Life & Work with Brenda Hayden

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Hayden. 

Hi Brenda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The path to flowers started a bit in my backyard learning how to grow cut flowers for my own use too!!

I was a kindergarten teacher in Florida and one of my students had given me a packet of zinnia seeds as a teacher gift. I was unpacking one day I found it and added to my veggie garden. Figuring out how to grow the zinnias and how to flip and sell antiques and treasures online and finding flowers farmers on IG is a more detailed accurate answer.

I have been growing flowers for about 1 1/2 years. The idea came to me about 2 years ago. I have always loved to grow things and have enjoyed the presence of beautiful flowers around my home. Both sets of grandparents always had a garden and flowers. My parents always take pride in their lawn and flowers have always been a part of the landscape. My brother is a rancher and a big-time farmer of corn, soybeans, and wheat. 

I moved back to Kansas after living in Florida for 13 years Trying to figure out what I wanted to do the rest of my life I dabbled in a few things I thought I wanted to own an antique store one day. I have always loved to hunt for treasures. One day I was on my IG looking at antiques and home decor when I ended up finding all of these women growing flowers and selling them. The wheels started to turn in my head. I really think it was the big guy upstarts telling me to do it!! I started researching how to be a flower farmer, I took an online class, bought my seeds, started the seeds, planted the seeds and the rest is history. Here I am with a bigger dream now than when I started this little adventure. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My life before flowers was a huge struggle The flower gig has been hard work but I have loved every minute of it. I am fortunate enough to have the support of my family to help me get this dream up and running. I have the support of my parents, my significant others, and my kids. I can tell they are all proud of me!! 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I grow and sell flowers I specialize in seasonally grown flowers 

I sell my flowers at our local market and Maggie’s popcorn and ice cream shop on the main street in Ottawa 

I also deliver meals on wheels and bring flowers to my seniors on my route. They love the flowers, when I deliver them sometimes, we both are crying!! They are so happy to receive the flowers. 

I think everyone deserves flowers. I love my community; I really want my flowers to bring people together and help spread a bit of joy to our small town. 

Any big plans?
We just recently installed a hoop house 30×72 feet We purchased it through a company from Anne Harbor Michigan. This will allow me to extend my growing season into the fall as well as overwinter flowers so they will be ready in early spring. I am learning a lot, experimenting with new plants, and figuring out what works for me and my customers and what doesn’t. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Www.auntbblossoms.com
• Instagram: @auntbblossoms
• Facebook: Auntbblossoms
• Other: Tiktok @flowergal