About Us
Welcome
I'm so glad you're here! I'm Julieann Parker (most people call me Jules), the founder and face of The Happy Daffodil.
We give wedding and event flowers a second life by repurposing them into beautiful arrangements and delivering them to people in our community who could use a little extra joy. Flowers that filled one of life's happiest days can go on to bring comfort, cheer, and beauty to cancer and hospice patients, and seniors in care facilities. It's a beautiful way to reduce waste, spread kindness, and share a little happiness with someone who may need it most.
How The Happy Daffodil Began
Several years ago, I read about a woman on the East Coast who collected flowers after weddings and, with the help of volunteers, rearranged the flowers in vases and they were delivered to patients at the hospital she worked at.
I was immediately struck by the simplicity and sustainability of the idea. These beautiful flowers had already served their purpose--why let them go to waste when they could brighten someone else's day?
The idea stayed with me.
I'm a retired high school English teacher, and after leaving the classroom, I knew I still wanted to serve my community. That desire became even more personal after I experienced four surgeries in three years, including one for cancer. Those experiences gave me a deeper understanding of how much a small, unexpected act of kindness can mean during a difficult season.
And so, The Happy Daffodil was born.
It started in my kitchen, then moved to my garage. Many bouquet builds were just me, then my friends and neighbors helped, and now I have wonderful volunteers! We collect fresh flowers from weddings and events, or surplus from local flower farmers, give them a fresh new life, and deliver them throughout our community. While our flowers reach people in a variety of circumstances, giving bouquets to hospice nurses to share with their patients, and delivering to seniors have become especially close to my heart.
Walking into a room with a beautiful and unexpected bouquet and seeing a resident's face light up (there are often happy tears, too) brings me immense joy. Even more meaningful are the visits that follow. A bouquet may open the door, but the human connection it creates is what makes this work so special.
Outside of The Happy Daffodil, one of my greatest joys is being a Mimi to my two fabulous grandsons. I also enjoy taking advantage of the many beautiful trails nearby with friends or a book, and always with my beloved dog, Lucy. And, because I missed teaching and the energy of young people, I substitute teach at my little town's middle school and high school. Of course I love subbing in English classes, but I have surprised myself with how much I enjoy woodshop, PE, Spanish, science, and social studies. It's good to surprise yourself!
I'm so grateful to the couples, flower farmers, volunteers, and community partners who have made my dream possible. Together we are spreading joy and sharing hope one bouquet at a time.