Conversations with Charlie-Ann Rice

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie-Ann Rice. 

Hi Charlie-Ann, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When my son was born, he spent two weeks in the NICU and come home with a very strict medication schedule, so we decided for me to stay home for the time being until we had more answers. I saw the idea of flower farming on Instagram, and you know how the social media algorithm works. Soon enough, it was all over my feed. I thought to myself, “Hey, I could do that while being home with my baby and still contribute something to our family.” I pitched the idea to my boyfriend one day, and boom, Twenty-Nine Blooms was born. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To say I was ill-prepared my first year would be an understatement. I started way late in the season and had no idea what I was doing. No plans, no strategy, just grabbing whatever seeds I could get my hands on. However, I was blessed with an incredible friend that was also growing flowers and was extremely generous when I didn’t have enough flowers or just needed some encouragement. For this year, planning started in September, and everything will, hopefully, go smoother this year! 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I grow a wide variety of flowers in our backyard-turned-flower farm to offer fresh-cut bouquet subscriptions, made-to-order bouquets, bouquet bars and occasionally, take them to a local farm stand. Seasonally, we also make stovetop simmer jars which were a hit for Christmas. We currently have a batch in the works for Mother’s Day as well. I’d love to eventually open our backyard to allow customers to come and pick their own flowers. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I would say don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to people. I have a mentor I work with on Instagram and she’s based in Kansas. Locally, I was nervous to reach out to other flower farmers because I know how some people feel about “competition,” but I’ve been met with nothing but open arms and willingness to help whenever needed! 

Pricing:

• Fresh Cut Flower Summer Subscriptions range from $60-$360
• Stovetop Simmer Jars $10 (can be shipped)
• Twenty-Nine Blooms crewneck sweatshirts $47

Contact Info:

• Website: https://twentynineblooms.square.site/?fbclid=IwAR2ftt9wcOcyzOPhgC1UFuHuihMe52f22nujrhEPwfZXJI8odMxVYx1JfQI&mibextid=Zxz2cZ
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Twentynine.blooms
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twentynine.blooms?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Amber Leigh Photography