Latest news with #CourtneySixx
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dahlias Aren't Just Pretty—Here's the Powerful Meaning They Hold
Dahlias Aren't Just Pretty—Here's the Powerful Meaning They Hold originally appeared on Dengarden. As a longtime dahlia enthusiast and grower, I've always been captivated by the different feelings that dahlias can evoke. From the sense of calm exuded by white dahlias to the cheerful disposition of yellow dahlias, it's easy to see why dahlias are an enduring late summer favorite. Each color dahlia carries its own meaning, symbolism and emotions that makes it a flower lover's go-to for the garden or bouquets time and time again. Learn the story behind various dahlia colors as flower experts weigh in on their use, representation and personality. Red dahlias are all about strength and power, says Althea Wiles, founder and creative director at Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio, which are perfect for making bold statements. 'I've used them in arrangements for business openings and graduations where people want to show they mean business,' she says. Courtney Sixx, founder and co-designer at Bouquet Box, says red dahlia energy is a cross between a romantic candlelit meal and classic Hollywood. 'Whether you're looking for blazing romance or a dash of classic grandeur, red dahlias are the epitome of passion,' she describes. Adrian Aviles, owner of Athletic Club Flower Shop, believes red dahlias also speak to courage. 'They feel like a heart-wide-open kind of flower,' he explains. Wiles says dramatic and rich burgundy dahlias are perfect for fall weddings. 'They represent enduring love and passion, and they photograph beautifully against autumn backdrops,' she describes. 'I've used them in bridal bouquets where the couple wanted something rich and romantic." Their more regal cousin, purple dahlias, add a vibrant touch to any garden or bouquet. 'Purple is enigmatic, royal and slightly empathetic,' Sixx says of the wide array of purple dahlia varieties. 'Opt for an individual who is proud of their individuality.' Flower experts also believe there's something mystical about these darker colorways. 'Even the deep purples and almost black varieties feel mysterious and a little magical,' Aviles says, 'as if they are keeping secrets.' For many, yellow dahlias symbolize a fresh start. "Yellow dahlias bring joy and new beginnings to mind,' Wiles says. 'I remember using them for a young couple's first home blessing." They also have an enticing, sunny disposition that's hard not to love. 'Yellow and orange dahlias are pure joy, like a late afternoon sunbeam,' Aviles says. 'To me, they represent optimism and zest for life.' Pink dahlias exude a softness and elegance that makes them one of the most popular dahlia colorways. Whether you opt for light pink or a rich hot pink, it's tough to go wrong with this color. "Pink dahlias lean more toward grace and kindness,' Wiles says, 'and are really sweet for mother-daughter occasions or thanking someone who's been particularly thoughtful." Sixx is a big fan of weaving pink dahlias into bouquets for a pop of color or soothing accent. 'For delicate or whimsical touches, or to tone down strong designs, I adore utilizing them,' she says. White dahlias are a classic colorway with a variety of uses. 'Their understated strength is ideal,' Sixx says. 'White dahlias are never dull and exude an air of grace.' Wiles adds that white dahlias are stunning for brides who want classic elegance with a 'bit more personality' than roses. 'They symbolize new beginnings and purity, but they've got this fullness that says you're not afraid to take up space and be noticed,' she says. No matter which colorway you go with, each dahlia variety carries its own meaning and symbolism that makes these graceful and captivating late summer beauties so enticing. 'Not only are they bold, but they're also complex and full of quiet drama,' Aviles says. 'There is something powerful about how they bloom so fully just as other flowers begin to fade.' Wiles believes dahlias are like people. 'They come in all these different personalities, but they're all part of the same beautiful family,' she says. 'That's probably why they've come to represent diversity and standing out from the crowd. The flower itself seems to say, 'This matters.''Dahlias Aren't Just Pretty—Here's the Powerful Meaning They Hold first appeared on Dengarden on Jul 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by Dengarden on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Bouquet Box Flower Bar Is Turning DIY Floral Arranging Into A Blooming Franchise Business
It's not a party without flowers Social media has transformed every celebration—whether it's a child's birthday or a large corporate event—into a full-blown production. Gone are the days of simple snacks and a few decorations. Today, personalized experiences and Instagram-worthy activities are the norm. That's exactly why Bouquet Box Flower Bar could be the next big franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to break into the event planning or floral industries. Bouquet Box Flower Bar is an exciting new offshoot of Bouquet Box, a floral subscription service launched in 2021 by Courtney Sixx in collaboration with famed floral purveyor Mark's Garden. Each Bouquet Box delivery includes a curated selection of fresh blooms, along with a vase, grid, and easy-to-follow instructions for creating a professional-quality arrangement at home. Bouquet Box Flower Bar Cofounders Courtney Sixx and Amy Nebens What started as a successful DIY floral subscription service has now blossomed into a high-demand, hands-on event activation known as the Bouquet Box Flower Bar—a unique offering that turns any gathering into a memorable floral experience. Sixx and Crawford In 2023, Bouquet Box collaborated with supermodel Cindy Crawford on a Mother's Day-themed box. This connection led to an introduction to Best Buddies International, where the Flower Bar concept was first born. "Cindy sits on the board of Best Buddies International and put us in touch with them when they were looking for flower ideas for their Mother's Day gala," says Sixx. Since Bouquet Box is a DIY experience rather than a traditional florist, Sixx came up with the idea to set up a flower bar at the event. "We wanted guests to enjoy a floral buffet, where they could create their own arrangements. When they were done, they took their vases to their tables as centerpieces and brought them home as favors. It was amazing—for us, the guests, and the hosts." It turned out to be hit because flower arranging is something anyone can do. Anthony K. Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, shared, "Our Best Buddies participants and guests had an amazing time creating beautiful floral arrangements at the Bouquet Box Flower Bar during our Mother's Day events. Everyone walked away with flowers, fun, and new friendships." Following that success, Bouquet Box began receiving requests to bring its flower bars to other events such as bridal showers, baby showers, Sweet 16s, bat mitzvahs, and even corporate gatherings. Most notably, the brand became an official partner of Miss America in 2024. Sixx holding a Bouquet Box arrangement at Miss America With growing demand, Sixx realized the model wasn't sustainable with just her and partner Amy Nebens, a former editor at Martha Stewart Weddings. "We needed local boots on the ground—people immersed in their communities where outreach and integration could be seamless," says Sixx. Designed to be both affordable and flexible, the flower bar franchise was built with working mothers and creative entrepreneurs in mind. "The startup cost is low compared to most other franchises," says Sixx. "There's no need for a brick-and-mortar space or ongoing inventory since flowers and vases are ordered per event. It's a true home-based franchise." Thanks to its flexible model, franchisees can set their own schedules and scale the business based on their availability. "It's ideal for women who want a creative outlet with the freedom to work around family life or another job," Sixx adds. Bouquet Box provides franchisees with everything they need to succeed: a trusted system, logistical support, fulfillment, product access, branding assets, and ongoing coaching. 'No floral expertise is required—just a love of flowers and an entrepreneurial spirit.' Nicky Hilton Rothschild at Bouquet Box Flower Bar So far, Bouquet Box Flower Bar franchisees have made a splash at high-profile events for brands like Bloomingdale's, MaxMara, the Jackson Hole Film Festival, the LPGA, the Caldera House, and The Carriage House in Palm Beach. With the growing popularity of DIY floral bars and personalized event experiences, Bouquet Box Flower Bar is poised to be one of the most exciting and accessible low-cost franchise opportunities for 2025 and beyond.
