By: Travis Hutton

Suzanne Stowers Barrett, a native of Dawson County, Georgia, is the co-founder of Stowers’ Flowers, a floral business that blends creativity with community impact. Suzanne’s life has been shaped by her family’s deep roots in education and service. Her father, Keith Stowers, served as Dawson County’s School Superintendent, inspiring Suzanne’s commitment to growth, resilience, and community connection. Before founding her floral business in December 2024 with her nephew, Suzanne spent over a decade excelling in the die-making and die-cutting industry, where she gained invaluable experience in operations, sales, and customer service. Today, Suzanne channels her professional expertise into creating stunning floral arrangements that bring joy to clients while supporting causes like PurpleStride, which raises funds for pancreatic cancer research. Her story is one of reinvention, passion, and an unwavering dedication to cultivating beauty and connection.

What drew you to flowers as a way to express your creativity and purpose?

Flowers have always had a special place in my heart. They’re more than just beautiful—they have the power to express emotions that words sometimes can’t. Whether it’s a bouquet celebrating a joyous occasion or one offering comfort during a difficult time, flowers connect us in profound ways. I’ve always loved gardening and creating small arrangements for friends and family, so when the opportunity arose to turn that passion into a business, it felt like a natural fit. Flowers give me a way to blend creativity with my professional skills while also spreading joy to others.

How did your experience in the die-making and die-cutting industry prepare you for launching Stowers’ Flowers?

My time in die-making taught me so much about organization, precision, and the importance of relationships. Managing operations and sales for over a decade gave me a deep understanding of logistics, customer service, and how to keep things running smoothly. Those skills have been invaluable in building Stowers’ Flowers from the ground up. Running a floral business might seem completely different, but the principles are the same—putting the customer first, staying organized, and always striving for excellence. I also learned how to adapt to challenges, which has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

What role has your family and upbringing in Dawson County played in shaping your journey?

My family and my roots in Dawson County have been foundational to everything I’ve done. My father, Keith Stowers, was a school superintendent, and his dedication to education and service left a lasting impression on me. My mother, Sandra, was equally supportive and instilled in me the importance of resilience and kindness. Losing my sister, Beth, was a painful experience, but her memory continues to inspire me to live with purpose and compassion. Growing up in a close-knit community taught me the value of giving back, and that’s something I strive to carry forward in my work and personal life.

What has been the most rewarding part of running Stowers’ Flowers?

Without a doubt, it’s seeing the joy our arrangements bring to people. There’s something magical about delivering a bouquet and witnessing the genuine happiness it brings. Flowers have a way of brightening even the darkest days, and knowing that we can be a part of someone’s story—whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or a moment of healing—is incredibly fulfilling. Another rewarding aspect is working with my nephew. Building this business together has been a meaningful experience, and it’s brought our family even closer.

How do you balance creativity with running the business side of Stowers’ Flowers?

It’s definitely a balancing act, but I’ve learned to integrate the two. The creative side is what fuels my passion—designing arrangements, selecting the perfect flowers, and making sure each bouquet tells a story. On the business side, my background in operations and sales gives me the tools to keep things running efficiently. I approach it as a partnership; the business side supports the creative side and vice versa. Having my nephew as a co-founder also helps because we can share responsibilities and play to our individual strengths.

What role does giving back to the community play in your work?

Giving back is at the core of everything I do. Growing up in Dawson County, I saw how much impact a supportive community can have on a person’s life. That’s why we’ve made community involvement a priority at Stowers’ Flowers. Whether it’s donating arrangements for local events or supporting causes like PurpleStride, we want our business to be a force for good. It’s not just about selling flowers; it’s about creating connections and making a difference in people’s lives.

What advice would you give to someone looking to reinvent their career or start a new venture?

First, don’t let fear hold you back. Change is always intimidating, but it’s also where growth happens. Trust in your skills and the lessons you’ve learned along the way—they’ll serve you in ways you might not expect. Second, be prepared to work hard and embrace challenges. Entrepreneurship is rewarding, but it’s not without its hurdles. Finally, make sure your venture aligns with your passions and values. When you’re doing something you love and believe in, it doesn’t feel like work—it feels like purpose.

What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you find balance in your busy life?

Every day is different, which is part of what I love about this journey. Some days, I’m meeting with clients to discuss their vision for an event, while other days, I’m in the workshop designing arrangements or managing the business side of things. I always make time to unwind, though, whether it’s spending time in my garden, reading, or listening to music. Balance is important to me—it keeps me grounded and allows me to show up fully for my clients, my family, and myself.

What’s next for you and Stowers’ Flowers?

We’re focused on growing the business while staying true to our mission of spreading joy and giving back to the community. I’d love to explore new ways to reach more people, whether that’s through expanding our services or collaborating with other local businesses. Personally, I want to continue finding joy in what I do and building meaningful connections with the people we serve. For me, the journey is just as important as the destination, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.

For Suzanne Stowers Barrett, success is more than achieving professional milestones—it’s about bringing joy, building connections, and making a positive impact on the community she holds dear. Through Stowers’ Flowers, she continues to inspire with her passion, resilience, and commitment to creating beauty in every aspect of her life.

Published by Drake M.