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Inspiring Conversations with Shannon Zolla of Harvest Blooms Flower Farm

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Zolla.

Hi Shannon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I fell in love with the magic of growing cut flowers in 2019, after planting a few dahlias in my backyard. What started as a simple garden quickly became a sanctuary. A quiet space where I could retreat to reflect, process and begin to heal during a difficult season in my life. Tending to those blooms taught me so much about how God tends to us, and helped me grow personally in unexpected but deeply meaningful ways.

For years, I gardened simply for the joy of it. I’d share extra flowers with friends and neighbors, and each season I added a little more to my growing space. But I never felt the push to make it something bigger — until recently.

Maybe it was the milestone of turning 40, or the emotional shift of preparing to send my son off to college next year, but in November 2024, the dream that had quietly lived in my heart became impossible to ignore. It was time to turn this passion into something more. To share with others the joy, beauty, and peace that growing flowers had given me. So with a lot courage (and a very generous friend with extra land), I took the leap and I haven’t looked back.

Sometimes I (jokingly?) question if this is my midlife crisis. And well, if it is, I’m all in! Give me all the dirt, the blooms, and the joy that comes with it!

The heart behind Harvest Blooms has always been clear: to cultivate joy and connection through flowers. I dream of one day having my own farmhouse where I can host on-farm events, u-picks, and workshops. I desire to create a place for people to slow down, reconnect, be reminded of the beauty around them, and nuture authentic community. I truly believe each flower is a tiny miracle in our midst. The fact that something so breathtaking can grow from a teeny tiny seed never stops amazing me. Growing flowers is peaceful and grounding for me, but the most meaningful part is getting to share that joy with others.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, the flowers are growing beautifully and doing what they’re meant to do, it’s me who’s faced the greatest struggles. The biggest challenge I’ve dealt with is battling imposter syndrome and navigating the unknown. Diving in headfirst with little experience but a world of passion is intimidating, not to mention incredibly vulnerable. I’ve learned a lot about myself in just a few short months. Some things I’m proud of, and some I’m not. I guess you could say I’m growing right alongside the flowers!

I’ve come to realize I need to give myself grace and space to learn. Not only am I learning how to grow high quality blooms, but also how to run a business! Neither of which I have a lot of experience doing. Often I think, “Who am I to do this?” or “What if it all fails?” but I’m learning to push past those doubts because I know I’m following my passion and purpose. Flaws, mistakes, and set backs are part of authentically creating something unique, beautiful and genuine. Im learning to embrace it all, though the perfectionist in me struggles with that sometimes.

I also keep getting affirmed along the way through kind words from customers, support from friends and family, and the happiness I see when someone picks up their blooms. I feel pure joy when someone shares with me who the flowers are for and why. Whether it’s a birthday surprise, celebrating a milestone, a gesture of kindness, or just because. It makes this work feel so much bigger and more meaningful. Those moments help me remember I’m on the right path, even when things feel challenging.

I’m going to face struggles and obstacles — that’s just a natural side of growing something new — but what guides me forward is my mission: to grow beautiful flowers as a way to foster joy and create connection within my community.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Harvest Blooms Flower Farm?
Harvest Blooms is a boutique flower farm based in Spring Hill, Kansas. I grow high-quality, specialty cut flowers — all organically and intentionally cared for from seed to bloom. What makes Harvest Blooms unique is that every flower is grown by hand, harvested at its peak, and sold within a day or two so you’re getting the freshest, most vibrant blooms possible.

But more than that, Harvest Blooms is built around a mission: to cultivate joy and connection through flowers. I believe flowers have the power to slow us down, spark wonder, and bring people together. I want to share that with my community.

I specialize in unique, seasonal varieties you won’t often find in a grocery store bouquet. The kind that turn heads and make people say, “Where did you get those?” Each bloom is a testament to the beauty that nature can create, and I love helping people connect to that in a meaningful way.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Harvest Blooms feels personal — because it is. I’m hands-on in every part of the process, from planting to arranging to delivering. There’s heart (and a lot of sweat) that goes into every stem. And to me, it’s not just about selling flowers; it’s about creating moments of delight, wonder, and peace in the middle of our busy lives. Something we certainly don’t do enough of.

If you’re looking for flowers with soul, you’ll find them here.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are so many fun ways to support this flower-filled dream of mine! The easiest? Buy the flowers! Whether it’s a bundle for your kitchen table, a gift for a friend, or just because you survived a Monday, your support means everything. I offer many ways to purchase blooms. Check them out on my website and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, or have a specific need, don’t hesitate to send me a message!

I’m also all about community and collaboration. Want to host a workshop together? Team up for a pop-up? Dream up something totally out of the box? Let’s do it. I love working with other creative, kind-hearted people who believe in spreading joy (and maybe a little dirt under the nails).

And if you’re local, I’d love to meet you in person! Come say hi at the Bloom Cart — you can find me at 151st & MurLen in Olathe, surrounded by fresh cut blooms and probably a cup of coffee. Bloom Cart hours and bouquet availability will be posted on social media.

And hey, if you’re not nearby or not in a flower-buying season of life, no worries. Cheering me on from afar, sharing my work with a friend, or sending an encouraging message absolutely counts. It all helps this wildflower of a dream keep growing!

Pricing:

  • Bloom Bouquets $25-$40
  • Bloom Subscriptions $100
  • Bulk Buckets $30+
  • Bloom Bars $200+

Contact Info:

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