Celebrating International Women’s Day with the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce

On Friday, March 6, 2025, I had the honor of participating in the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce International Women’s Day Celebration—and I’m still pinching myself thinking about how special the day was.

Just one year ago, I attended this very event for the first time. I nervously stood up during introductions and shared the story of Helena Hills Farm, a small flower farm growing in Hardeeville with big dreams rooted in community, creativity, and connection.

This year, I returned not just as an attendee, but as a contributor—providing a DIY Bloom Bar featuring bud vase arrangements for guests to create their own floral keepsakes.

A Bloom Bar as Unique as Every Woman in the Room

For the event, I designed a bud vase bouquet bar, where each guest could select stems and create a small arrangement to take home.

Bud vases are one of my favorite ways to share flowers. Each tiny arrangement becomes its own little story—just like the women in the room. No two were the same, and that was exactly the point.

Guests gathered around the table, selecting blooms, chatting, and arranging flowers while celebrating the accomplishments and leadership of women across our community. Seeing everyone enjoy the flowers and connect with each other was truly one of the most meaningful moments for me as a farmer and small business owner.

A Community Effort

This wonderful event was made possible by the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, whose leadership continues to create opportunities for connection, collaboration, and support for local entrepreneurs.

The program featured an incredible lineup:

• Welcome: Kendall Malphrus, Executive Director, Jasper County Chamber of Commerce

• Invocation: Dr. Ponchita Young, Executive Director, Agape Family Life Center

• Remarks: The Honorable Judge Nancy Gutierrez, Chair, Jasper County Chamber

• Lunch: Catered by Da Shack Comfort Goodness

• Fashion Show: Simply Carolina Collective and The Winning Circle

• Speaker: Jodie Brandis, Author, Speaker, and Educator

• Closing Remarks: The Honorable Judge Nancy Gutierrez

Events like this remind me how many incredible women are building businesses, supporting nonprofits, and strengthening our community every day.

The Village Behind the Flowers

I also want to give a heartfelt thank-you to two wonderful friends, Susan and Vicki, who helped make the bloom bar possible as part of the Helena Hills Farm Garden Guild.

Running a farm—and especially participating in events like this—is never a solo effort. Their willingness to jump in, help prep flowers, and bring the display to life means more than I can say.

The Garden Guild has become such an important part of the farm, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who lend their time and talents to help Helena Hills grow.

Looking Ahead

Moments like this remind me why I started Helena Hills Farm in the first place: to bring people together through flowers.

If you’re interested in collaborating on an event, workshop, or floral experience, I’d love to connect.

And of course, you’re always invited to come visit the farm. Meet the chickens, ducks, and honey bees, walk through the flower beds, and keep an eye on our website and social media for the opening of U-Pick season later this year.

Flowers have a beautiful way of bringing people together—and this event was the perfect example.