When Yanique Shaw, founder of Boston Flower Co., arranged flowers for her uncle’s 70th birthday, she discovered a passion that would soon reshape her career. The oldest of her siblings, Ms. Shaw had always taken charge—but this time, creativity took the lead.
After attending a flower workshop to support a friend, she was hooked. What began as a hobby—creating arrangements for friends and family—quickly became a calling. She had worked in marketing at Encore Boston Harbor, where she became fascinated by events and design. “I realized I loved the floral and décor aspect of it,” she recalls.
During the pandemic, Ms. Shaw gave herself one year to take the leap from marketing professional to entrepreneur. She set goals, built a website, and leaned on mentors. “It was scary leaving a steady job, but I surrounded myself with the right people and kept going,” she says.
As her client base grew, she dreamed of moving beyond her mother’s garage into a real storefront. With LEAF’s technical assistance and a flexible loan, that dream became reality. “Chris (Hunter) from LEAF helped me understand my financials and prepared me to open my first shop with confidence,” she explains.
Today, Boston Flower Co. designs stunning florals for weddings, corporate events, and community workshops that bring people together. “I’m hopeful,” Ms. Shaw says. “This business started from love—and it’s still growing.”
Visit Boston Flower Co. for custom arrangements, gifts, and creative workshops.