As love season comes along and the smell of fresh flowers fills the hallways of Mills High School, many students find themselves wishing for a bouquet to celebrate. Whether for Valentine’s Day or a simple gesture, flowers hold a meaningful symbol of care. Fortunately for many Mills students, senior Brooke Phimsoutham has turned this perception into a growing floral arrangement business, Brooke’s Bouquets, rooted in passion.
Phimsoutham never expected to find her small hobby of flower arranging to blossom into a business, saying, “I started making bouquets for my friends and family in January 2025.” But seeing the appreciation and joy on many of her peers’ faces shifted her perspective, turning flower arranging into a deeper way to connect with many. “What started as a hobby became something deeper once I began seeing people’s reactions,” Phimsoutham explains.
From the beginning, she gained strong support from many of those closest to her. “I first started by asking my mom and her friends for some support,” she says. “From there, my family and friends helped promote it.” With familial and platonic support, this played a crucial role in her confidence and helped to spread word about her business.
Many small businesses are driven by profit rather than passion, but Phimsoutham insists that money isn’t what gives her motivation for her business. “I try not to overcharge because what truly motivates me is the joy and appreciation customers express when they receive their bouquets,” she explains. For Phimsoutham, the emotional value of flowers dominates their financial property, as each bouquet she structures is made with careful thoughtfulness and a personal touch.
However, like many entrepreneurs and new businesses, Phimsoutham has faced many obstacles along her way. One of the main difficulties Phimsoutham faces is working with customers who are not specific about what they want. “I feel guilty when I have to ask a bunch of questions,” she admits, “but sooner or later I will come up with a solution.” This showcases Phimsoutham’s resilience and her passion for providing excellent service to her buyers. For custom floral arrangements, clear communication is crucial in order to create the best curated pieces.
Naturally, many customers provide their inspiration using photos from the web. When they do not, Phimsoutham turns to style apps such as Pinterest in order to create her own mood boards and designs based on the type of flowers a customer has requested in their order. With her creativity and patience, Phimsoutham continues to blossom as an artist rather than just a small business owner. As this year’s love season arrives, Brooke’s Bouquets remains a reminder that desire can grow into something significant, as her work leaves a lasting impression on her customers.
