The Journey of Becoming a Flower Farmer

Somewhere between feeling the weight (literally) of perimenopause, the closing of my shop, and an undeniable longing for something more, I found myself watching a fascinating docu-series about flower farming. It led to reconnecting with something I had loved my entire life—flowers. That moment was the start of a new journey. It sparked a seed of curiosity that eventually led me to start my cut flower farm. A decision rooted in personal transformation, a deep love of nature, and an unshakable curiosity about growing beauty from the soil.

Flower beds planted with Spring blooms.

A Lifelong Love of Flowers

Flowers have always been a part of my life, thanks to my mom. Some of my earliest memories are of riding along with her to the garden centers to buy petunias and geraniums. I was always excited to walk through the greenhouses and help her pick out the brightest and prettiest blooms. She never grew flowers to cut and bring in the house though, and I had never really thought about the differences.

As I grew older, that love of flowers never faded, but life got busier. Between career responsibilities, kiddos, and daily obligations, I found myself planting less and less flowers. I never thought about farming them. When I saw the beauty that Erin Benzakein was growing, I was immediately intrigued. Could I actually grow my own flowers?

The Pull of Nature

For years, I had been craving more time outdoors, but I never made space for it in my life. I knew that fresh air and movement were good for me, yet the daily routine of screens, schedules, and stress kept pulling me away. When I finally allowed myself to be outside, hands in the dirt, I felt an undeniable sense of peace.

Starting a flower farm felt like the perfect excuse to immerse myself in nature daily. I needed that connection—to the earth, to the changing seasons, and to the simple yet miraculous process of growth. Each time I planted a seed or cut a bloom, I felt more in tune with the rhythm of the natural world and, unexpectedly, with myself.

Take a seat and enjoy the sunset on the farm.

Flower Farm Therapy

Perimenopause brought an unexpected set of challenges—brain fog, joint pain, and an overall feeling of being out of sync with my body. I struggled to stay focused, and even small tasks felt overwhelming some days. I knew I needed something new to engage my mind and body in a positive way.

Flower farming became that new challenge. It gave me something to learn, something to build, and something to look forward to. The planning, the problem-solving, the trial and error—it all kept my mind active in ways that felt refreshing rather than draining. Physically, the work was tough, but moving my body in a purposeful way, out in the fresh air, was far better than being stuck behind a desk. Over time, I noticed subtle but real improvements in my energy and mental clarity.

Science backs up what I experienced firsthand—gardening has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and even help with cognitive function. It’s no surprise that getting my hands in the soil made me feel more grounded, both physically and mentally.

Pollinators in the garden.

Following Curiosity & Taking the Leap

The more I read about flower farming, the more fascinated I became. I found myself staying up late researching soil health, seed varieties, and bouquet design. I learned about succession planting, pest management, and the art of harvesting flowers at just the right stage. I signed up for the University of Illinois extension office program to become a Master Gardener. I learned about becoming a garden consultant. Every new piece of information made me more eager to try it for myself.

Curiosity was my guide. I didn’t have a perfect business plan or a guarantee of success, but I knew I had to try. The idea of growing flowers and sharing them with others felt exciting and deeply fulfilling.

So, I took the leap. I carved out a space, bought a tiller from an estate sale, ordered my first batch of seeds, and started planting. It wasn’t always smooth—some flowers thrived while others struggled—but every season taught me something valuable. And with every bloom that unfurled, my confidence grew.

Nothing better for the soul than sipping your coffee in the garden.

More Than Just a Farm

Now, as I walk through my rows of dahlias, snapdragons, and zinnias, I see more than just flowers. I see a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth ... and it continues to build each and every day. My cut flower farm is more than a business—it’s a reflection of everything that brought me here: a lifelong love of flowers, a need to reconnect with nature, a way to navigate health challanges, and an insatiable curiosity to learn that led me to something truly meaningful.

For anyone standing at a crossroads, wondering whether to take that leap into something new, I say this: follow your curiosity. Let it lead you to unexpected places. Whether it’s flower farming or something entirely different, the path to something fulfilling often starts with a simple question—what if?

For me, that "what if" turned into a life in bloom.