Daily Inspiration: Meet Lacy Rookes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lacy Rookes.

Hi Lacy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The journey to my floral business, Moxie Blossoms, began unintentionally when I volunteered to donate flower arrangements at my son’s elementary school. While they were coping with a loss in the school community, our neighborhood wanted to shower them with love and support through various gift cards and treats. I felt that flowers would be a nice touch to make it feel personal, so I created multiple floral arrangements to accompany the gifts.

The thoughtful neighbor who collected and presented the gifts sent a quick text out to more than forty elementary moms in our neighborhood, which included a photo of the floral arrangements, to let them know how successful the donations for gifts had been. The following texts inquired where she had ordered such beautiful arrangements from, and she informed the group that they were from a fellow momma in our neighborhood and introduced me, Lacy Rookes. The compliments were kindly abundant and even asking if I took classes!

While I did not complete any classes in floral design, I did receive my bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University in 2005. I married my husband the same year and we settled in Vinings, Georgia.

I began teaching at a preschool in Buckhead as a Pre-K teacher in 2006 before transferring to a preschool in Dunwoody where spent eight more years teaching. I taught the “Young 5’s” class, and developed a successful Phonics curriculum that I offered as an enrichment program as well. I loved the creative freedom that the classroom environment provided, which lends itself to enjoying creativity in many genres, including floral arranging.

We welcomed a baby girl in 2013, and I continued to teach until we welcomed a baby boy in 2016. I decided that I would pause my career to be home with our children, and absolutely thought I would return to the classroom. Then the organic opportunity of flower arranging happened and Moxie Blossoms was established!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Obstacles are often present when starting any business, and for me it was the thought of charging people for flowers during a time of grief or any difficult life moment. I yearningly wanted to find a way to bring comfort by gifting the flowers, and possibly even make it a community wide collaboration. That’s when I had the idea to create Moxie Blossoms Cares. It’s a separate foundation that anyone can donate to, and goes into a separate fund to pay for the actual cost of the arrangements. I made a commitment to my MBC sponsors that I will donate my time and talent with their funds to make the floral arrangements absolutely free to those who are enduring a difficult time. Moxie Blossoms Cares has become a great success, and a favorite part of my business overall.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Moxie Blossoms has been a fulfilling and steady transition back to a career. I work from my home, which offers flexibility and convenience. My personal challenge for Moxie Blossoms was to make it stand out and offer a different approach considering the customer experience, and reducing the ecological footprint by using natural, recycled and repurposed materials. l also wanted it to be affordable. That is what lead to to the “moxie” in Moxie Blossoms. Moxie is a well rounded definition, but I was particularly drawn to “savvy, proficiency, courage and vigor”.

It brings me such joy to provide my clients with a product that is thoughtfully and intentionally curated to their taste.
Customers can customize their vessel, florals and color scheme for every order on any scale. Most of the vases are secondhand or donated, which maintains the goal of incorporating recycled and repurposed goods. Offering subscription services, flower arranging classes, “Moxie Mobile” where clients can create a bouquet at the location of their choosing,
homecoming and prom flair, Moxie Blossoms offers something to suit any floral occasion.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My childhood was greatly enriched by the quality time spent with my grandparents both maternal and paternal. I spent every weekend with one or the other, and it was the highlight of my week.

One of my favorite memories was going to The Biltmore house in Asheville, NC. Before online reservations and fancy audio tours was the simplicity of hopping in the car, parking and getting in line. Favorite childhood memories are often vivid, and this was surely one of them.

I still remember the sound and feel of the crunch of gravel under my feet as we waited in line to enter Americas largest home. Each step meant that we were that much closer to seeing what was as remarkable on the inside as the grandiose exterior was on the outside.

It was absolutely frigid that day, so a hot drink was essential. You can imagine the disappointment in hearing that my beverage would not include marshmallows, because they had sold out of hot chocolate. I was introduced to apple cider that day, and the anticipation and bitter cold made it the warmest, most delicious thing I had ever tasted. By the time the cinnamon aroma dissipated and I enjoyed a last sip, it was our turn to be invited into the mansion. I was in awe the entire time. I thought the visit had concluded after our last decent down the spiral staircase, but then came what would be my favorite part; the gardens and greenhouse. l had no idea that something alive could be so beautiful in the dead of winter, and in the mountains no less. While I never developed a green thumb, I fell in love with flowers that day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @moxieblossoms
• Facebook: Moxie Blossoms