Petal Platoon: Flowers, Photos & Phenomenal Women Veterans

We are coming together to give women veteran history makers their flowers while they can smell them, and empowering every attendee to stop waiting around for external validation, when you can celebrate your own accomplishments. Don't know where to start? We're here to teach you.

Petal Platoon is a high-energy takeover dedicated to the women veterans who have made history and the community that keeps that fire burning. We’re spending the afternoon at the Local Color Art Studio (owned by U.S. Navy Veteran Meosha Thomas) surrounded by fresh blooms, great music, and even better company.

Here is the agenda for the day:

We’re kicking things off by honoring our veteran history-makers with handselected bouquets. We believe in giving people their flowers while they can smell them, so we’re making sure our sisters feel the love in real-time. We ask our history-makers to leave us with one area of focus they'd like to see us make a difference in, so we may carry the torch they are passing to us.

Then it's time to get your hands dirty (in a high-fashion way). Our floral workshop is all about the "Self-Love Arrangement." Hosted by Army Veteran, Ashley Tillman, owner of Rose Bloom Chicago, you'll learn how to build a professional-grade arrangement that represents your strength and style. Keep it for your own nightstand or gift it to a woman veteran you respect.

Whether you came as a mother-daughter duo, sister duo, battle-buddy duo, or solo, once your masterpiece is finished, it’s time for your close-up. Our professional photographer is on-site to capture you and your creation against our assortment of backgrounds. Wear something that makes you feel powerful!

• A curated selection of premium blooms and your choice of a vase or custom arrangement box (generously donated by Ms. Tillman).
• Complimentary first pour of tea from Shero Coffee Club (owned by retired Army Combat Vet Melissa Farmer-Hill) and wine from black women veteran owned brands.
• Appetizers from two Black woman veteran–owned catering businesses. -- Enjoyed the tea or snacks? Some vendors will have full-sized products on-site for purchase!
• High-res edited photos delivered straight to your inbox.
• Take home a curated bag featuring products from Black and women veteran–owned brands.

Bold flower prints, monochromatic with a bold statement piece shoe, something that makes you feel powerful.

Info: Check in at Local Color Art Studio. Guests have the opportunity to select their vase or bouquet box upon arrival, receive their name tag, and begin connecting. Light welcome music will be playing.

Info: Welcome remarks and acknowledgment of our sponsors and Black veteran–owned vendors. We will share a brief history of women veterans in the U.S. military, followed by a tribute honoring our history makers. During this time, our history makers will share the one area of focus they want the community to champion next. We carry their torch forward through a collective affirmation.

Info: Guided floral arrangement workshop with Ashley Tillman.

Sips: Tea provided by Sheroe Coffee Club (owned by retired Army Combat Vet Melissa Farmer-Hill) and wine (first pour complimentary; on-site purchases available).

Bites: Savory appetizers provided by two Black woman veteran–owned catering businesses.

Info: Professional mini photo sessions with your completed floral arrangements. Individual portraits and paired photos are highly encouraged.

Info: Final reflections, gratitude moment, and last call for vendor purchases. Distribution of curated gift bags featuring Black and women veteran–owned products.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

5017 S Hermitage Ave, 5017 South Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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