Finding Redemption and Purpose Through Flowers: The Inspiring Story of Southside Blooms
In the heart of Chicago, where the bustling city life meets the quiet beauty of nature, lies an extraordinary story of transformation and redemption. Dionta White, a 29-year-old who once found himself entangled in a life of gangs and violence, has discovered a new path—one that involves flowers, farming, and a fresh start. Dionta works for Southside Blooms, a nonprofit organization that employs at-risk youth and young adults to grow and arrange flowers. For him, the journey from a life of chaos to one of peace began in the very same neighborhood where he was once shot. “To go back to the community where all that happened, really helped clear my mind,” Dionta shared. “To see how far I came from that—it’s like a starting point for me.” His story is one of resilience, and it’s a testament to the power of second chances.
Southside Blooms was founded by Quilen and Hannah Blackwell, a couple who shared a vision to make a difference in their community. Quilen, who was tutoring kids on Chicago’s South Side, met Hannah through her similar efforts on the city’s West Side. United by their Christian faith and a commitment to helping local youth, they not only married but also teamed up to create something meaningful. They began transforming vacant lots in the inner city into lush flower patches, turning spaces once marked by neglect into vibrant hubs of life and growth. With the help of the city, which provided free leases for some plots, and donations from supporters, Southside Bloows grew. Today, they manage six plots across Chicago, employing young people aged 16 to 25 to farm the land and run the flower business. For Dionta and others like him, this organization has been a lifeline.
The work at Southside Blooms is not just about growing flowers—it’s about growing people. Dionta, who was shot three times before turning his life around, found solace in the calm and serene environment of the flower farm. “It’s a very calm environment. Good people, good environment,” he said. “Being out in nature gets you closer to the earth. It puts you in a good mindset.” The positive feedback from the community has also been a source of pride and motivation for him. For many of the young people involved, Southside Blooms offers more than just a job—it offers a sense of purpose and belonging. Some learn basic farming skills, tending to the plots and growing flowers, while others explore the art of high-end floristry, creating beautiful arrangements that are sought after by clients across the city.
Southside Blooms is also making a name for itself as an eco-conscious business. Eighty percent of flowers sold in the U.S. are imported from overseas, and the Blackwells saw an opportunity to change that by bringing flower production to the inner city. Their arrangements are designed with sustainability in mind. They avoid floral foam, which is not biodegradable, and use compostable packaging instead. Leftover flowers are either repurposed or composted, and they even use solar power to run their irrigation systems. This commitment to the environment is not just a business strategy—it’s a way of life for the team at Southside Blooms.
One of the organization’s success stories is Rashod Little, an 18-year-old who once dreamed of becoming a basketball player but found his true talent in floristry. “He’s one of our top youth florists,” Quilen said proudly. Rashod’s arrangements have been used at weddings, five-star hotels, and major events at the Field Museum. He’s also achieved personal milestones, buying his own car and apartment. His success is a testament to the impact of Southside Blooms and the opportunities it provides for young people to grow and thrive.
In addition to their flower arrangements, Southside Blooms is now expanding into new and creative ventures. They recently launched a line of greeting cards made from recycled paper pulp and wildflower seeds. These cards can be planted in the ground, where they will sprout into wildflowers—a symbol of growth, hope, and renewal. For Rashod, who plans to make bouquets for his mother and grandmother this Valentine’s Day, the work at Southside Blooms is more than just a job—it’s a way to give back and spread joy. And for Dionta, who has come so far from the days of violence and pain, it’s a daily reminder of how far he’s come. As Southside Blooms continues to grow, it’s not just the flowers that are blooming—it’s the lives of the people who tend to them.
