Written by Abigail Rose Richards

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A hidden gem sprinkled in the cities of Annapolis and Baltimore, Dandelions Flower Stand is blossoming into more than just a small business; it’s becoming a symbol of feminism, sustainability, and creativity. Founded by Danie Minor, who balances two full-time jobs while running this passion-driven project, Dandelions Flower Stand offers something unique: locally sourced, hand-selected flowers primarily from DMV’s (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) flower farms. This small business is continuously flourishing, not just for its beautiful arrangements, but for its commitment to supporting local agriculture and reducing the environmental footprint of flower sourcing.

Danie’s love for flowers started in an unexpected way. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she made a two-hour trip to pick up a bundle of tulips she’d religiously been purchasing at a local coffee shop down the street from her home. Sitting at one of her own self-serve stands outside of the Pitango Coffee Shop in Fells Point, Danie shares the story of where her obsession started. 

“I remember the day specifically- I was working my first big-girl job that I absolutely hated, and went to let off steam and get a coffee. This coffee shop had barrels of the biggest tulips I’d ever seen- I mean, their stems were as thick as a Expo Marker. And they were just so vibrant and healthy. I went to that exact coffee shop three times a week for months just so I could constantly keep them in my house.”

That very moment sparked a passion for floral design that Danie’s mother soon encouraged her to pursue. Since then, Danie has turned this love into a flourishing business that connects people to beauty in the most direct way- by offering fresh, seasonal bouquets. Dandelions Flower Stand operates through self-serve stands, local deliveries via DoorDash, and custom event orders, making it incredibly accessible for those in the DMV area. This convenience, along with the business's eco-friendly values, sets it apart from larger competitors like Trader Joe’s, whose flowers often aren’t locally sourced. Through pop-up events at farmers' markets and partnerships with other local businesses, Dandelions is slowly persuading how people think about purchasing flowers.

As Dandelions Flower Stand continues to grow, it remains rooted in its mission to support local flower farms and provide sustainable floral options. Danie Minor’s journey from a tulip-inspired road trip to a small business owner is a story of pursuing passion, and influencing both beauty and sustainability in the community. Through her business, she’s not only brightening the communities homes with flowers, but also raising awareness about the importance of supporting local sources.