Charla Burgess, a multifaceted figure hailing from northern Michigan, seamlessly juggles roles as a mother, gardener, and community advocate. Her journey, marked by resilience in the face of adversity, is a testament to the transformative power of nurturing both family and flower fields.
Burgess traces her affinity for soil back to her childhood in Woodstock, Illinois, where she first embraced farm life, lending a hand at a local dairy farm. This early connection with the land would later blossom into a passion for gardening, prompting her move to Northern Michigan alongside her then-husband, a place she now fondly calls home.
Her northern odyssey commenced in Traverse City, where she immersed herself in agricultural pursuits while raising her children, Willa and Simon. Despite a setback—a divorce that led to the loss of her farm—Burgess persevered, rebuilding her life from scratch in Benzie County with unwavering determination.
Relocating to Frankfort in 2014, Burgess returned to her roots, nurturing the land and cultivating organically grown produce and flowers for herself and her community. What began as a personal endeavor soon blossomed into a thriving business, affectionately named Sow She Grows, under the guidance of her close confidante Christina Ryan-Stoltz.
Even amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, Burgess’s dedication to her craft remained steadfast. Initially unsure of market demand, she continued cultivating her blooms, finding solace in the beauty they brought amidst chaos. The community responded enthusiastically, affirming the enduring appeal of her vibrant bouquets and artisanal offerings.
Today, Burgess operates Sow She Grows from her quaint self-service flower shed in Frankfort. Here, patrons can peruse an array of delights—from fresh floral arrangements to artisanal soaps, botanical dyes, and pressed flower art—all crafted with meticulous care and a deep-rooted passion for sustainability.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Burgess remains committed to family, with her children actively involved in various facets of her business. From packaging and deliveries to creative contributions, their roles underscore a shared commitment to nurturing both business and familial ties.
Reflecting on her journey, Burgess finds profound lessons in the unpredictability of farming and motherhood—lessons of resilience, faith, and the beauty found in life’s imperfections. Her story serves as a reminder that amidst life’s challenges, embracing the natural cycles of growth and renewal can yield profound rewards.
In Frankfort, Michigan, Charla Burgess continues to sow seeds of inspiration, her flower farm not merely a business venture, but a testament to the enduring allure of nature’s beauty and the transformative power of perseverance.
