My name is Christina, and my business, The Flower Lady OTR, was built on my desire to give back—to embody the phrase: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

The dream of starting my own urban flower farmer-florist business began in 2013 while I was working for Cincinnati’s Paul Mitchell cosmetology school and volunteering for their “Green Team.” John Paul DeJoria, the CEO of Paul Mitchell and a dedicated philanthropist funding various gardening projects, was instrumental in my journey. With determination, a clear vision, and the support of my boss, I secured a meeting with Mr. DeJoria to present my idea of adopting the oldest community garden in the heart of Cincinnati—The Over-the-Rhine People’s Garden. My goals were straightforward: to revitalize this inner-city garden with fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, and to educate as many people as possible on sustainable gardening practices without harming pollinators.

The meeting was a success! Thanks to a Grow Appalachia garden grant from Mr. DeJoria, I spent the next few years—after work and on weekends—growing in the garden and teaching area residents how to grow their own food and flowers. Simultaneously, I began studying horticulture with Berea College’s Grow Appalachia Program, taking online classes with Floret Flowers, connecting with local growers, and reading as many books as I could get my hands on. Being in nature, preserving it, and surrounded by excited and engaged adults and youth eager to learn brought me immense joy. By then, becoming a flower-farmer florist had become a passion, and I could envision the real possibility of it. I knew I had to find a way to do it full-time.

To pursue my dream, my husband and I decided to lower our expenses. We sold our three-bedroom home and a car, and moved to a 600-square-foot loft condo in Over-the-Rhine. Becoming a minimalist and learning how to grow a business was crucial. Everything started falling into place when my friend, the owner of Sunrock Farm, allowed me to use a portion of her land to grow flowers for my business. With these pieces coming together, I decided to go for it. In 2019, I resigned from my position and in 2020 began the full-time pursuit of my career as a flower farmer-florist.

Then I expanded! In June 2021, through the Urban Agricultural Program of Greater Cincinnati, I obtained an additional 1/3-acre plot of land in the historic East End to grow more flowers. Cultivating the land (primarily alone) and using simple hand tools has been a challenge, but I am happy to share that it is now full of blooming flowers!

What motivates me? Bringing flower farming-floristry to the youth. I lead a free garden club in our community garden with neighborhood kids, and I teach flower farming-floristry one day a week to the children attending Leaves of Learning, an innovative educational institute in Cincinnati. We successfully grew a cut flower garden on the school property, made spring earrings using daffodils, and harvested, designed, and gifted lots of flower arrangements. It’s been incredible!

I specialize in growing flowers and creating beautiful, fragrant solutions for a wide range of floral needs. My primary focus is on serving brides and grooms, my neighbors, restaurants, and florists in and around the Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I live, work, volunteer, and grow. I believe in the deep interconnectedness of all living things, which is why not all of my flowers are cut. I dedicate portions of my flower gardens to our precious pollinators and practice organic methods, including saving rainwater and making my own compost.

In the fall and winter, I transition to wreath making, creating stunning dried floral wreaths that celebrate the end of the growing season. These wreaths are a wonderful way to bring natural beauty into your home and mark the changing seasons with elegance and charm.

I love meeting people and sharing the growth of my business with the community. Whether you are looking for wedding flowers, a unique bouquet, or a seasonal wreath, I am here to provide you with the highest quality, organically grown blooms and bespoke floral designs. So, be sure to stay connected with me through my Instagram @theflowerladyotr & Facebook Page @theflowerladyotr & blog where you will find updates for opportunities to learn, be inspired to give, and appreciate nature.  

Peace, Love, Happiness & Flowers,

Christina

The Flower Lady OTR