Life & Work with Mandi Clark of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandi Clark.

Hi Mandi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Sonshine Blooms started as a mother-son gardening duo. My son, Van, and I began growing cut flowers in our backyard just for fun. One day he told me, “I want to open a flower stand.” Most kids want a lemonade stand—but he wanted a flower stand.

We set one up, and to our surprise, we sold out in about an hour. Seeing how much joy those flowers brought people planted a seed that would eventually grow into something much bigger.

What started as a small backyard flower stand has evolved into a full-service floral business. Today, we create flowers for everyday moments, weddings, funerals, corporate events, and everything in between. The heart of the business is still the same as it was on day one—bringing a little sunshine into someone’s day through flowers.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Haha! What a funny question. It has been anything but a smooth road.

When Sonshine Blooms first started growing, I was balancing two full-time jobs—teaching first grade during the day and building my floral business during every spare moment I had. There were plenty of late nights, early mornings, and moments where I questioned whether I could keep up with both.

Then in April, our family experienced a house fire that turned our lives upside down. Not only was it our home, but it was also where I ran my business. For a moment, it felt like everything I had worked so hard to build was at risk.

What I’ve learned through all of it is that setbacks don’t have to be the end of the story. The community showed up for us in ways I’ll never forget, and I was blessed to find a new home for Sonshine Blooms inside Sweet Memories in Girard. Today, even as we’re rebuilding and navigating change, the business continues to grow.

Looking back, even though the road hasn’t been smooth—every challenge has reminded me why I started in the first place and how much this business means to me and my family.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would describe my style as garden-inspired. Since I started as a gardener before becoming a florist, I love incorporating unique elements like lavender, chamomile, mint, herbs, and other natural textures into my designs. I want every arrangement to feel fresh, organic, and one-of-a-kind.

What I’m most proud of is creating flowers that feel personal. I love getting to know my clients, hearing their vision, and then bringing it to life using some of God’s beautiful creations and a little creativity of my own. No two arrangements are exactly alike because no two people are exactly alike.

My favorite designs are actually everyday arrangements—the bouquets sent “just because,” for birthdays, anniversaries, encouragement, or sympathy. We deliver throughout Mahoning and Trumbull Counties, and there is nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up when flowers arrive at their door.

I think what sets me apart is my attention to detail, my love of color, and my desire to create something truly unique for every customer. Many people compliment my eye for color combinations, and I love finding unexpected ways to blend colors, textures, and flowers together to create something special.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice is simple: don’t give up.

No matter what you’re building, there will be setbacks, mistakes, and days when you wonder if it’s all worth it. Everyone fails at something. The difference is how you respond when things don’t go as planned.

I’ve always believed in the saying, “Fall down three times, get up four.” Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep moving forward. Success rarely happens overnight—it’s built through consistency, perseverance, and a willingness to keep going when things get hard.

If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be to worry less about being perfect and focus more on taking the next step. You don’t have to have everything figured out to get started. Just start, learn as you go, and trust the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sonshineblooms.com
• Instagram: sonshinebloom_oh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582441778965
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sonshineblooms
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sonshine-blooms-girard