In the heart of South Side Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, a local businessman is using flowers as a catalyst to foster community growth. Quilen Blackwell, co-founder of Chicago Eco House/Southside Blooms, has embarked on a mission to empower young individuals and uplift the community.
Situated at 62nd and Morgan, a seemingly unassuming building houses the blossoming endeavor. Despite initial appearances, the air inside is filled with the scent of beautiful flowers, cultivated right in Englewood at Southside Blooms.
Blackwell emphasizes, “We’re growing beautiful flowers here in Englewood.” In a community where roses sprout from concrete, Southside Blooms is making a unique impact.
Ryan Baker of CBS 2 interviewed Blackwell, delving into the vision behind this initiative. Blackwell draws a parallel between the unexpected success of NBA player Derrick Rose, who emerged from a similar community, and the potential for a thriving flower business in Englewood.
Explaining the broader goal, Blackwell and his wife, Hannah, aim to build community bonds and alleviate poverty. They operate five small flower farms on the South and West sides of Chicago, utilizing vacant land for cultivation.
Blackwell highlights the abundance of vacant land in the city, questioning, “Why can’t we grow those flowers here?” The couple’s efforts have resulted in vibrant buds and colorful creations used for weddings, corporate events, and retail deliveries across the city.
Beyond the floral business, Southside Blooms is sowing seeds of opportunity for young people in the community. By imparting the skills of the trade, they aim to witness personal and professional growth in these individuals.
“There’s many young people here who are incredibly talented, incredibly gifted who have MVP-level skills,” expresses Blackwell, emphasizing the need for opportunities and support. Southside Blooms serves as a platform for these talents to flourish.
Dionta White, initially hesitant about working on a farm in Englewood, had a transformative experience. Reflecting on his journey, White shares, “My first day, when I started actually getting my hands dirty and actually see a vacant lot turn into a whole flower farm, it was just life-changing.”
Quilen Blackwell’s journey from an affluent upbringing to choosing to live and work in Englewood showcases a deep commitment to community development. Witnessing the challenges in the United States after his time in the Peace Corps, he felt compelled to contribute to solutions and chose to make a meaningful impact in Englewood.
Fully committed to the cause, Blackwell emphasizes the importance of living in the community with his family, stating, “I’ve got three kids. They’re growing up here. So yeah, this is my life.”
Reflecting on his family history, where efforts were made to move away from farms, Blackwell finds profound purpose in returning to the land. “This is bigger than just a job. This is my life’s calling,” he declares.
Southside Blooms has become more than a business; it’s a symbol of hope for Englewood. As the community embraces change, Blackwell and his initiative stand as catalysts for a brighter future.
