seasons, employment can increase to 50 employees. Over time they learn the art of floral design and customer service alongside experienced managers.

Over the past decade, Curbside’s operations have expanded to include Curbside Chronicle, Curbside Apparel, and Sasquatch Shaved Ice. These additional expansions have provided employment and income opportunity to thousands of people and helped hundreds of people end their homelessness in Oklahoma City.

Life-Changing Support

Curbside Flowers‘ customers are transforming lives with every purchase. Every handmade bouquet sold benefits their mission of providing meaningful employment to people transitioning out of homelessness. This special group of florists are chipping away at social barriers, stereotypes, and stigmas one flower arrangement at a time.

For participants, becoming a florist at Curbside Flowers represents a fresh start – a chance to leave behind past struggles and embrace the promise of a flourishing tomorrow. Through their work, they not only earn a living but also reclaim their dignity and self-worth, proving that with the right support and opportunities, anything is possible.

A Call to Action

With years of experience and lifechanging success stories, Curbside Flowers shares their heartfelt call-to-action with small businesses around the country.

“We encourage every small business to consider their hiring policies and personal biases. Sometimes a mistake made decades ago can prevent someone from obtaining a job years later,” Crocker explained. “While business owners must protect themselves and balance risk, their policies may prevent amazing people get ahead in life.”

Stay up-to-date with Curbside Flowers via their website and @curbsideflowers. Support and visit their donation page to help transform lives here.

To shop Accent Decor’s wholesale decor and wholesale floral vases along with new and flower, plant and home products, visit accentdecor.com. 

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