By Elizabeth Johnson

The flowers, by all accounts, had already done their job. They had lined aisles, crowned tables, marked celebrations both large and small. By morning, they were meant to be discarded, their moment passed.

Yet Blair Goldsmith saw something else entirely. Through her Charlotte-based nonprofit, Petal to Purpose, what others left behind is gathered, reshaped into something equally stunning and returned to the world, not as remnants but as gestures of genuine

care.

You grew up in a family deeply rooted in philanthropy. What did giving look like in your home when you were a child? Giving was simply part of what my parents and grandparents did. I saw firsthand how passionate they were about supporting Jewish life, health care and education. By watching their

Blair delivering flowers with her children, Jordan and Oliver

example from a young age, my siblings and I developed strong values of service and charity.

Petal to Purpose is such a thoughtful concept. Do you remember the moment it clicked that flowers could have a second life? Thank you! A few years ago, I stepped back from my career to focus on my family and found myself looking for a new creative outlet. And so, I enrolled in a course at CPCC making flower arrangements and quickly fell in love with it.

I began bringing handmade

arrangements as hostess gifts and creating flowers for small family events. Seeing how much the arrangements meant to people made me realize I wanted to do something more, while keeping it low stress.

In my research, I came across floral recycling organizations in other cities, which inspired me to create Petal to Purpose here in

Charlotte.

You’ re a licensed clinical social worker. How has that shaped the way you think about service and what people need most? I worked as a clinical social worker for more than 10 years. I was drawn to the profession because of my interest in psychology and my passion for helping others.

Although I stepped back from my career a few years ago, this background remains an interconnected part of who I am. It has shaped my understanding of service as something rooted in empathy and meeting people where they are. It’ s taught me what people need most isn’ t just resources, but to feel seen, heard and valued.

In its first year, Petal to Purpose has already made a meaningful impact: 15 arranging sessions, more than 525 floral arrangements created by 30 volunteers and delivered to 12 outreach organizations. What has surprised you most about how quickly it has grown? I feel so proud of the work Petal to Purpose has done so far. It’ s a beautiful collaboration of volunteers, floral donors and organizations helping others.

My two favorite parts are seeing the smiles on recipients’ faces during deliveries and the community of volunteers I’ ve had the wonderful opportunity to connect with. In a world with so much darkness, this work brings brightness in multiple ways.

Saving flowers from the trash, teaching new volunteers how to create arrangements, hearing their stories and spreading happiness to those who need it most.

There is something inherently emotional about flowers. What have you witnessed, either in the arranging process

or in the delivery, that has stayed with you? It is always touching to hear from recipients who share how much a simple arrangement can brighten their day. It is also meaningful to hear from donors – newlyweds, florists and venue managers – who feel happy knowing their flowers are being given a second life.

Early on, I listened to a Mel Robbins podcast about research showing that fresh flowers can increase feelings of compassion, happiness and energy while reducing anxiety.

That really resonated with me. Flowers are but a small gesture, yet they help us stay present. They don’ t last forever. As such, I find myself noticing when they bloom and fade, making a concerted effort to enjoy them while they last.

Your parents, Lori and Eric Sklut, are being honored at this year’ s Live Laugh Give event organized by Jewish Family Services( JFS), where you also serve on the board. What does that recognition mean to you, especially as you are building something of your own? I greatly admire my parents; they have always set a strong example and I am very fortunate. Their giving over the years has inspired so many others to give as well.

As I’ ve become more involved in the Charlotte Jewish community, I lean on them for advice about leadership, service and philanthropy. In this capacity, I’ m honored to serve on the JFS board. It is a truly important organization that does so much to help others, and I’ m looking enormously forward to the Live Laugh Give event this June.

As you look ahead, what does the next chapter of Petal to Purpose look like? As a mom, I try to balance this with my family, which will always be my top priority. I’ ve grown Petal to Purpose with my two children

by my side, supported by family and friends who often help with pickups and deliveries, which makes it even more special.

Looking ahead, I would love for Petal to Purpose to become an official 501( c)( 3) nonprofit organization so we can accept more donations and reach even more people.

When you step back from all of this, what feels most meaningful to you right now? The support of my friends and family in my work with Petal to Purpose has been amazing.

It’ s difficult to articulate seeing my vision come to life and ultimately, to be so well received. It has truly grown into something beautiful and deeply fulfilling.

All in the Mishpachah explores Jewish family life in all its forms, from parenting and partnership to business, the values, rituals, and everyday practices that shape our homes. Through personal stories and thoughtful conversations, the column reflects on how Jewish life is lived, nurtured, and passed from one generation to the next. If you now someone who fits this spirit, reach out to elizabeth. johnson @ charlottejewish. org.

ALL IN THE M I S H P A C H A H