I’ve always loved beautiful things, and as I have grown older the delicate grace of flowers that once enchanted me has since been magnified ten-fold. I will admit I have most recently been drooling over flower’s artistry in the wake of spring. I have paid homage to the striking white, purple and yellow hues found among statement-making pansies. The more pastel colored snapdragons that I have memories of playing with as a child will never cease draw amazement. I happened upon a Facebook ad many months ago from Calhoun Flower Farms. One thing lead to another, and Susannah Calhoun has been gracious enough to make the time to share with me how she creates and cultivates sustainable flower arrangements and individual blooms from field to vase. I was even able to cut my own blooms at their Harvest Party this fall!

The Roots of Calhoun Flower Farms

The beginning of Calhoun Flower Farms creation is actually rooted in another business. In 2012 Susannah Calhoun’s sister, Emily Calhoun, began Floriography as a response to a visit she had in Ecuador and ultimately as part of the slow flower movement.

Ecuador is famously known for it’s long-stemmed roses (as they are so near the equator they are able to grow them straight) and is highly specialized in the flower market. However, working conditions are often poor for the women and children who typically grow the blooms for your flower arrangements. Most are not paid well and the labor is incredibly intensive. It is also unknown to most consumers that by the time blooms find their way into your home they are typically five days to a week old and drenched in chemicals.

Young, small-acreage farmers transitioning the seventy-five percent of blooms utilized in the US grown in Ecuador to be grown state-side are part of the slower flower movement. Another part of Floriography’s mission (who is named after the language of flowers) is to understand and interpret how flowers will naturally move and grow. Many don’t know that most large flower chains will actually wire tulips into an ideal shape while they are naturally floppy.

Starting a flower farm seemed like a very natural fit as the Calhoun sisters’ mom was a fourth-generation rancher and her father was a fifth-generation farmer.

Calhoun Flower Farms was eventually born.

The Early Days

From the humble beginnings of growing of growing in the front yard’s of local residents to eventually leasing one quarter of an acre on their grandmother’s farm Calhoun Flower Farms has grown into a very successful and unique business.

When Calhoun Flower Farms began, Susannah’s sister Emily would take the blooms and flower arrangements they grew to farmers markets. She wanted to impress upon people that even here in Southwest New Mexico, it was possible to grow beautiful, long-lasting flowers.

In the beginning many passerbys would look, but never make a purchase. The cultivated flowers were so gorgeous, most thought them to be fake! The early days of this business (as so many are) were difficult. However, Emily persisted because she honestly loved the process and believed in the mission behind the business.

The Passion Behind the Business

Both Emily and Susannah will always believe the whole process of growing flowers should be beautiful. This begins at the farm all the way to your to table. For Susannah, it is a very sentimental legacy. She relishes the memories of her grandmother’s presents to her grandchildren. Daffodils always adorned solo cups in the fridge to be given as gifts. The planting of one thousand daffodils each year at Calhoun Flower Farms is one way the Calhoun sisters choose to honor their grandmother’s memory. From this nostalgia, seeing the expressions the flowers create and their measured positive impact Susannah has truly continued to fall in love with it.

Measurable Impacts From Cruelty-Free Flowers

Susannah shared that Calhoun Flower Farms has been beneficial both internally and externally for the community. People employed by Calhoun Flower Farms have been provided with a sense of purpose. She mentioned it has been exceptionally fun to empower young women. She feels Calhoun Flower Farms helps them experience the more feminine side associated with flowers but also allows them to enjoy the farming aspects as well. In addition to this Susannah enjoys giving farm tours people of all ages. She states that sharing more about flower farming in this way has been extremely impactful.

Working around flowers has been scientifically proven to create a sense of well-being, Susannah shared. Different varieties can solve a whole range of problems from stomach troubles to tooth aches. She also appreciates the triangle between business, creativity and business.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Flower Arrangements

Calhoun Flower Farms is heavily influenced by a mixed interpretation. Their flower arrangements include the visual aspects of farming flowers and a garden and nature aesthetic. Calhoun Flower Farms sells through both wholesale and retail. They also supply blooms for weddings and will design flower arrangements through a separate company.

Susannah notes that her days tend to begin about 5:30 AM and end near 6 PM. She has an ideal schedule but during the season it can vary based upon what each facet demands. Ideally she’ll spend about half the time on farm, or in the office and then Friday’s preparing for event preparation. Some days begin by weeding on the farm. Others begin with answering emails. Susannah tackles both tasks fueled by passion and lots of coffee!

A Word of Advice to Other Small Business Owners

When asked what she would share with other small business owners, Susannah stresses a few key tenets. She emphasizes that you should always think long-term when making financial investments to help your business grow. Susannah also urges small business owners to stick to your guns. If you truly feel your product is high quality and  you should never feel nervous about pricing. As Susannah mentioned, if it has your heart and soul put into it you should stand confidently in this regard. It’s also incredibly important to be realistic in regards to your goals.

Visiting with Susannah from Calhoun Flower Farms was truly a treat. She is so incredibly driven and passionate about the purpose and services both she and her business provide. If you want to see some of the GORGEOUS flower arrangements or blooms available you can find more information here or follow her brand on Facebook!

Attending a Most Magical Harvest Party

Last weekend as the sun sunk low in the sky, I was able to visit Calhoun Flower Farms during their Harvest Party. Guitar music permeated the cool evening air as I clipped lavender blooms and marveled at the striking almost effervescent petals of sunflowers. It was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I will probably blog about it at a later date.

Have you ever been to a Harvest Party?

Thanks for reading!

Lauren