Our Story
Our story is one of hard times propelling us to persevere and pursue long lost goals.
After working for the same company for a decade, Samuel found himself unemployed. Wanting to provide for his family, he began looking for work in the metal design industry. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, it was clear that finding a new secular job would not be an easy task as businesses were closing left and right. So, he decided to change his approach and do what he knew how to- what he was good at. He began asking friends and family if anyone needed ornamental metalwork done. Lo and behold, several people hired him for custom jobs. He has been thankful to be doing the craft he loves, on his own terms, keeping the health of himself and his family in mind and his work shows this.
In early 2020, with her husband now working from home, Cherrelle had the “crazy” idea to turn their entire front yard into a flower garden. A kind neighbor smiled and shook his head as he tilled up the nearly 1/8 acre space. Using seeds acquired at a local seed exchange and a tiny, tattered, plastic greenhouse gifted from a friend, Cherrelle grew each plant with care. Sam and Cherrelle sourced leaves and mulch from landscapers and roadwork crews. They amended the soil with llama manure and their own chickens’ aged bedding. Loads of sweat, several blisters, and a few sunburns later, they had a lovely flower patch!
Seeing the beauty of each unique flower brought Cherrelle such peace and feelings of closeness to our Creator. As the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic carried on, she decided to share these beautiful creations with friends, making personalized bouquets and delivering them at doorsteps. Soon, friends and family were messaging her, asking to purchase bouquets as gifts for their own friends and family. This opportunity allowed her to continue gifting bouquets and to share the joy of gift-giving with others!
Since then, Flora & Forge has grown exponentially; providing high-quality, specialty, cut flowers to the Ozarks in a number of ways.
Cherrelle truly enjoys the entire process from seed to vase. She is very grateful to be able to work with such beautiful, biological works of art!
Contact us for any custom metal or floral works.