ORLANDO, Fla. — A mother-daughter duo thought the pandemic meant their blooming small flower business was done for.

“How can we pivot this business to make it survive?" remarked Diane Hill.

Hill and her daughter, Courtney Clark, started Dahlias Flower Truck in 2018, naming the business after Hill's favorite flower. The duo buy flowers wholesale, sourcing some, like snap dragons and sunflowers, from a local farm in Lakeland. 

They then cruise around in a 1969 VW truck, stopping to turn up the side flaps and host a pop-up event, where customers pick blooms and they package the artful creations.

“It’s a way to connect people. And a way to spread a little bit of joy," said Clark. “It’s for everyday people to get experience and create something.”

But, the pandemic meant trouble for their business model; they could never maintain social distancing in order to keep customers and themselves safe.

And the situation became even more dire for Hill.

“Mom works another job and got laid off at the beginning of this all too," said Clark.

Then, an idea blossomed, grown from their College Park community. 

“They were asking for deliveries and asking for flowers still," said Clark.

“She said, 'What if we just do flower delivery? Throw it out there on social media and see what happens?'" remembered Hill.

Soon, Dahlias Flower Truck was taking all orders through their website and via social media messages. Instead of utilizing the iconic VW, they load up their own cars for contactless deliveries, straight to customers' doors.

“I think it was a way to connect and show someone that you’re still thinking about them when you can’t be physically with them right now," said Clark.

The women said that business has been steady. Almost fully booked for deliveries leading up to Mother's Day, they have 120 scheduled — and haven't had to lay off their two employees.

“We’ve been doing mini-wedding bouquets and baby showers virtually and online," said Clark. "But there's also been deaths and loss of jobs. And we’re kind of in the middle of it and getting to share those stories together with the community.”

And while they hope to get back on the road soon, when it’s safe for them and customers, they are enjoying what blossomed out of crisis.

“We’ve always been close. And then you learn things about your child you didn’t know when you’re working so close together," said Hill.

“I never knew how good she was at the techie stuff, she does all our website stuff," said Clark. “I think after being away for so long, it’s been one of my favorite parts being able to work with her every day.”​

They know that a flower delivery is a small, but meaningful gesture. Hill said that she sees the delight every time she makes a delivery.

“I just touches your heart," she said. "You say, 'I hope you enjoy them' and walk away. And you hope that whatever they’re going through, good or bad, that it brought joy."