Hattie Lou Bennett smiles while holding her homemade bouquet of mint, lavender and hydrangeas at Field to Fork in downtown Franklin.
Ashlyn Myers | Daily Journal
When you look at Hattie Lou Bennett, you might assume she’s just like any other 10-year-old. And in some ways, she is. When ordering ice cream, she gets a large vanilla with tons of toppings like cookie dough and Oreos, and when she’s got some downtime during the summer, she’s usually outside riding her bike with her little brother, Jack.
However, Hattie lives somewhat of a double life; 10-year-old by day, an entrepreneur by night.
Last summer, Hattie was eager to raise some money of her own. It can be exhausting having to ask mom anytime you want something, of course. She started up a lemonade sale, but quickly realized she was spending way too much on production and inventory. Lemonade ingredients and cups add up.
She decided she needed to make a business selling some sort of product she already had at home. “What about our flowers?” Hattie asked her mom, Kailee Bennett. Bennett said she went, “We could definitely sell our flowers!” From there, Hattie went to work.
Hattie has always loved flowers, just like her mom. They both started practicing how to put bouquets together earlier this year. After mastering their craft, Hattie set up shop for her very first sales day — Mother’s Day. Her neighbors came to support her in strides, selling out her full inventory. What made her different from other flower shops in the area? For Hattie, her business is a labor of love.
Hattie donates 20% of her sales to Riley Hospital for Children, and will soon switch to another philanthropic organization. She doesn’t do it for credit or compliments, though. She does it because she wants to simply be kind, she said.
“It’s important to be kind to people and be there for some people. That’s why I’m donating some of my money,” Hattie said.
Hattie first got a taste for helping others when she participated in her school’s student council group. She said she got to package food at the food pantry and go visit the elderly at the local nursing home, while also raising funds for organizations like Riley.
Bennett is able to help Hattie’s business grow so much because of her experience in the marketing field.
“She’s been creating reels and videos for me, though! She knows more about that side of social media than I do,” Bennett said with a laugh. “For example, the first birth flower of June is a rose, so I’ll ask her, ‘Hey, make me a fun video about your roses!’ and she’ll do it.”
When asked about her video editing expertise, Hattie said shrugging, “It’s easy! I just use templates.”
Hattie was also able to purchase a cellphone with her earnings.
Most of all, her goal this summer is to grow her business like a weed, all so that more people know about it.
“I want more people to know about my flowers for next summer,” Hattie said. “I bet it will be way busier!”
Hattie’s main job is making her customers happy, she said.
People can find her on Facebook at Hattie Lou Blooms and keep a lookout for her popup events. Recently she has had some bouquets for sale at Field to Fork and Millie’s Ice Cream in downtown Franklin.
If you buy, she asks that you try your best to reuse or recycle the vase.
