The Giving Flowers is Spreading Love; It's The Fort Wayne Way

M. Todd Manuel
FWIS Contributing Writer

There is no secret that stress in America may be at an all-time high, especially in the black community. The last few years have been challenging for all of us, as the pandemic has permanently changed our lives in ways no American could have foreseen. Some of us even lost loved ones as the Covid-19 virus ran rampant in our country, placing strains on all industries, especially healthcare. Adding to that landscape, social tensions drew a background of racial disparities in America as the Black Lives Matter movement and the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. All of this makes Americans feel pessimistic about our society's mental state. Will we survive? Are things getting better or worse? These are all questions that many of us have asked reluctantly, unsure if the answers are positive. Yet, in times like this, we all need to feel collective positivity.

One Fort Wayne man used his personal experiences dealing with a loved one to help alleviate life's stressors. Originally from Flint, MI, Dwayne Allen Jr. came to Fort Wayne on business and was inspired to start his business called, The Giving Flowers, which operates in the industry of spreading positivity and encouragement worldwide. Dwayne was a basketball star in his hometown of Flint, MI, and a leader, making Fort Wayne his second home. As a recent graduate of the University of Michigan - Flint, Dwayne knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur and take meaningful action against the circumstances he and those around him were experiencing. Unfortunately, his grandfather passed away just a short time before forming his business, but what truly sprung him into action was a phone call that changed his life.

On the day that Dwayne decided that he would do something more, he answered his phone and heard a close family member on the other end in a state of hopelessness caused by stress, mental anxiety, and depression.

"I had to step up, and I knew I needed something bigger than me, but that also reflected me and what I wanted to do for others. The reason why I started The Giving Flowers is to show love and appreciation for people while they are here before it is too late," said Allen.

The frantic phone call changed his thinking and sprung him into action. The close family member began telling Dwayne about their struggles and frustrations with life in a way that sounded dire. Then, as he attempted to console them, the phone disconnected. Dewayne rushed back to Flint, where he and other family searched for the missing loved one for almost 48 hours.

For two days following the phone call, Dwayne's family worried about the missing family member's well-being, safety, and life. The Allen family didn't know where their loved one was or about the person's mental state at the time of the phone call. They held themselves together with hope for the best but were also very fearful of the worse.

After many hours of worrying, Dwayne's family became relieved when they found the missing family member safe. But the entire situation caused a shift in Dwayne's perspective. Dwayne knew that he was fortunate: he made it out of Flint's circumstances, was in a new city—Fort Wayne—and was using his education, skills, and talents to live a better life. Still, he needed to give something back, something positive and powerful. Dwayne wanted to give, encourage, and uplift other people for being who they were. He wanted people to know that they are appreciated, that they are valuable, and loved. He calls his effort to this "giving flowers."

For Dwayne, flowers are not just a naturally beautiful part of a plant but are symbols of the value of life and positivity that each of us needs, has, and should share. Through their shirt sales, The Giving Flowers earns money that is used partly for production and to fulfill their mission of "inspiring humanity to show appreciation and spread love to one another." More information about the organization can be found at www.thegivingflowers.com.

One of The Giving Flower's partnerships was with Faith Missions, a non-profit organization in Elkhart, IN. Faith Missions was able to use the company's platform to spread its message of combating homelessness. The Giving Flowers also donated shirts for the men and women that Faith Mission serves. The partnership was a way to give flowers to the homeless and a great organization that needed their support. Similar alliances have supported other groups like Just Neighbors, another homeless shelter here in Fort Wayne.

Dwayne is grateful for his organization's partnerships so far and is looking forward to more to come. "I didn't have a lot of guidance or people or family members who started their own business. I am grateful for the support staff and everyone supporting The Giving Flowers. I am happy to continue growing, networking, and keeping it going," said Mr. Allen.

Mr. Allen's story is an inspiration to us all. At only 23 years old, he has begun to give back at a time when many would say a newly graduated professional should be primarily focused on his career. Instead, using the marketing and business skills he learned while receiving his bachelor's degree, Dwayne uses his company's social media presence to spread the word of positivity. And his story highlights our community's impact on others, regardless of whether they were born in Fort Wayne or not.

"Fort Wayne is the place that took me to the next level. Once I moved to Fort Wayne, I realized that I had to build a circle of good people," said Allen. He names Mr. George Fields and Mrs. Lynda Rogers as two Fort Wayne natives who helped him get his organization going, along with the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, enabling him to network with similar organizations.

Mr. Allen's story, message, and organizational mission is clear: it doesn't take much to spread love, positivity, or 'give flowers.' We will never know the impact of our actions, but spreading positivity is greatly needed. "Don't wait until the end to give them their due flowers, don't wait until people are stressed out. Instead, reach out to your family and friends and tell them that you love them now; show it! It's needed everywhere, especially where I came from and my community," said Dwayne.