From Cass Grad to Full-Time Florist: An Interview with Danielle Harris of Little Blooms Floral

Flowers have a way of changing lives—and for Danielle Harris, they turned a curiosity into a full-time career. After starting in Cass’s evening Professional Florist Training Program, Danielle discovered her passion, grew her skills, and eventually launched her own thriving business: Little Blooms Floral. Today, she designs dreamy weddings and events, inspires couples with her whimsical style, and even hires fellow Cass grads to join her team.

We caught up with Danielle to chat about her journey, the lessons she’s carried with her from Cass, and what it’s really like running a floral business.

The Journey Begins

Q: What first drew you to floral design?
Danielle: I honestly don’t know! I always thought flowers were pretty, and both my grandfathers were gardeners—so maybe it’s always been in me.

Q: Why Cass?
Danielle: The evening program fit my full-time work schedule, and the reviews were amazing. It felt right.

Q: First day of class—what was it like?
Danielle: Nerve-wracking! I sat in the back, not knowing the name of a single flower. But the excitement of diving in quickly took over.

 

The Cass Experience

Q: What lessons stuck with you?
Danielle: Radial lines, color theory, and intentional design. The fundamentals never fail.

Q: Most helpful part of the program?
Danielle: The business training—things like registering properly and filing taxes. That knowledge set me up for success.

Q: Anything you’d add to the program?
Danielle: More about buying wholesale—and I’d love to see alumni come back and share their journeys.

Building a Floral Career

Q: How did Little Blooms Floral begin?
Danielle: I launched in 2019 while working full-time in aerospace. After a friend’s wedding, things snowballed. By 2022, I was booking so many weddings I quit my corporate job. Now I design 30–35 weddings a year, plus events and holidays.

Q: Favorite type of project?
Danielle: Full-service weddings. Each one is so personal and unique—it’s magic.

Q: How would you describe your style now?
Danielle: Whimsical, garden-like, with movement and texture. I love monochromatic palettes and unique blooms.

 

Social Media & Business Insights

Q: How has social media shaped your business?
Danielle: It’s everything. Once I started showing my face and personality online, clients poured in. Now most find me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.

Q: Biggest challenge of running your own business?
Danielle: Turning it off. The to-do list never ends, so I’ve learned to schedule time off to recharge.

Hiring, Community & Looking Ahead

Q: You’re hiring Cass grads—what roles are you filling?
Danielle: Day-of event help: packing, unloading, setting up ceremonies and receptions, and assisting with big installations.

Q: What do you look for in freelancers?
Danielle: Hardworking, motivated, and able to thrive on busy wedding days. Teamwork is everything.

Q: Advice for new florists?
Danielle: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Growth takes time. Ask questions, lean on others, and celebrate every step.

Q: What’s next for Little Blooms?
Danielle: A bigger delivery vehicle—and one day, a larger design space. Always dreaming bigger!

Interested in starting your own floral career?

Danielle’s story shows what’s possible when you follow your passion and trust the process. She started exactly where many of our students do—nervous, curious, and excited to learn—and today she runs a thriving wedding and event floral business.

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your love of flowers into a career, now’s the time to begin. Join our Professional Florist Training Program and take the first step toward building your own floral journey.