Meet Joy Curtis-Proctor | Florist / Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joy Curtis-Proctor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I want to make people happy. My mother would always get me flowers when I was a little girl. I didn’t see it as a big deal until I got much older. Before I started my flower business The Curtis Array I had a cleaning business, EnJoy Your Cleaning. The look my clients had on their faces after we were done cleaning warmed my heart so. I really wished I could have continued but the labor was a lot for me. I wanted get that warm feel back of do something for others. My niece was getting married and she was talking about her florist and it seems to all come together for me. Hey I can do that!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a florist based in Prince George’s county Maryland. I started my business in my home in 2017 as a hobby that I wanted to see grow into more. Well in 2020 it did just that. The pandemic pushed me to do more for my business. People couldn’t get to their loved ones and wanted to send them arrangements to let them know they are being thought of. Birthday’s, Mother’s Day, weddings, funeral or just because. I was able to get that warm feeling again of making someone’s day. Thanks to social media I was able to get the word out to hundreds that were happy to support me in my new business. There were challenges along the way but most challenges are needed for lessons to be learned. On top of me becoming a florist I became an author. I wrote a book and I think that was the hardest thing I have ever done. Growing up with a learning disability it was very challenging to me. It took me three years but I got it done. The Wicked Stepmother or Maybe Not is now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and BAM Books.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well we would definitely do brunch 2 or 3 times within that week. I love brunch food. Because we are in Maryland getting crabs or crab cakes are a must. Its the summer times so there is always outdoor venues with free live music. We could chat and people watch. I don’t do a lot during the week because I still work a 9-5 along with my floral business.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my family. I have the biggest, loudest and strongest support system. They cheer for me. They pray for me and they have my back no matter what. I owe them so much. God sure did bless me.

Instagram: thecurtisarray

Facebook: The Curtis Array