Over her 40-year career, Blossoms Florist owner Carol Ruffin has created floral arrangements for countless funerals, including one in early 2023 for Michelle Bush’s grandmother.
That’s how Carol first met Michelle, a 36-year-old health equity and advocacy consultant. Michelle told Carol she enjoys flowers. Since then, she has been a mainstay in Carol’s floral design classes, known as Blossoms Floral Academy.
The academy, which includes separate classes for adults and high school students, is funded by grants from United Way’s Black Empowerment Works grant program. Carol, nearing retirement, sought the funding because Black florists are underrepresented in the region. Hers is one of only three Black-owned shops…