Emma Chandler (‘27) began in the floral department of AGHS and now has a small business of her own privately selling handcrafted flower arrangements. 

She’s always loved flowers, but her love skyrocketed this year and opened her eyes to her potential. 

“I was really lost on what to do for a career and then I realized how much I enjoyed arranging flowers,” Chandler said. “It’s a nice mix of [sustainability] and art…”

She began in AGHS’s Floral pathway not knowing how much she would fall in love with it.

“I would definitely credit my class [for my love of floral design]. It’s teaching me some great techniques and skills,” Chandler said.

She started her business before 2025 AGHS Homecoming. Her first sales were corsages and boutonnières. Starting her business proved to be complex and it took more than just a few flowers and ribbons.

“My floral design teacher, [Shannon Lemons], provided materials that I paid her back for,” Chandler said. “That was a big support and she taught me most of what I know now.”

After her first business venture, she had customers asking for Valentine’s Day arrangements. AGHS Physics Teacher James Colgan, is a loyal customer of Chandlers and adores her arrangements. 

“I think she just has such a great eye,” Colgan said. “She’s able to interpret kind of vague directions, more of a feeling, and really deliver.”

Not only does her product feel intentional and have close attention to detail, but her arrangements are affordable compared to similar products. She doesn’t have set pricing for bouquets or other products because her pricing is primarily based on material cost. She is able and willing to complete special requests and go above and beyond for her clients.

“I ask [clients] what their budget is and [then] spend as much money as I can on flowers [to complete] what they want,” Chandler said.

She runs her business through an Instagram account where she posts examples of her work. She’s currently working to create a business card to promote her new venture and attract clients while furthering her expertise through more experience.

Her growing business has been supported by a few helping hands along the way.

“My mom supports me; she drives me to the store [to purchase all of my materials],” Chandler said. “All [of] my clients [support me, too].”

Chandler is happy with the way her journey is unfolding and cannot wait to create more arrangements for current and future customers.