Meet Mikel McGee: Founder + Floral Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikel McGee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikel, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I think having strong organizational skills has definitely helped with the success of 414loral. I’m a very visual person so I often have to take a lot of notes, written and typed. I also have the tendency to double and triple check things, attention to detail is something that is very important in my industry.

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 was an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee when I took my first floral design course. I needed a credit to graduate and Intro to Floral Design seemed like a fun way to fill my schedule, little did I know that floristry would become my soul food and the origin of 414loral. I went on to take another one credit floral design course the next semester and built a rapport with the instructor who owns a shop in the city. I was able to help out at her shop from time to time and continue to work with and learn about flowers. I eventually graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and decided to pursue a Master’s in Criminal Justice. During this time I continued to help out at the flower shop and would also make arrangements just for fun and on the side for myself or friends. After finishing my Master’s degree I worked at several non-profits. I am passionate about social justice and community organizing and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work in the field and learn from truly wonderful people. I started making floral arrangements more frequently in 2019 while I was working full time as an Advocate for survivors of Domestic Violence and part time as a Supervisor of a Supervised Visitation Company. Floral design quickly became my self-care after a hectic day of working both jobs and before I knew it I started a separate Instagram page dedicated to my arrangements. The name 414loral (4-1-Floral) just seemed to fit and after MUCH encouragement and a lot of nervous jitters I signed up for my first Pop-Up Market selling my floral arrangements in December 2019. I received an overwhelming amount of support which was the catalyst for the continuation of my business. The outpouring of support I received helped boost my confidence with designing and helped me look at floral design as more than just a hobby. I continued designing out of my kitchen, using flowers from Trader Joes and my fridge as a temporary floral cooler. I had no clue that you needed a wholesale license to buy flowers but lucky for the internet I was quickly schooled on the requirements. Just as I was starting to get the swing of things, the pandemic hit. I was laid off from my part time job which was disappointing at the time but was a blessing in disguise. The extra time allowed me to focus more on 414loral which was quickly growing. I started offering deliveries, a floral subscription, and even booked some weddings all while working full time and designing out of my kitchen. I knew that this plan was not sustainable and started looking for a designated studio space to design. I went to check out our now shop location on King Drive and fell in love. Everything about the space felt right, from the beautiful cream city brick to the hand tiled floors, to the historic location on King Drive in Bronzeville. I signed the lease in August 2020 and by October, 414loral had their own REAL floral cooler and hosted a soft open. 414loral has continued to grow and in January of 2021 I decided to resign from my full-time job and pursue 414loral full time. It was terrifying and exhilarating taking the plunge into entrepreneurship and many people ask me why I would choose to give up a job with health insurance benefits, PTO, and a yearly salary during a pandemic. For me, going full time with 414loral has been the most liberating experience. In a time where there is such a need for joy, I feel so fortunate that I am in a position to be able to share my passion and a bit of floral beauty with others. During the course of this year 414loral was voted Best Florist by the Shepherd Express making it the first Black Owned Flower shop to win this award. We have also hosted a neighborhood clean up and raised about $1,500 for local non-profits by donating tips, proceeds from deliveries, and selling 414loral merchandise. We are actively looking for ways to collaborate with other small businesses and continue to build relationships with our community through floral design. I consider myself a life long learner and am looking forward to the journey ahead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s no denying that COVID-19 has greatly disrupted our “norm” and everyday hangouts. In the aftermath of COVID-19 many of my local faves have been impacted, some to the point that they are no longer in business. Some of my breakfast/brunch favorites are Ruby’s Bagels (honestly the best bagels in the city my favorite is the Guava Bagel Sandwich), La Finca (amazing family owned and operated coffee house with the best smoothies), Sweet Diner, Uncle Wolfies, Sam’s Place (salmon croquettes get an honorable mention). Lunch/Dinner spots Funky Fresh Spring Rolls (black-owned, best spring roll combinations, amazing customer service, awesome secret menu items, Twisted Plants (black owned vegan restaurant that doesn’t miss, honestly the whole menu is delicious), Sweet Basil, Hungry Sumo, Mekong Cafe, and so many more. I am a pescatarian so I am always on the hunt for good seafood/ veggie/vegan options. I would definitely have to take them to the Sherman Phoenix (Funky Fresh Spring Rolls is located here), a collective working space comprised of several black-owned businesses from barbers, to massage therapists, to yoga the list goes on. Ursa is also one of my favorite lifestyle shops in the city, they have amazing perfumes and incense! Summer is one of the best seasons to come because the weather is usually much more bearable. A weekend Pedal tavern, Roller skating at Butler on a Sunday, and happy hour at C-viche are all on my most recommended lists.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I stumbled across a quote that said, “I’m not “self made”. I’m community made, I’m family made. I’m land made. I’m ancestor made. I’m made up of everything and everyone that made me exist outside just myself.” This really resonates with me. The success of 414loral would not be possible without so much support. I would like to give an honorable mention to my family, specifically my grandma aka granola, my amazing partner, my fur baby Gramps, my first floral instructor, my first floral friend Katrin, my old co-workers from Sojourner Family Peace Center, and the many friends and community members who have encouraged me and believed in me!

Website: 414loral.com

Instagram: 414loral

Image Credits
Amanda Evans Photography Haley Eaglestar Rock Photography